How to Fit a Window Stay

What are Window Stays?
Peg Window Stays
Sliding Window Stays
Tools Required
How to Fit a Window Stay
Safety Precautions

What are Window Stays?

Stays are a type of window hardware which are used to keep windows at a specific angle. Stays can hold the window in an open position or a closed position, while also adding an extra layer of security.

There are two main types of window stays commonly used on casement windows (windows which are hinged on one side, usually fitted in double or single panels). These are peg stays and sliding stays. There are also stays available for other types of windows, such as roller arm and quadrant window stays for fanlight windows, and concealed stays known as friction hinges for uPVC windows.

Peg Window Stays

Peg stays are designed for use on casement windows. A peg stay consists of a long arm with multiple holes along its length. At one end of the stay is the frame fixing plate which is used to secure the arm to the window frame itself. The opposite end is decorative and used to lift the arm in and out of position. We offer a variety of From The Anvil stay designs including Peardrop, Shepherd's Crook, and Monkeytail.

Diagram of From The Anvil's Pewter Peardrop peg window stay with labels pointing to the frame fixing plate, peg, standard stay pin, and arm.

Peg stays are also supplied with two matching stay pins. Stay pins are fitted to the lower window frame. The holes in the arm of the stay slot over the stay pin to fix the window into position. Two standard stay pins are supplied with each stay. We recommend fixing both to your window for added strength and security, but you may choose to fit just one for aesthetic purposes.

Although From The Anvil's window stays come with standard stay pins, there are several other types of stays available to suit different window types. These include:

Locking stay pins - these are used for standard casement windows and are fitted to the ledge of the window. Unlike standard stay pins, locking stay pins can be locked via a discrete locking mechanism which fits over the peg.
Cranked stay pins - designed for use with flush casement windows. Instead of being fixed to the window ledge, these are fitted to the lower frame of the window and protrude upwards at a 90 degree angle.
EJMA pins - these pins have a slight angle (approximately 9 degrees) and are designed for use on sloped casement frames, particularly on timber windows.
Offset pins - designed for use on heavily moulded casement windows.

Above: From The Anvil's locking, cranked, EJMA, and offset stay pins.

Sliding Window Stays

Sliding window stays are a more modern alternative to traditional peg window stays. Rather than fixed stay pins, sliding window stays operate via a sliding mechanism which can be moved towards or away from the window frame to adjust the opening of the window.

The window can be fixed in any chosen position by tightening the screw onto the sliding arm. Equally, this can be used to lock the window when closed.

Diagram of From The Anvil's Black sliding casement window stay with arrows pointing to the screw, frame fixing plate, arm, sliding stay, and window fixing plate.

Tools Required

Window stay
Stay pins
Pencil
Drill & drill bits
Screwdriver

How to Fit a Window Stay

A brief overview of how you can fit a peg stay to your casement windows.

1. Prepare your hardware

Choose the size of your window stay. We offer From The Anvil's peg window stays in 8", 10", and 12". A large window stay will offer more flexibility in terms of how far your window can open.

You'll also need to decide which type of stay pins are best suited to your window.

Once you have your hardware ready, close the window.

2. Position your stay

'Assemble' your stay by putting the arm over the stay pins. Then position the entire thing on your window frame. Traditionally, a window stay is centered towards the middle of the window but it doesn't have to be.

Once you're happy with the positioning, use a pencil to mark the location of the screw holes on the casement sash.

3. Drill pilot holes for the

Use an electril drill to drill pilot holes in the positions you just marked. Try not to drill too deep into the wood here.

Then, use a screwdriver to tighten the screws and fix the stay to the casement sash.

4. Position your stay pins

Place the stay pins on the frame and assemble them with the stay. Then use a pencil to mark the position of the screw holes for the stay pins.

5. Fit your stay pins

Drill pilot holes for your stay pins, then use the screws provided to fit your stay pins to the window frame.

6. Test your stay

Assemble the stay to the pins and test that the window is seaed correctly. If all steps have been followed correctly, you should have a functioning window stay. If not, tighten screws and readjust the position of your components as required.

A similar process can be used to fit a sliding stay but by substituting the stay pins for the adjustable knob.

Safety Precautions

When using power tools and carrying out DIY work, it's important that you do so safely. Here are a few tips to help minimise accidents when fitting window stays.

Keep your hands away from the rotating drill bit when drilling holes and ensure the tool is pointed away from you at all times.
Tie hair back when using power tools to ensure it doesn't obstruct your view or get caught in machinery.
Wear goggles when drilling to protect your eyes against flying debris.
Wear a dust mark to protect your lungs from dust particles created through drilling.

If you're unsure about any of the steps listed above feel free to contact us for free advice and guidance. Alternatively, if you don't feel confident doing the work yourself, get in touch with a qualified carpenter or tradesperson to complete the work for you.