Handle design: T, L and pull handles
Handle design plays a pivotal role in how your application performs. Three distinct handle types, T, L, and pull handles, each have their unique characteristics. This guide looks at how they work to enhance the overall user experience. To help you choose the right design handles for your application, we cover:
What is a T Handle?
What is an L Handle?
What is a pull handle?
Different types of T and L handles explained
What are the different types of pull handles?
What is a T handle?
A T Handle is typically used for manual control and operation of various equipment, tools, and mechanisms. Its name comes from its distinctive "T" shape, with a horizontal bar (the top of the "T") attached to a vertical stem. The T-shape handle provides a comfortable and ergonomic grip, making it easy for users to apply force or torque when turning, twisting, or pushing and pulling.
A T Handle is a great choice for applications that are accessed often, which means opening and closing the panel door should be quick and hassle free. They’re an ideal handle when a high force is needed.
To open the door the T Handle is attached to, you grip the top of the handle and turn it. There are different types of T handles, but they all feature this same design.
T Handles should not be confused with T bar handles. They look nothing alike and sometimes are aptly called T bar pull handles, which is actually a popular kitchen handle design. Make no mistake, T Handles have industrial uses.
What is an L handle?
It consists of a horizontal leg and a vertical leg, forming an L configuration when viewed from the side. L handles are commonly used for manual control and operation of various equipment, machinery, doors, and access panels.
An L-shaped handle is also easy to use. You simply turn the handle, activating the mechanism. A cam rotates on the inside of the handle, opening the access panel or door. This simple action alleviates stress to joints. These work particularly well as industrial cabinet hardware. If space is limited and won’t comfortably fit a T Handle, an L Handle can do the job and still give you an ergonomic grip.
The horizontal leg typically serves as the gripping portion, while the vertical leg can be attached to a stem or shaft that connects to the mechanism being controlled or secured. This design allows users to exert force or torque in a straightforward manner, whether it's for turning, pulling, or pushing.
Our experts explain ergonomics in our guide, What is an Industrial, Ergonomic Handle?
What is a pull handle?
As the name suggests, a pull handle is constantly being pulled in order to open the door it’s affixed to. You can get pull handles for front doors, industrial drawer pull handles and cupboard or furniture handles, industrial cabinet handles – if it needs opening, there’s a pull handle for it. They’re incredibly varied and come in different shapes.
Pull handle design focusses providing a convenient and ergonomic means of opening and closing doors and drawers, making them accessible to users of all ages and abilities.
Different types of T and L handles explained
T and L Handles cater to a wide range of applications and specific needs. The variations in design, material and form serve several purposes:
● Functionality: T Handles and L Handles are used for various functions, such as turning, pulling, pushing, or lifting. Different types are designed to optimise their functionality for specific tasks. For example, T-handles with extended shafts may provide more leverage for turning, while L-handles with elongated arms may offer better grip for pulling.
● Ergonomics: The handle design is easy to hold, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. Ergonomically designed handles are crucial for applications where users need to operate the handle repeatedly or for extended periods. Different shapes and sizes cater to different ergonomic requirements.
● Load Capacity: No matter the type, all handles need to withstand different levels of force or torque depending on the application. Handles with varying materials, thicknesses, and designs are chosen to match the load capacity required.
● Environment: Handles used in industrial or outdoor environments may need to withstand exposure to harsh conditions, such as chemicals, moisture, extreme temperatures, or UV radiation. If you’re designing an IP- or NEMA-rated enclosure, your handles should have the same rating.
You can learn more in our guide, What are NEMA and IP ratings?
● Security: In some cases, handles may need to incorporate locking mechanisms or tamper-resistant features. With an L or T-Handle lock, you can secure your application.
We recommend:
Adjustable T-Handle with Compression
● Rated IP65 and NEMA 4
● Any electrical equipment tends to vibrate, but this type of T-Handle compresses gaskets against door and panel openings to provide a tight seal, protecting the handle from jarring effects of vibrations
● Rubber sealing gasket
● Damps noise
● Can adjust the compression as needed over time
● Locking or non-locking versions; Cams sold separately
Used for: Metal doors and machine covers
● Cam T-Handle latch with compression
● Designed to offer secure access to panels and doors with the rotating cam (pawl)
● Secured by engaging the frame or keeper on the back side
● Non locking and key operated available
Used for: Cabinets that require better sealing under vibration conditions
Flush Cup Recessed T Handle Latch
● IP65 rated
● Heavy-duty T-Handle locks suitable for hazardous environments
● Flush mounted and folds down when not in use for safety
● Often used with an L-Handle, which is positioned on the inside of the door, performing as an emergency release
● Available locking and non-cylinder
Used for: Heavy-duty cabinets
● Cam latches with compression allows for a more secure seal
● Improved insulation against noise and vibration conditions
● Secure and ergonomic grip
Used for: Cabinets and furniture
You can learn more in our Guide to Latches.
Handle Turn Cam Latches – L Handle
● IP65 rated
● Allows for efficient application of force, providing better leverage
● Available keyed alike and keyed different
Used for: Electric panels and machinery covers
What are the different types of pull handles?
Perhaps no handle comes in so many different styles and types than pull handles. The different styles reflect the diverse array of tasks, settings, and design preferences in which they’re used:
● Functionality: Different applications call for various methods of gripping, pulling, or pushing. Handles must be designed to accommodate these specific functional requirements, whether it's opening a door, a cabinet, or a sliding panel.
● Ergonomics: The handle design is easy to hold, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.The comfort and ease of use for a handle depend on its shape, size, and design. Ergonomically designed handles ensure that users can interact with them comfortably and efficiently, especially in cases where frequent use is required.
● Aesthetic Preferences: Handles contribute to the overall design and aesthetics of the application. The choice of pull handle can enhance or complement the visual appeal of a space or product.
● Space Considerations: Some applications require handles that do not protrude significantly, especially in tight or high-traffic spaces. Recessed, flush, or finger pull handles are ideal for such scenarios.
● Accessibility and Compliance: In public and commercial spaces, handles may need to meet accessibility standards to ensure that they can be used by individuals with disabilities. Different handle types may be chosen to comply with these regulations.
● Security: Some handles are designed with built-in locking mechanisms or tamper-resistant features, enhancing security in certain applications.
We recommend:
● Durable and lightweight
● Resists to corrosion
● Comfortable grip
Used for: Doors, lids on heavy cabinets, machinery, and electrical or industrial equipment
● Flush handles snap easily into the mounting hole
● The recessed profile offers safety with a flushed position to the door frame without providing a less effective hand grip.
Used for: Small and large cabinets and machinery covers
Through-Hole One-Sided mounting
● Ergonomic grip
● Screws or bolts used for secure attachment to the intended surface
Used for: Doors and cabinets
● Rounded with a shoulder and two threaded mounting holes
● One-piece design
● Strong and durable
● High-quality rear-mounted handle
Used for: Enclosures, cabinets, machinery and equipment
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