Pull Handles For Doors

Pull handles for doors give you a place to get a grip, whether you’re heading into the house, opening a shed or moving between work areas in the barn. Choosing the right door pull handle starts with how the door moves and how you use the space around it. A swinging door needs enough clearance for your hand without putting your knuckles too close to the frame, while a sliding door handle must clear nearby walls, trim and other hardware throughout its travel. Handle length and grip space matter, too, especially if you often have work gloves on or open the door with your hands full. A pull handle alone doesn’t latch or lock a door, so plan for compatible latching or locking hardware wherever the opening needs to stay secured. Think through both sides of the door to make sure everyone can enter and exit as needed. Before choosing replacement door pull handles, measure the door’s thickness and the distance between the centers of any existing mounting holes. Matching those measurements can help you avoid extra drilling, but check the handle’s installation requirements rather than judging fit by appearance alone. For a new installation, follow the manufacturer’s directions for placement, mounting hardware and the type of door the handle can attach to. Exterior door pull handles should be rated for the conditions where they’ll be installed, particularly on doors exposed to rain or damp air. On frequently opened shed doors, barn doors and workshop doors, pay attention to grip comfort and a mounting method suited to the door’s construction. Coordinate the handle’s appearance with hinges and other visible door hardware for a pulled-together look, then follow its care instructions and check the fasteners periodically to keep the handle firmly attached.