What are the best handle types?

What are the best door handles? The best cabinet handles? With so much choice out there, it’s not always easy to choose what will work best for your application. Several factors should play into your decision:

• Material strength
• Ergonomic grip for comfort
• The environment in which your handles will be used

Keep in mind, too, that the handle you specify will determine the overall aesthetics of your final product, so you’ll need to consider form alongside function.

Specifications also matter. Height, for example, is measured from the mounting surface. You’ll want the handle high enough so that its easy and comfortable for the user. If it’s too tall, it could interfere with the environment’s flow and contribute to hazards, such as items becoming hooked onto the handle.

Which handle design?

Get to know your choices. Most are available in materials from thermoplastics to metals and different finishes and sizes to suit your application. Different types of handles can be used for a variety of applications, such as access control for doors used on commercial buildings, extra security alongside locking mechanisms and as an alternative to door knobs.

You can read more in our guide to knobs.

1. Crank handles

These are used in applications where leverage from a single arm works best. The object here is to harness a lever effect to multiply the manual force applied by the operator and enabling efficient winding and adjusting. Crank handles are commonly used on construction windows, trailer hitches, and machinery adjustment controls.

You can get variations of the crank handle. For example, when space is limited, go for folding crank handles, also known as fold-down crank handles. As with fixed crank handles, you’ll still get a solid, robust, winding and cranking action.

However, they can fold parallel to the crank arm when not in use. Folding crank handles eliminate potential hazards caused by a protruding handle and problems with catching the clothing or bodies of operators. Choose the fold-down variety when the crank handle should be covered with a door or panel when not in use.

Popular with:

• Packaging
• Construction
• Material Handling

Read more about handwheels vs crank handles in our guide.

2. Clamping handles

Clamping handles, sometimes known as clamping levers, are operated by a simple lift and rotate action with a push button for releasing and adjustment. You should choose a clamping handle when you need more torque than what a knob can provide.

You’ll find clamping handles used in a variety of industries, from catering equipment to conveyor equipment and heavy machinery. An ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip is especially important here, given its frequent use. Learn more in our guide What is an industrial ergonomic handle? Clamping handles are available with either male or female threads, and the one you use depends on your application.

Popular with:

• Automotive
• Consumer Electronics (Audio Equipment)
• Furniture Manufacture

3. Pull handles

Pull handles, are used as door handles in many applications. They're often associated with industrial pulls, as they have to be strong and durable to function, while standing up to potentially rigorous environments. Otherwise, pull handles are about as varied as you can get in terms of design, size, materials and applications, from industrial drawer pulls to interior car door handles, although for the latter, an internal unlatching linkage also allows the door to be pushed open.

Pull handles are used in many door applications. If you need to use a pull handle for exterior doors, then you can also use a locking mechanism in your application for added security. For interior door applications, interior doors can be secured with different kinds of door handles.

Door handle types are not limited to pull handles. That's why, for your application, you need to find the right door handle to suit your needs.

Your pull handle should offer a solid grip. Look for pull handles ergonomically designed for pleasing aesthetics and comfort during use. Pull handles are a major category in door handles, so you should easily find a range of diameters, fixing centres and projection heights.

Pull handles are popular with:

• Enclosures and cabinets
• Telecoms
• Automotive

4. Recessed handles

Designed to save space, recessed handles are suitable for multiple applications, such as instrument, device and enclosure uses. Recessed car-door handles, for instance, reduce the chance of accidental operation. Ergonomic and contemporary in design, installation is usually easy. Recessed handles are just as helpful when limited space is a factor, but also for aesthetics. If you’re after a seamless, smooth profile but want handles on your doors or cabinets, recessed is the answer.

Recessed handles offer all the strength of any other handle, too. There’s no worry of premature breakage or ineffective operation. Other advantages include the fact that clothes cannot get caught on it, and it won’t hit the wall or other equipment.

Popular with:

• Automotive
• Consumer Electronics
• Furniture Manufacture

What are the mounting options for door handles?

Once you’ve chosen the type of handle you want, you’ll need to give some thought to mounting options – where the handle will be mounted and what material it will be mounted to. Mounting options generally include:

• Panel mount: The handle is inserted into a panel cut-out and mounted to the flat surface using screws
• Push on: The handle attaches to the bore, which is a plain hole
• Threaded hole: Also called an ‘insert’, either the bore opening is threaded or a threaded insert is placed into a plain hole
• Stud: Usually threaded, a projecting stud is used for mounting – hand knobs with threaded stud, which act as grip knobs, are popular in applications ranging from industrial to light equipment
• Thru hole with counter bore: The mounting hole is the height of the knob or handle and is accompanied by a counter bore on top
• Bushing: Inserted in the bore to minimise the size of the opening. Also used to serve as a guide during mounting.
• Moulded thread: A thread is moulded into the bore opening

Download free CADs and try before you buy

Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples to make sure you’ve chosen exactly what you need. If you’re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.

Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.

Questions?

Email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0345 528 0474.