Pull Handles

Aged Brass 300mm Art Deco Pull Handle, from our current range.

What is a pull handle?

A pull handle is a fixed handle, unlike a lever handle it does not operate a latch or lock. It is simply gripped and used to push or pull a door open, with the actual locking or latching done by a separate mechanism such as a panic bar, deadlock, or automatic door closer. Pull handles are common on entrance doors, glazed doors and shopfronts, where the door is expected to be used frequently and does not need a handle-operated latch.

Pull handles range from short D-shaped handles a few inches long to full-height T-bar handles running most of the door's length, used on commercial entrances and statement front doors alike.

Where pull handles are used

• Front and entrance doors – often fitted alongside a separate lock or multi-point locking system operated from a lever handle or key on the inside
• Glazed and shopfront doors – where a robust, easy-to-grip handle is needed and the door is opened frequently
• Commercial buildings – long T-bar pull handles are a common specification on office and retail entrances
• Wardrobes and cupboards – smaller pull handles are also used on furniture, covered in our Cabinet & Furniture Hardware Guide

Choosing the right pull handle

A few practical points are worth checking before you buy:

• Length – pull handles range from short robe-style handles to full-height bars, and the right length depends on the door's proportions and how it is used
• Fixing type – back-to-back, bolt fix and secret fix options affect how the handle is mounted through the door, which matters for door thickness and glazed doors
• Pairing with a lock – since a pull handle does not operate a latch, check what lock or panic hardware it needs to be paired with
• Finish – see our Hardware Finishes Guide for choosing between brass, black and other finishes

Related products

Browse our current range of Pull Handles, or see the related categories in our Door Furniture Guide, including Lever Handles and Door Closers.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a pull handle and a lever handle?

A lever handle operates a latch or lock and is designed to be turned. A pull handle is fixed and does not operate anything – it is gripped to push or pull the door open, and is paired with a separate lock or automatic closer.

Do pull handles come in pairs?

Not always. Some doors are fitted with a pull handle on the outside and a push plate or lever handle on the inside, depending on how the door is used and which way it opens.

What length pull handle should I choose?

This depends on the door's size and how it will be used – a short robe-style handle suits a domestic front door, while long T-bar handles are more common on commercial entrances and statement doors.

Back to the Door Furniture Guide, or explore the full Knowledge Centre.