How to Choose Fanlight Window Hardware

Author: Carl Benson

Carl is the founder of Suffolk Latch Company, with a background in engineering and over 20 years’ experience in home hardware. He works closely with suppliers and designers alike to develop quality ironmongery that stands the test of time. Read my full bio.

A Practical Guide to Fanlight Catches, Stays and Openers

Choosing fanlight window hardware starts with the way the window is hinged and how it needs to be operated. A catch closes the window, a specialist stay controls how far it opens, and a screw opener provides an adjustable operating mechanism for a suitable high-level fanlight.

These fittings are not interchangeable. Before ordering, establish whether the window is top-hung or bottom-hung, whether it opens inwards or outwards, how high it is positioned and whether it needs to be operated from floor level.

This guide explains the main options and the differences between the seven fanlight products in our range. To compare the range, visit our Fanlight Window Furniture Collection.

Table of Contents

Identify the Fanlight Before Choosing Hardware

A fanlight is a smaller window commonly positioned above a door or larger window. Some are fixed, while others open to provide ventilation.

For an opening fanlight, identify:

• Hinge position: a bottom-hung window has its hinges along the lower edge; a top-hung window has them along the upper edge.
• Opening direction: check whether the opening section moves inwards or outwards.
• Access: decide whether the fitting can be reached by hand or needs to be operated using a suitable pole or winder.
• Required function: establish whether the hardware needs to close the window, restrict its opening or operate it through an adjustable range.
• Available space: check the frame, opening section, glazing position and clear fixing area.

Do not choose by appearance alone. Several fanlight products look related but are designed for different hinge positions and operating methods.

Which Fanlight Fitting Do I Need?

The catch controls the closed position, while the stays control the open position. A screw opener is a different type of mechanism because it is used to operate the window as well as control the opening.

Fanlight Window Catch Pewter Finish

Quadrant Window Stays Pewter Finish

Fanlight Catches

A fanlight catch is used to hold the window closed. Ring-pull designs can be operated using a suitable pole hook, which makes them useful for high-level windows.

Our two current catch options have similar roles but different materials, finishes and stated suitability:

A catch does not support the window while it is open. Where the opening needs to be restricted, a compatible stay or operating mechanism may also be required.

Quadrant Window Stays

A quadrant stay controls how far a fanlight can open. Its curved arm is fitted between the opening section and the frame, restricting movement at a defined point or selected position.

The two current quadrant products do not have identical suitability:

The fact that one quadrant product is suitable for top- and bottom-hung windows does not make every quadrant stay universal. Follow the guidance for the exact product rather than applying one rule to the whole category.

Roller-Arm Window Stays

A roller-arm stay is fitted to the side of the window and hangs down against the frame when the fanlight is closed. As the window opens, the arm moves to restrict its travel.

The current roller-arm products offer two different material and size routes:

A roller-arm stay can be useful where a side-mounted fitting suits the frame. It should not be chosen simply because it is less visible when the window is closed; the hinge position, movement and fixing space still need to be checked.

Fanlight Window Screw Opener

The Fanlight Window Screw Opener is an adjustable mechanism for suitable bottom-hung windows. It is operated using a compatible window winder, allowing a high-level fanlight to be opened without reaching the window directly.

This product is different from a catch or stay because it operates the window rather than simply holding one position. The current product guidance states that it is not suitable for vertical fanlights.

Before choosing a screw opener, check:

• That the window is bottom-hung
• That its orientation matches the product requirements
• The available fixing area for the 265mm mechanism
• That a suitable winder can reach and operate it
• The required opening range and surrounding clearance

Do not assume that a screw opener should be combined with a separate stay. Treat it as a complete operating arrangement and confirm the full installation requirements first.

Fanlight Window Screw Opener Polished Brass

Roller Arm Window Stay Black

Do I Need a Catch and a Stay?

Some suitable fanlights use both fittings because they perform different jobs:

• The catch holds the window closed.
• The stay supports or restricts the window while it is open.

This does not mean that every catch can be paired with every stay. The window must have enough fixing space, and the fittings must suit its hinge position, opening direction and frame profile.

A screw opener may provide the main operating control for the window and should be assessed separately rather than automatically combined with a catch-and-stay arrangement.

Measurements and Compatibility Checks

Before ordering fanlight window hardware, record:

• The width and height of the opening section
• The hinge position and opening direction
• The clear fixing space on the frame and window
• The fixing-plate dimensions and centres where shown
• The required maximum opening distance
• The height of the window and how the fitting will be reached
• The frame profile and whether a flush or recessed keeper is required
• Whether the selected stay is intended to be fitted singly or in pairs

Use the technical drawing for the exact product. Do not scale measurements from a product photograph or assume that products with similar names share the same dimensions.

Where the opening section is particularly large, heavy, damaged or difficult to reach, seek advice from an experienced window specialist before fixing the hardware.

Fanlight Catch Satin Brass

Quadrant Stay Satin Brass

Materials and Finishes

The current Fanlight range includes mild-steel, steel and solid-brass fittings. Available finishes vary by product and include black, beeswax, pewter, brass, chrome, nickel and bronze options.

Choose the product type and compatibility first, then the finish. Where a catch and stay will be seen together, using the same stated finish can give a more consistent result, but similarly coloured finishes from different ranges may not be identical.

For a wider finish-led route, browse our Brass Window Hardware Collection. Check each product’s care instructions before using cleaners or polishes.

Fanlight Hardware Fitting Overview

Exact fitting positions vary by product and window, but the preparation process should include:

1. Photograph the window and existing hardware.
2. Confirm the hinge position and opening direction.
3. Check the frame and opening section for sound timber.
4. Compare the product drawing with the available space.
5. Hold the components in position and test the movement before drilling.
6. Keep all fixing points clear of the glazing.
7. Use the supplied or specified fixings and suitable pilot holes.
8. Test the closed position and the full required opening movement.

High-level windows can be awkward to support safely. Use an experienced installer where access, window weight, damaged timber or proximity to the glazing makes the work uncertain.

Roller Arm Stay Polished Chrome

Roller Arm Stay Matt Bronze

Common Selection Mistakes

Choosing by finish before function

A matching finish will not make the wrong fitting compatible. Confirm the window type and required job first.

Assuming all fanlights are bottom-hung

Opening fanlights can be top- or bottom-hung. Several products in the range are specifically restricted to bottom-hung windows.

Confusing a catch with a stay

A catch controls the closed position; a stay controls the open position. They are not direct alternatives.

Assuming all quadrant stays have the same suitability

One current quadrant range is bottom-hung only, while another is listed for top- and bottom-hung windows.

Ignoring how the fitting will be reached

A high-level catch or screw opener needs a suitable pole or winder and enough clear space for it to be operated safely.

Ordering from the product name alone

Different products called Fanlight Catch, Quadrant Stay or Roller Arm Stay can have different materials, dimensions and operating requirements.

Related Reading

These supporting guides explain related Window Hardware subjects:

• Window Furniture Explained
• How to Replace Window Hardware
• What Is an Espag Window Handle? — for casements operated by an internal Espagnolette mechanism rather than fanlight catches or stays.

Conclusion

Choose fanlight window hardware by identifying the window first. Confirm whether it is top- or bottom-hung, how it opens, how it will be reached and whether the fitting needs to close, restrict or operate the window.

Use a catch for the closed position, a compatible quadrant or roller-arm stay to control the open position, or a screw opener where a suitable bottom-hung high-level window needs adjustable operation.

Check the individual product guidance because products with similar names do not necessarily share the same suitability. To compare the full range, visit our Fanlight Window Furniture Collection.

FAQ

What hardware do I need for a fanlight window?

It depends on the job required. A catch holds the window closed, a quadrant or roller-arm stay restricts the opening, and a screw opener operates a suitable high-level fanlight through an adjustable mechanism.

What is the difference between a fanlight catch and a fanlight stay?

A fanlight catch controls the closed position. A fanlight stay supports or restricts the window while it is open. Some suitable windows may use both.

What is the difference between a quadrant stay and a roller-arm stay?

A quadrant stay uses a curved arm to restrict the opening. A roller-arm stay is side-mounted and hangs down against the frame when closed. Product suitability and opening movement vary, so check the exact specification.

Can a fanlight catch and stay be fitted together?

They can be used together on a suitable window because they perform different jobs. Confirm the hinge position, opening direction, fixing space and compatibility of the exact products before fitting them.

Can a high-level fanlight be operated from floor level?

Certain ring-pull catches can be operated with a suitable pole hook. A compatible screw opener can be operated using a window winder. Check the product and access requirements before ordering.

Is the Fanlight Window Screw Opener suitable for every fanlight?

No. The current product is intended for suitable bottom-hung windows and is stated not to be suitable for vertical fanlights. Check the orientation, dimensions and operating clearance.