Friction Stay Screws for uPVC Windows & Hinges

Unreinforced Frames - Friction Stay

26 products

Friction Screws for Unreinforced uPVC Window Frames

Use the wrong friction screw and your window hardware will not sit correctly. This collection brings together 26 TIMCO window fabrication screws for friction stay fixing. All are designed for unreinforced uPVC frames. Choose from three diameters - 3.9mm, 4.3mm and 4.8mm - with lengths from 16mm to 30mm. Three material options are available: zinc carbon steel, A2-304 stainless steel and martensitic stainless steel (410). All sold in 1000-piece trade packs.

Why the Right Friction Screw Matters

A friction stay controls how your uPVC window opens and holds its position. The screw that fixes it to the frame is critical. Get the size or head type wrong and the hardware will not seat correctly. It can rock, sit proud or fail to grip properly.

These are not general-purpose window screws. They are window hinge screws made specifically for friction stay fixing on unreinforced uPVC profiles. Unreinforced frames have no steel insert inside the uPVC. That changes which screw you need. Using a screw designed for a reinforced frame may not perform as expected.

All 26 products in this collection are TIMCO window fabrication screws. They use a PH (Phillips) drive. They come in 1000-piece packs and all are currently in stock.

Quick Reference: What Is in This Collection

Use this table to find the right product group before browsing the filters.

Diameter Material Head Type Point Type Lengths Available
3.9mm Carbon Steel (Zinc) Shallow Pan Countersunk Self-Tapping, Self-Drilling 16mm, 19mm, 25mm, 29mm
3.9mm Martensitic Stainless Steel (410) Shallow Pan Self-Tapping, Self-Drilling 16mm, 19mm, 25mm, 29mm
4.3mm Carbon Steel (Zinc) Shallow Pan Countersunk Single Thread Gimlet Tip 16mm, 20mm, 25mm
4.3mm A2-304 Stainless Steel Shallow Pan Countersunk Single Thread Gimlet Tip 16mm, 20mm, 25mm
4.8mm Carbon Steel (Zinc) Shallow Pan Countersunk Self-Tapping, Self-Drilling 16mm, 19mm, 23mm
4.8mm Carbon Steel (Zinc) Shallow Pan with Serrations Single Thread Gimlet Tip 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm
4.8mm A2-304 Stainless Steel Shallow Pan with Serrations Single Thread Gimlet Tip 25mm, 30mm
4.8mm Martensitic Stainless Steel (410) Shallow Pan Self-Tapping, Self-Drilling 23mm

Which Material Should You Choose?

Material is one of the most important decisions in this range. The three options are not interchangeable. Each suits a different installation condition.

Carbon Steel with Zinc Finish

The most affordable option in this collection. Fourteen products use this material. It covers all three diameters and both head types. A practical choice for standard interior or sheltered installations. Always check whether your window system or hardware manufacturer specifies a corrosion-resistant material before selecting zinc.

A2-304 Austenitic Stainless Steel

Seven products use A2-304 stainless steel. Available in 4.3mm and 4.8mm diameters only. A2-304 offers good corrosion resistance and suits coastal or exposed locations where moisture is a concern. These use a single-thread gimlet tip and are available in both shallow pan countersunk and shallow pan with serrations head types.

Martensitic Stainless Steel (Grade 410)

Five products in this range use grade 410 martensitic stainless steel with a silver organic finish. They are available in 3.9mm and 4.8mm diameters. All use a self-tapping, self-drilling point. The silver organic finish gives them a distinct appearance. Grade 410 is harder than A2-304 but less corrosion-resistant. Check your specification carefully before choosing.

Not Sure Which to Pick?

Start with the friction stay or hinge manufacturer's guidance. It should state the required material grade. If it does not, consider the installation environment. Internal or sheltered frames: zinc is generally acceptable. Exposed or coastal sites: stainless steel is the safer choice. Never mix grades without checking compatibility.

Head Types: Shallow Pan Countersunk vs Shallow Pan with Serrations

Two head profiles are available. The head type affects how the screw sits against the friction stay once tightened. Some manufacturers specify which head type to use. Follow that guidance where it exists.

Shallow Pan Countersunk

The most common head type in this collection. Eighteen of the 26 products use it. Available across all three diameters and in both zinc and stainless steel options. The countersunk profile allows the head to sit flush or near-flush against the hardware surface.

Shallow Pan with Serrations

Eight products use this head type. All are 4.8mm diameter. The serrations sit beneath the head and can help resist loosening once the screw is driven in. Available in zinc carbon steel (four lengths: 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm) and A2-304 stainless steel (25mm and 30mm). Not a direct replacement for a plain countersunk head - check the hardware spec first.

Point Types: What the Difference Means in Practice

These friction stay screws use one of two point designs. The point type affects how the screw starts in the uPVC and whether a pilot hole is needed.

Single Thread, Gimlet Tip

Used on 4.3mm products (all materials) and the 4.8mm zinc and A2-304 stainless steel products with a serrated head. A gimlet tip is a sharp tapered point. It is designed to start in the material cleanly. Used on softer, unreinforced uPVC profiles where thread-cutting needs to be precise and controlled.

Self-Tapping, Self-Drilling Point

Used on all 3.9mm products and the 4.8mm martensitic stainless steel (410) range. Also used on the 4.8mm zinc shallow pan countersunk products. The drill-style tip bores its own entry and cuts a thread as it is driven in. This eliminates the need for a pre-drilled pilot hole in compatible materials.

Do not assume either point type suits every job. Follow the window system or hardware guidance. Using the wrong point type can damage soft unreinforced uPVC or fail to grip correctly.

How to Choose the Right Friction Screw for Your Job

Work through these four steps before adding to your basket.

Step 1 - Check the Hardware Spec

Your friction stay or window hinge should come with a fixing specification. That document is your first reference. It may state the required diameter, length, head type and material. If it does, use those details. Do not substitute based on availability alone.

Step 2 - Confirm the Frame Type

These screws are for unreinforced uPVC frames only. An unreinforced frame has no steel liner inside the profile. If your frame has a steel reinforcement insert, these screws are not suitable. See our reinforced frames friction stay screws instead.

Step 3 - Select the Right Length

A longer screw is not always better. The fixing depth must suit the unreinforced profile and the hardware slot. Too short and the screw will not grip. Too long and it may protrude or interfere with the frame. Match the length to what the hardware fixing depth requires.

Step 4 - Verify the Material for the Site

Consider where the window faces. A sheltered internal frame may be fine with zinc. A coastal or exposed window needs stainless steel. Also check whether the friction stay manufacturer specifies a particular grade. Some window system warranties may require a specified material.

All 26 products are TIMCO window fabrication screws sold in 1000-piece trade packs. All are currently in stock and listed specifically for friction stay fixing on unreinforced uPVC frames. Always verify diameter, length, head type and material against your hardware specification before ordering.

Common Mistakes When Buying Friction Stay Screws

These errors come up often with friction screw purchases. Knowing them saves time and wasted product.

Ordering by Price Alone

Zinc is cheaper than stainless steel. But cost should not be the deciding factor. If the hardware spec or site conditions call for stainless, ordering zinc to save money can lead to premature corrosion or a failed warranty claim.

Mixing Stainless Grades

A2-304 and martensitic 410 stainless steel are not the same. They have different corrosion resistance levels, point types and available diameters. Do not treat them as like-for-like. Choose the grade that matches the specification.

Using Reinforced Frame Screws on Unreinforced Frames

Screws designed for reinforced frames are built to drive into steel. Using them on soft, unreinforced uPVC can split or strip the profile. Always match the screw to the frame type.

Ignoring the Head Type Requirement

A serrated head and a plain countersunk head are not interchangeable. If the friction stay slot or housing is designed for one, fitting the other can affect how the hardware sits and operates. Check before you order.

Other Window Screw Collections

If your frame type or fixing application is different, these collections may be more appropriate.

Working on reinforced uPVC frames with friction stays? Browse our reinforced frames friction stay screws. These are built for frames with an internal steel liner.

Need unreinforced frame screws for general window fabrication - not specific to friction stays? Our broader unreinforced frames window screws collection covers more head types and diameter combinations.

For the full range of window fixing products across all frame types, visit the window fabrication screws section.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a friction screw and a standard window screw?

A friction screw is a specific type of window fabrication screw. It is made to attach friction stays and similar opening hardware to a window frame. Standard window screws are general-purpose fixings. Friction stay screws have specific head profiles - shallow pan countersunk or shallow pan with serrations - designed to work with friction stay hardware slots. Using a standard screw may mean the hardware does not seat correctly.

Can I use these screws on timber window frames?

No. These products are listed as window fabrication screws for unreinforced uPVC frames. They are not specified for timber frame use. For timber window applications, check a different fixing range that is suited to that material.

Do I need a pilot hole for these friction stay screws?

It depends on the point type. Products with a self-tapping, self-drilling point are designed to cut their own entry without a pilot hole in compatible uPVC. Products with a gimlet tip start cleanly in the material but you should follow your hardware manufacturer's guidance on whether a pilot hole is recommended for your specific profile.

Are stainless steel window screws suitable for coastal locations?

A2-304 stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance and is a practical choice for coastal or exposed locations. Martensitic stainless steel (410) is harder but less corrosion-resistant than A2-304, so it may not be the best choice for the most aggressive salt-air environments. Always check the window system or hardware specification for the required grade.

Why are some 4.8mm products cheaper than others of the same size?

Material is the main reason. Carbon steel with a zinc finish costs significantly less than stainless steel. Within the 4.8mm range, a zinc product and an A2-304 stainless version may appear similar in size but are different products with different performance characteristics. The price difference reflects the material, not a difference in quality within that material type.

What does PH drive mean on these window screws?

PH stands for Phillips head. All products in this collection use a Phillips (cross-head) drive. You will need a PH2 driver bit in most cases. Check the individual product if you are unsure of the bit size required.

Can I buy fewer than 1000 screws?

All products in this collection are sold in 1000-piece packs only. There is currently one pack size per product. If you need smaller quantities, contact us to discuss your options.

Ready to Find Your Friction Stay Screw?

Use the filters above to narrow by diameter, material, head type and finish. With 26 products across three diameters, two head profiles and three material options, you can match a wide range of unreinforced frame friction stay specifications.

All products are TIMCO window fabrication screws. All are in stock and sold in 1000-piece trade packs. Check each individual product specification before ordering to confirm the diameter, length, head type and material are correct for your job.