uPVC Window Hinges Nico Universal Replacement Friction Stays Pair | Fits 13mm & 17mm Stack

Nico uPVC Friction Stay Window Hinges — 13mm/17mm Universal Pair

British-made Nico stainless steel friction stay hinges for uPVC windows. Non-handed pair with packers to fit 13mm or 17mm stack heights.

Nico Universal Friction Stay Window Hinges are a replacement pair for top-hung and side-hung uPVC casement windows. They fit 13mm and 17mm stack height frames. If your windows have become stiff, loose or hard to close, these friction stays bring back a smooth, controlled opening action and firm closing. One pair works on left- or right-hand opening windows, so you only need to choose the length.

Designed and made in the UK to ISO 9001 quality standards, these uPVC window hinges are stainless steel throughout. They are backed by Nico's 10-year manufacturer's mechanical guarantee.

Key Benefits of Nico uPVC Window Friction Stays:

• One Hinge for 13mm and 17mm Frames – Every pair comes with six clip-on plastic packers, three per hinge, that raise the standard 13mm stack height to 17mm. You don't need to hunt for a different part for your window system, and you're less likely to order the wrong one.
• Fits Left or Right Opening Windows – The symmetrical, non-handed design works on either side without modification. You only need to get the length right.
• Stops Stiff, Sticking Windows – The glass-reinforced nylon friction slide gives smooth, controlled movement through the full opening range. It avoids the jerky action and wear problems of metal-on-metal friction mechanisms.
• Friction You Can Adjust to Suit Your Window – An adjustment screw in the slide lets you set the resistance to match the weight of the sash. The window stays where you leave it without being hard to open.
• Tested Window Security – Security tested as a critical component within PAS 24:2016 (when used with Nico Xtra Bolts) and approved under Secured By Design, the police initiative. This gives you verified protection against forced entry on ageing windows.
• Won't Rust, Even on the Coast – Stainless steel construction throughout resists corrosion in coastal and high-moisture conditions. Your hinges keep working and looking clean for years, without the flaking and rust of coated alternatives.
• Built to Outlast Cheaper Hinges – A riveted stainless steel nose cap with 4.8mm stainless rivets and a three-stage counterbore process removes common weak points. Endurance tested to three times the British Standard requirement at maximum load, so you won't be replacing them again in a couple of years.
• Keeps Draughts and Rain Out – Weather tested as a critical component within BS 6375 Part 1 (air, wind and water). The sash closes positively against its seals, helping to cut draughts and heat loss.
• Easier, Safer Window Cleaning – Several opening positions let you open the window to a comfortable angle for ventilation or for cleaning from inside your home.

Product Specifications:

• Brand: Nico
• Product: Universal friction stay window hinges (sold as a pair)
• Window Type: uPVC casement — top hung or side hung
• Handing: Symmetrical non-handed design — fits left or right opening
• Stack Height: 13mm standard (converts to 17mm with included clip-on packers)
• Hinge Width: 18mm
• Top Hung Lengths: 8", 10", 12", 16", 20", 24"
• Side Hung Lengths: 12", 16"
• Material: Stainless steel throughout
• Friction Slide: High-strength glass-reinforced nylon with adjustment screw
• Nose Cap: Stainless steel, riveted with 4.8mm stainless steel rivets
• Fixing Holes: Slotted in base channel and sash bar for adjustment
• Manufacturing Standard: ISO 9001 quality system, made in Britain
• Security Testing: PAS 24:2016 (with Nico Xtra Bolts), Secured By Design approved
• Performance Testing: BS 6375 Parts 1 & 2 approved
• Guarantee: 10-year manufacturer's mechanical guarantee from Nico

Before You Order:

With the window open, measure the visible track length of your existing friction stay (the long bar fixed to the window frame) from end to end. Round it to the nearest whole inch, so 11.9" means ordering a 12" hinge. It doesn't need to match exactly, but choose the closest available size. Also check whether your window is top hung or side hung, and whether the existing hinge has a 13mm or 17mm stack height. If you are unsure which size you need, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.

Pro Tips:

Pro Tip: For a 17mm conversion, clip three packers onto the pivotal arm of each friction stay before fitting. The packers add thickness under the hinge, so you may need slightly longer screws than your existing ones to keep a secure fixing into the frame. Once both hinges are fitted, use the adjustment screw to fine-tune the friction: tighter for heavier sashes, slightly looser for lighter ones.

Package Contents:

• 1 × Pair of Nico stainless steel friction stay window hinges (2 hinges)
• 6 × Clip-on plastic hinge packers (converts 13mm to 17mm stack height)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will these friction stays fit my uPVC windows if I don't know the original brand?
In most cases, yes. These Nico friction stays are designed as universal replacements for the majority of uPVC window systems. They have the industry-standard 18mm width, slotted fixing holes for adjustment, and packers for 13mm or 17mm stack heights. As long as you order the correct length (see Before You Order), they should be a straightforward replacement.

How do I know if my window hinges are 13mm or 17mm stack height?
Stack height is the measurement from the base of the hinge to the top of the friction arm when closed, and you can measure it on your existing friction stays. These hinges are 13mm as standard. For 17mm windows, clip three of the included packers onto each hinge arm. When fitting with the packers, you may need slightly longer screws to allow for the packer thickness.

Do Nico friction stays come in side hung as well as top hung?
Yes. Top hung friction stays, for windows that open outwards from the bottom, come in 8", 10", 12", 16", 20" and 24". Side hung friction stays, for windows that open like a door, come in 12" and 16". Both are non-handed, so the same hinge fits windows opening to the left or right.

What does PAS 24 and Secured By Design mean for window hinges?
PAS 24:2016 is the UK security standard for windows and doors, which tests their resistance to forced entry. These hinges have passed it as a critical component when used with Nico Xtra Bolts. Secured By Design is the official police security initiative, and its approval shows the hinges meet the standard expected for residential window security.

Need Help Identifying the Correct Friction Stay?

Send us a clear photo of your existing friction stay along with the visible track length, the stack height, and whether the window is top hung or side hung. Our specialist team will help you narrow down the correct replacement before you order.

Why Choose JCP Hardware?

JCP Hardware specialises in replacement parts for uPVC windows and doors, backed by more than 30 years in the industry. We know how hard it can be to track down the right hinge for an older window, so our team is always happy to help identify parts from a photo and a few measurements. Everything we sell is stocked in the UK and despatched quickly from our Redruth warehouse in Cornwall.