Pull handles are found in warehouses, construction sites, homes, vehicles and other environments. As you may know, they allow people to open and close objects, such as doors and panels. The way a handle is shaped, however, can affect its performance. Below are some of the most common grip shapes for pull handles.
Rectangular
Many pull handles have a rectangular grip. They are characterized by a long bar on the front and two shorter perpendicular bars on the sides. Rectangular grips are strong, durable and provide plenty of surface area. With that said, their sharper edges may feel less comfortable than other grip styles when used for long periods.
Round
Round is a common grip shape for pull handles. Like rectangular grips, round grips have a long bar on the front and two shorter bars on the sides. The difference is that round grips have smoother edges. Rather than being perfectly perpendicular, the two shorter bars curve into the long bar. This smooth integration makes them easy and comfortable to use.
Oval
You can find pull handles with an oval grip. They are characterized by a short, smooth design. The front bar is shorter than that of a rectangular or round pull handle, resulting in an oval shape. Oval grips offer many of the same benefits as round grips. They have smooth sides that are comfortable to grip and pull.
Bridge
There are bridge-shaped pull handles. Also known simply as bridge pull handles, they feature a raised, bridge-like shape. Bridge pull handles feature two mounting points connected by an arched or straight grip. This bridge-like shape allows users to grasp the handle with the whole hand, making it well-suited for applications that require a firm pulling force.
Recessed
Some pull handles have a recessed grip. Unlike other grips, they don’t protrude out of the surface where they are installed. Pull handles with a recessed grip are designed to sink into the object, resulting in a flush finish. The recessed grip essentially sits in a recessed cavity. This design makes recessed grips ideal for environments where space is limited or where snagging hazards must be avoided.
In Conclusion
Each grip shape offers its own strengths. Rectangular is typically the strongest. Round offers smooth sides and a long bar. Oval is a compact and comfortable grip shape. Bridge supports heavy pulling forces. Finally, recessed conserves space and minimizes the risk of snagging.