What Is a Window Stay? Casement & Peg Stay Guide

Open a window on a breezy day and you quickly learn what a window stay is for. Without one, the sash swings about, slams shut on your fingers or gets blown flat against the wall. A window stay is the small arm or bar that holds a casement window open at the angle you choose and keeps it there. It is a modest bit of hardware that does a lot of daily work. This guide explains what a window stay is, how casement stays and peg stays work, which types are available, and how to pick the right one for your windows.

What is a window stay?

A window stay, sometimes called a casement stay or window stay arm, connects the opening sash of a window to its frame. It does two jobs. It limits how far the window can open, and it holds the window in position so wind cannot push it around. On most designs it also pulls the sash tight when the window is closed.

You will find stays on casement windows, the kind that hinge at the side and swing outward like a door. They also appear on top-hung windows, small vents, roof lights and the outward-opening windows of sheds, garages and workshops. If a window opens on a hinge and you want it to stay put, it probably needs one.

How casement stays work

The classic casement stay is a metal arm fixed to the bottom of the sash at one end. The other end carries a slot or pin that slides along a short track screwed to the bottom of the frame. As you push the window open, the arm pivots and the pin moves along the track. A friction mechanism or a row of holes then stops it at the position you want.

The design is old and simple, which is why it lasts. There are no electronics and very few parts that can fail. When something does go wrong, it is usually a loose screw, a worn pivot or a bent arm, and all three are easy to fix or replace.

Types of window stays

There are several types of window stays, and they differ in how they hold the window and how much security they add.

Window peg stay

The window peg stay is the simplest of all. A bar is hinged to the frame, and a row of holes along its length takes a peg fixed to the sash. Lift the bar onto the peg and the window is held at that opening. You can see exactly where the window is fixed, and nothing slips. Peg stays are popular on timber windows, garden sheds and outbuildings. Peg stays for metal windows are made in steel and aluminium, usually with a thicker bar to resist bending.

Friction stay

A friction stay has a pivoting arm that grips as it slides, so the window stays at any angle instead of only at fixed holes. Push it a little and it stays a little open. The grip comes from a spring or a tensioned pivot, and over the years it can loosen, so look for a model with an adjustable pivot. Friction stays are the standard choice for modern casement windows.

Quadrant stay

The quadrant stay uses a curved arm, shaped like a section of a circle, which slides through a clamp on the frame. A screw or a lever tightens the clamp on the arm, holding the window firmly at any angle. It is a good fit for heavier sashes and for windows that catch a lot of wind, because the clamp holds more tightly than simple friction.

Locking stay

A locking stay adds a lock to the mix. The window can be held open a small amount, say a few centimetres, for ventilation, while the lock stops anyone from opening it further. Some models take a key, others a simple catch. They are useful on ground-floor windows, in rental homes and anywhere you want fresh air without leaving a gap an intruder could use.

Materials and finishes

The material decides how long a stay lasts, particularly outdoors. Aluminium casement stays are light, resist rust and suit aluminium window frames, which is why they are so common in modern homes and shopfronts. Stainless steel is the strongest all-rounder and the best choice near the coast, where salt air eats other metals. Brass looks warm and traditional, and it works well on timber windows, though it needs the odd polish. Mild steel is the cheapest and sturdy enough for sheds and factories, but it needs a galvanised or painted finish to stop it rusting.

Match the stay to the frame where you can. A heavy steel stay on a thin aluminium frame can pull the screws loose, and a light stay on a heavy timber sash will bend.

How to choose the right window stay

Start by measuring and weighing up the window, then work through a few plain questions.

• How heavy is the sash? Light vents can use a simple peg stay. Large, heavy sashes need a quadrant stay or a strong friction stay.

• How windy is the spot? Exposed or high windows need a stay that clamps rather than just rubs.

• What is the frame made of? Check that the screws will bite properly in timber, aluminium or uPVC.

• How long should the arm be? The arm should be roughly two-thirds the height of the window, so that it opens wide without straining the hinge.

• Does it need to be secure? If so, go for a locking stay.

If you are replacing an old stay, take it with you or note its length, the hole spacing and the hand of the window. Stays are usually sold for left-hand or right-hand hinges, and a wrong guess means a return trip.

Fitting and looking after a window stay

Fit the stay with the window closed, and mark the screw holes before you drill. Use screws that match the frame material, and check the window opens and closes freely before you tighten everything down. Once or twice a year, wipe the track, put a drop of light oil on the pivots and tighten any loose screws. A stay that squeaks or droops is usually asking for exactly that.

Final thoughts

A window stay is a small part with a big effect on comfort, safety and how long a window lasts. Peg stays are simple and visible, friction stays are smooth and flexible, quadrant stays hold firm in the wind, and locking stays add security. Choose by weight, exposure and material and you will get years of use.

If you want help matching casement stays to your windows, Samirika is a good place to begin. Tell the Samirika team the size, material and type of window you are working with, and they can suggest a stay that fits properly. Look through the Samirika range, compare finishes and lengths, and pick the one that suits your windows.

Top 5 FAQs: What Is a Window Stay? Casement & Peg Stay Guide

1. What is a window stay?

A window stay is a hardware component that holds a window sash open at a selected position and prevents it from moving freely due to wind. It is commonly used on casement windows, vents and other outward-opening windows.

2. What are the different types of window stays?

The main types of window stays include peg stays, friction stays, quadrant stays and locking stays. Each type offers a different way to hold a window open, depending on the window's weight, design and security requirements.

3. What is the difference between a peg stay and a casement stay?

A peg stay uses a bar with holes and a peg to hold a window at fixed positions. A casement stay is a broader term for hardware that holds a casement window open and may use friction, a sliding mechanism or a locking feature.

4. Which material is best for casement stays?

Stainless steel is a good choice for durability and corrosion resistance, particularly in coastal areas. Aluminium is lightweight and rust-resistant, while brass suits traditional windows. Mild steel is economical but should have a suitable protective finish.

5. How do I choose the right window stay?

Choose a window stay according to the window's size and weight, frame material, opening direction and exposure to wind. Consider a locking stay when additional security is needed, and check the stay's length and screw-hole spacing when replacing an existing fitting.