Door Handles

When deciding on the door hardware for your new project, an important consideration is the look and practicality of installing door handles rather than traditional round doorknobs. Door handles are long slender bars that can be easily grasped and operated with a downward twist. Of the many applications that door handles function better than knobs is in your shower doors. The shower door handle can be easily operated even when wet and slippery with soap as your hand will not slide over the surface like can happen with a traditional knob.

Replacing your patio doorknobs with door handles is another location where moisture can cause difficulty with round knobs but can be remedied by an easily grasped patio door handle. Handles work well on your garage door as well. You will want to install a heavier duty garage door handle as most people will then lift with the handle after turning it rather than lifting with the provided "U" grip. This same operational habit can make it more practical to replace knobs with handles on your sliding glass doors as well.

Recreational Vehicles and mobile homes are another location where the use of door handles tends to perform better than traditional knobs. With their lighter weight construction, handles will provide a secure grip without putting undue stress on the door jam. They also work well on the screen doors of these vehicle/homes and can be snuggled down closer to the door surface for conservation of space.

Door handles sets come with all the hardware you need to switch over from knobs. They are available in many colors and finishes as well as the standard brass and chrome varieties, so coordinating the door handles with the rest of your decor is easy. Door handles are made with the feature of being adjustable to either left or right handed operation and can be obtained with key locks in the shaft for external door security or plain for ease of use in interior rooms where the use of a lock is unnecessary.

Modern door handles are usually made with heavy-duty materials to prevent breaking from misuse. There is still the need to watch out for some handle manufacturers who use cast iron or "pot" metal to make cheaper door handles as these are prone to breakage. The most common door handle you will need to replace because of this is in your lower priced storm door and aluminum storm door screens. If your door handles do break, they are easily replaced, usually with no more than a screwdriver.