Die-cast assist handles offer a sturdy, reliable gripping surface. They are commonly used with machinery, industrial equipment, vehicles, access panels and cabinets. Like all assist handles, they feature a bar that you can grab and pull. Die-cast assist handles, however, are made using a specialized manufacturing process.
The Basics of Assist Handles
Assist handles are mountable bars. Also known as grab bars, they are often used to provide stability and balance. On trucks and other tall vehicles, for instance, you can use them to pull yourself into the cab. On access panels and cabinets, assist handles are used to open doors.
Die-Cast Assist Handles Explained
Die-cast assist handles are characterized by their casting-based manufacturing process. Unlike other types of assist handles, they aren’t made by bending and forming pieces of metal. Instead, die-cast assist handles are made by pouring molten metal into a mold.
The metal — typically zinc — is initially heated until it liquifies. The molten metal is then poured into the mold, at which point it fills the cavity to take the shape of the mold. As the metal cools, it hardens. The solidified metal is then ejected from the mold. After cleaning and polishing the metal, manufacturers can then sell it.
Benefits of Die-Cast Assist Handles
Because they are made using a mold, die-cast assist handles support unique shapes and styles. For a short handle, manufacturers can use a small mold. For a long handle, manufacturers can use a larger mold.
Molds, of course, can also incorporate textured surfaces. While they are used in different applications, all assist handles offer a gripping surface. Die-cast assist handles can be made with a textured or knurled surface to prevent slippage. The mold cavity simply needs to have a similar textured surface.
Die-cast assist handles are also highly resistant to corrosion. As previously mentioned, they are typically made of zinc. Zinc doesn’t rust because it’s not an iron alloy. Even when exposed to air or moisture, zinc will only develop a protective outer layer that actually shields the rest of the metal from further oxidation.
Die-cast assist handles are easy to install. They are typically made with mounting holes for threaded fasteners. Most die-cast assist handles have two mounting holes on each end. After placing the die-cast assist handle in the desired area, you can drive threaded fasteners through these holes and into the adjacent surface material.