Window Fabrication Screws for Reinforced Frames

Reinforced Frames - Friction Stay

26 products

Friction Stay Screws for Reinforced Window Frames

The right screw helps create a strong and secure frame fit. TIMCO fabrication screws suit friction stay fittings on reinforced frames. Choose from 3.9mm, 4.3mm, and 4.8mm thread sizes. Lengths range from 16mm to 30mm. Pick carbon steel or stainless steel for your job. Choose the right head type and finish with ease.

What Are Friction Stay Screws for Reinforced Frames?

Friction stays help control how a window opens and closes. They hold the sash in place at any angle. To fit a friction stay, you need the right screw. The wrong type can stop the stay arm from moving. It can also split the frame or pull out over time.

Reinforced window frames have a steel insert inside. The steel makes the frame stronger. But it also means you need a screw that can get through it. Self drilling window screws are built for this. The tip cuts through the steel as the screw goes in. No pilot hole is needed.

The head shape matters too. Friction stay screws use a shallow pan head. This low-profile head sits close to the frame surface. It does not block the stay arm. A standard countersunk head would get in the way. Always use the right head type for friction stay work.

This collection covers all the friction stay screws for reinforced frames you need. All products are from TIMCO. All come in 1000-piece packs.

Three Material Options in This Range

Material choice affects rust protection and how the screw performs. Three grades are in this collection. They are not the same. Do not swap one for another without checking first.

Carbon Steel with Zinc Finish

Fourteen products use carbon steel with a zinc coat. This is the most common choice for UK window fabrication. It works well for standard jobs in dry or sheltered areas. Available in 3.9mm, 4.3mm, and 4.8mm diameters. The most cost-friendly option in this range.

A2-304 Stainless Steel

Seven products use A2-304 stainless steel. This grade gives good rust protection. It is a solid pick for damp or mildly exposed sites in the UK. Available in 4.3mm and 4.8mm diameters. Both shallow pan countersunk and shallow pan with serrations head types are included.

Grade 410 Stainless Steel

Five products use grade 410 martensitic stainless steel. This is harder than A2-304. The harder tip drills through steel reinforcement more cleanly. Available in 3.9mm and 4.8mm diameters with a silver organic finish. Best for self drilling window screws on reinforced frames.

Check Before You Order

These three materials are different. Do not treat them as the same thing. Always check the window system spec or the hardware guide first. Then pick the right material for your job and site conditions.

Two Head Types Available

All screws in this collection have a shallow pan style head. This is the correct head type for friction stay fittings. It sits low and flat. The stay arm can move freely over it. There are two versions in this range.

Shallow Pan Countersunk

Eighteen products use this head type. It is the most common friction stay head in the range. Available in 3.9mm, 4.3mm, and 4.8mm diameters. Comes in carbon steel zinc and both stainless steel grades. The head sits flat and flush once driven in.

Shallow Pan with Serrations

Eight products use this head type. It has small serrations under the head. These grip the hardware surface as the screw seats. Helps stop the screw from loosening over time. Available in 4.8mm only. Carbon steel zinc and A2-304 stainless steel options. Lengths from 16mm to 30mm.

Important: Do not use a standard countersunk screw for friction stay work. The raised edge will block the stay arm. Always use a shallow pan head type from this collection for reinforced window frames with friction stays.

Sizes and Lengths in This Range

Three thread sizes are in stock: 3.9mm, 4.3mm, and 4.8mm. Not every size comes in every head type or material. Use the filters on this page to find the right match.

3.9mm Screws

Eight products. Available in carbon steel zinc and grade 410 stainless steel. Head type is shallow pan countersunk only. Lengths include 16mm, 19mm, 25mm, and 29mm. All use a self-tapping self drilling point. Good for standard reinforced frame profiles.

4.3mm Screws

Six products. Carbon steel zinc and A2-304 stainless steel options. Shallow pan countersunk head only. Lengths include 16mm, 20mm, and 25mm. These use a single thread gimlet tip. Check if your frame needs a gimlet or self drilling point before ordering.

4.8mm Screws

Twelve products. The biggest group in this collection. Available in all three material grades. Both head types are covered. Lengths include 16mm, 19mm, 20mm, 23mm, 25mm, and 30mm. The 4.8mm range gives the most choice of head type, material, and length.

All Products in Stock

All 26 products in this collection are listed as in stock right now. Use the filters to narrow by diameter, head type, material, and finish. Check each product spec before adding to your basket.

Point Types in This Collection

Two point types are used across this range. The point type affects how the screw starts and how it gets through the material. Check which one your frame and hardware need.

Self-Tapping Self Drilling Point

Used on all 3.9mm products and the 4.8mm grade 410 stainless steel screws. The tip drills through the steel insert as the screw goes in. No pilot hole needed. This is the right point type for reinforced window frames where the steel is solid and unbroken.

Single Thread Gimlet Point

Used on all 4.3mm products and the 4.8mm zinc and A2-304 stainless steel screws. A gimlet tip is a sharp tapered point. It works well where the steel insert is thin or has pre-punched holes. Gives a firm single-thread grip once driven in.

How to Pick the Right Friction Stay Screw

Start with the hardware. Most friction stay makers will list the screw size and head type needed. Follow that first. Do not guess or pick by price alone.

Next, pick the right material. For most UK window jobs in dry or covered areas, carbon steel zinc is a good choice. For coastal sites or damp areas, use stainless steel. Grade 410 is harder and better for self drilling through steel reinforcement. A2-304 works well for thinner steel or pre-punched frames.

Then check the length. The screw must go through the stay and into the reinforced frame. It must reach the steel insert without going too deep. For most standard frames, 16mm to 25mm covers the job. Use 29mm or 30mm for deeper profiles.

Finally, check the point type. Use a self drilling screw for solid steel reinforcement. Use a gimlet point where the steel is thin or pre-punched.

Quick guide: Standard reinforced frame friction stay? Use 3.9mm self drilling, shallow pan countersunk, zinc, 16mm or 19mm. Need stainless? Use 3.9mm or 4.8mm grade 410 self drilling. Need a serrated grip? Use 4.8mm shallow pan with serrations, 20mm or 25mm.

Quick Size Guide by Job

Use this table to find the right screw for common friction stay jobs on reinforced frames.

Job / Application Screw Type Common Size
Standard friction stay on reinforced frame 3.9mm shallow pan countersunk, self drilling, zinc 3.9 x 16 or 3.9 x 19
Longer reach friction stay fitting 3.9mm shallow pan countersunk, self drilling, zinc 3.9 x 25 or 3.9 x 29
4.3mm friction stay channel 4.3mm shallow pan countersunk, gimlet point, zinc 4.3 x 16 or 4.3 x 20
Wide stay arm needing strong grip 4.8mm shallow pan with serrations, gimlet, zinc 4.8 x 20 or 4.8 x 25
Coastal or exposed site 3.9mm grade 410 stainless, self drilling 3.9 x 19 or 3.9 x 25
Damp area, moderate rust risk 4.3mm A2-304 stainless, gimlet point 4.3 x 16 or 4.3 x 25

Other Window Fabrication Screw Collections

This range is for friction stay fittings on reinforced frames only. If you need general window fabrication screws for reinforced frames, visit our reinforced frames screws collection. That range has 107 products across more head types and thread sizes.

Working on plain uPVC frames with no steel insert? This range will not work for you. Go to our unreinforced frames friction stay collection instead. That range covers friction stay screws for plain uPVC profiles.

Need screws for general unreinforced frame work? See our unreinforced frames window screws range. For less common window fixing needs, browse our specialist window screws collection. To see the full range in one place, visit window fabrication screws.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are friction stay screws for reinforced window frames?

These are window fabrication screws made for attaching friction stays to reinforced uPVC or aluminium frames. They have a shallow pan head so the stay arm can move freely. The self drilling or gimlet point lets them get through the steel insert inside the frame. Using a standard screw will block the stay or fail to hold in the steel.

2. Why does the head type matter for friction stays?

The stay arm slides along the frame surface. A raised or wide head will get in its way. A shallow pan head sits flat and low. The arm can move over it without catching. All screws in this range use a shallow pan head. Never use a standard countersunk screw for friction stay work on reinforced window frames.

3. What is the difference between self drilling and gimlet point screws?

A self drilling point has a drill-style tip. It cuts through solid steel as the screw goes in. No pilot hole needed. A gimlet point is a sharp tapered tip. It works best where the steel is thin or has pre-punched holes. For solid steel reinforcement, use a self drilling screw. For pre-punched or thin steel, a gimlet tip is fine.

4. Which stainless steel grade is better for reinforced frames?

Grade 410 martensitic stainless is the better pick for self drilling into steel reinforcement. It is harder than A2-304. The tip holds its shape better when cutting through steel. A2-304 is good for general rust resistance but is softer. Use grade 410 where self drilling through solid steel is needed. Use A2-304 where the steel is thin or the site is just damp, not fully exposed.

5. What length screw do I need for friction stay fittings?

Most standard friction stay fittings on reinforced frames need a 16mm to 25mm screw. The screw must go through the stay body and into the steel reinforced profile. Use 29mm or 30mm for deeper frame profiles. Always check the friction stay maker's fixing guide for the exact length needed.

6. Can I use these screws on unreinforced frames?

No. These screws are listed for reinforced frames only. Reinforced frames have a steel insert inside. These screws are made to get through that steel. For plain uPVC frames with no steel insert, use our unreinforced frames friction stay collection instead.

7. How many screws come in each pack?

All 26 products in this collection come in packs of 1000 pieces. All prices shown on product pages include VAT. Order before 2 pm for next-day UK delivery.

Find the Right Friction Stay Screw for Your Job

Use the filters on this page to narrow down by thread size, head type, material, finish, and length. With 26 products all in stock, this range covers the most common friction stay fixing needs on reinforced uPVC and aluminium window frames in the UK.

Before you order, check the size, length, head type, and material against your friction stay hardware spec. All products are TIMCO window fabrication screws sold in 1000-piece packs. Order before 2 pm for next-day UK delivery from Hull.