What is it?

A friction stay (friction hinge) is the stainless scissor mechanism that carries a casement window. It swings the sash open and holds it at any position by friction alone, with no separate stay needed. Sold as a pair, one for each side or top and bottom.

How do I measure for the right one?

Two things. Length — 8″ to 24″, to suit the sash. Stack height — the thickness of the metal body of the stay, laid flat as in our photos. Do not measure the black plastic end cap; it is a different size. The body is 18mm wide and fits a standard euro groove; most friction stays are within 0.5mm of that.

Top hung, side hung, egress or easy clean?

Top hung stays carry a sash hinged at the top; side hung at the side. Egress stays open the casement to a full 90° for an emergency exit, to BS 5588 Part 1 1990 and Building Regulations Document B for fire escape windows, and can also be used side hung. Easy clean stays swing the sash clear so the outside of the glass can be reached from inside.

Why are these better than cheap imports?

They are made in England from ferritic stainless steel, BBA, BSI and LAPFAG approved and tested to 30,000 cycles. Handed for enhanced security and better weather tightness, with slotted fixing holes for adjustment and a degree of self adjustment. Every edge is dressed and deburred, so there is nothing sharp to cut your hands. We have made and fitted windows for 30 years and fit these ourselves.