When shopping for pull handles, you might be wondering whether to choose weld-on or through pull handles. They both feature a similar design. Weld-on and through pull handles consist of a bar that you grip and pull to open the object to which it’s connected. You can install them on cabinets, gates, machines and other objects. Well-on pull handles, however, aren’t the same as through pull handles. What’s the difference between weld-on and through pull handles exactly?
What Are Through Pull Handles?
The most common type, through pull handles feature holes that support fasteners. They are known as “through pull handles” because they are installed by driving screws through these holes. If you inspect the ends of a through pull handle, you should see a set of holes on each. Most through holes have two to four holes on each end. To install them, you’ll need to drive screws through the holes and into the object.
What Are Weld-On Pull Handles?
Weld-on pull handles don’t feature any holes, nor do they support fasteners. You can still install them on surfaces, but you won’t be able to use fasteners. Weld-on pull handles live up to their namesake by requiring welding. To install them, you’ll need to weld the ends onto the object. Using a welding torch, you can melt the metal on the ends so that it fuses with the metal surface of the object. Weld-on pull handles are defined by their welding-based method of installation.
Choosing Between Through and Weld-On Pull Handles
Through and weld-on pull handles are similar. When choosing between them, though, you must consider the application. All pull handles are used to manually open an object, such as a door, cabinet, gate or panel. With that said, you can only use weld-on pull handles on metal objects. The object must support welding. If it doesn’t support welding, you may have to use through pull handles on it, which of course don’t require welding.
Weld-on pull handles require less maintenance than through pull handles. If you choose through pull handles, you may have to retighten the fasteners every few months to prevent them from coming loose. Fasteners can work their way out of objects. This is particularly true if they are exposed to vibrations or other forms of mechanical energy. Fortunately, weld-on pull handles don’t have fasteners, so this isn’t a concern. After installing a weld-on pull handle, you won’t need to retighten or otherwise maintain any fasteners.