The original poster has a sectional type antenna, which has all of the disadvantages and precautions mentioned. Once you remove the screws it may sometimes be necessary to install a slightly larger diameter sheet metal screw, and or put a matching flat washer behind it to reinforce the mesh and to help prevent it working loose in the elements. Sectional antennas were designed for easy installation--one time. They can be disassembled and reinstalled, but always a challenge. This is why I preferred the knockdown design that Orbitron had on the SX series of antennas, and the CKD series from KTI. The mesh slides completely out and can be carefully reworked away from the antenna with a pair of pliers or other edge flattening technique. Mesh clips can be made or found from certain suppliers in the window glass business, and wire clips can be cut and bent into a J shape with a 1/2 inch widenose pliers after cutting from a roll of galvanized 17 AWG fencing wire..if you have a model with support rings behind the mesh.