--- title: How to Fix a Broken Window Hinge description: "How to fix a broken window hinge: spot worn friction hinges, replace them safely, and know when a heavy glazed sash is best left to a York professional." --- [![SM\_Logo\_Final\_Lught](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp?width=140&height=80&name=SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp "SM_Logo_Final_Lught")](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk) - About - [About](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/about) - Doors - [uPVC Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-doors-york) - [Sliding & Bifold Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/aluminium-sliding-bi-fold-doors) - [Composite Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/composite-doors-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Door Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Windows - [uPVC Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-windows-york) - [Casement Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/casement-windows-york) - [Sash Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/sash-windows-york) - [Timber Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/timber-windows-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Lanterns & Roof Lights](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/korniche-lanterns-flat-roof-lights) - [Window Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Conservatories - [Conservatories](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - [Orangeries](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - Resources - [Gallery](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/gallery) - [Brochures](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/brochure-downloads) - [Blog](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog) - [Reviews](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/customer-reviews) - [Contact Us](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/contact) [Request A Quote](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/request-a-quote) [![SM\_Logo\_Final\_Lught](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp?width=140&height=80&name=SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp "SM_Logo_Final_Lught")](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk) [Request A Quote](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/request-a-quote) - About - [About](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/about) - Doors - [uPVC Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-doors-york) - [Sliding & Bifold Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/aluminium-sliding-bi-fold-doors) - [Composite Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/composite-doors-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Door Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Windows - [uPVC Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-windows-york) - [Casement Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/casement-windows-york) - [Sash Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/sash-windows-york) - [Timber Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/timber-windows-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Lanterns & Roof Lights](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/korniche-lanterns-flat-roof-lights) - [Window Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Conservatories - [Conservatories](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - [Orangeries](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - Resources - [Gallery](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/gallery) - [Brochures](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/brochure-downloads) - [Blog](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog) - [Reviews](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/customer-reviews) - [Contact Us](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/contact) [Repairs & Maintenance](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/tag/repairs-maintenance) # How to Fix a Broken Window Hinge By [SM Windows & Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/author/sm-windows-doors) Nov 3, 2026, 9:30:00 AM 3 Minutes Read A window that will not stay open, drags on the frame, or feels loose and wobbly usually has a worn or broken hinge rather than a bigger problem. In most cases you can fix a window hinge yourself for a fraction of the cost of a new window. Here is how to tell what has gone wrong, replace a friction hinge safely, and know when a heavy sash is a job for a professional. ## How window hinges work and why they fail Most modern uPVC and aluminium casement windows open on friction hinges, sometimes called friction stays. These are the flat metal arms you see along the top or side of the frame when the window is open. They let the sash swing out while holding it at any position, and on many they also allow an egress or easy-clean function. Over years of use they wear out. The moving arms loosen, the friction pads that grip and hold position wear smooth, and screw fixings work loose. Yorkshire weather does not help: damp and grit get into the mechanism and speed up corrosion. Signs of a failing hinge include: - A window that drops or swings shut on its own - A sash that catches or scrapes the frame as it opens - Stiffness, grinding or a gritty feel when you open it - Visible rust, bent arms or a wobbly, loose sash ## First, try cleaning and lubricating Not every stiff window needs a new hinge. Grit and dried-out lubricant cause a lot of problems. Open the window, brush and wipe the hinge arms clean, then apply a dry PTFE or silicone lubricant made for hardware. Avoid oily sprays, which attract dust. Work the window a few times and see if it frees up. If the hinge is only sticky rather than worn or broken, this often does the trick. ## Replacing a friction hinge safely If the hinge is worn, bent or corroded, it needs replacing. Friction hinges are sold in standard sizes and handings, so the key is matching the new pair to the old exactly: length, stack height and whether it is a standard or egress type. A rough guide to the job: 1. Open the window fully and support the sash, ideally with a second person holding it 2. Undo the screws on the sash side first, keeping a firm hold of the glass unit 3. Then undo the frame-side screws and lift the old hinge out 4. Take the old hinge to buy a like-for-like replacement 5. Fit the new hinge frame-side first, then sash-side, and test before fully tightening Take your time and keep the sash supported throughout. A glazed unit is heavier than it looks, and letting it swing on one hinge can crack the glass or bend the new stay. ## When to leave it to a professional Some hinge jobs are best not tackled solo. Large windows, and anything with double or triple glazing, hold a serious amount of weight in the sash. If it drops while you are working, you risk broken glass, a damaged frame or an injury. Upstairs windows add a fall risk on top. Get a professional in when the sash is large or heavy, when the window is above ground floor, when the frame around the hinge is damaged, or when you simply are not confident holding the weight. Our [window and door repair team in York](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) carries common hinge sizes and can swap them quickly and safely. If several windows are failing at once, or the frames themselves are tired, it may be worth pricing up replacements rather than repeated fixes. Our [casement windows in York](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/casement-windows-york) page shows the current options. ## Rough 2026 costs Prices vary with the window and hinge type, so treat these as broad 2026 guides. A pair of friction hinges supplied only often costs around 15 to 40 pounds. A professional call-out to supply and fit a pair typically lands somewhere around 70 to 150 pounds, depending on access and size. For a figure based on your windows, [request a free quote](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/request-a-quote) and we will take a look. ## FAQs ### Can I replace a window hinge myself? Often yes, on smaller windows. The main risk is the weight of the glazed sash, so have someone support it and match the new hinge exactly to the old one. Large, heavy or upstairs windows are safer left to a professional. ### How do I know if my window hinge is worn out? Tell-tale signs are a window that will not stay open, catches on the frame, feels loose or wobbly, or grinds when you open it. Visible rust or bent arms confirm the hinge needs replacing. ### What size window hinge do I need? Friction hinges come in standard lengths, stack heights and handings. The safest approach is to remove the old hinge and match it exactly, or take it with you when buying a replacement. ### Should I repair or replace the whole window? If the frame and glass are sound, replacing the hinge is far cheaper and makes sense. If frames are tired, seals have failed or several windows are going at once, pricing up replacement windows may be the better long-term choice. Want to see the full range of window styles and hardware? [Download our latest brochure](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/brochure-downloads), or [request a free quote](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/request-a-quote) and we will pop out for a look. #### SM Windows & Doors Author ## Phone: 07833387823 Email: [Sam@smwindowsanddoors.co.uk](mailto:Sam@smwindowsanddoors.co.uk) Opening times: Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:00 Sat-Sun: By Prior Appointment [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/people/SM-Windows-Doors/100093013267883/) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/smwindowsanddoors/) ![x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a\_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY.jpg?width=300&height=106&name=x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY.jpg "x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY") ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "SM Windows & Doors", "url" : "https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/author/sm-windows-doors" }, "dateModified" : "2026-11-03T09:30:01.944Z", "datePublished" : "2026-11-03T09:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "How to Fix a Broken Window Hinge", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/sm-windows-doors-blog/how-to-fix-a-broken-window-hinge", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hubfs/SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp" }, "name" : "SM Windows & Doors" } } ```