Entry Door Pulls

Choosing an Entry Door Pull

Entry door pulls are fixed handles used to open doors by pushing or pulling rather than operating a latch through the handle itself. They are common on commercial entrance doors, storefronts, gates, decorative residential doors, and other openings where the locking or latching hardware is separate. The assortment includes straight pulls, offset pulls, pulls with rosettes, and back-to-back sets mounted on opposite sides of the same door.

Center-to-center spacing is the distance between the centers of the mounting points and is one of the most important replacement measurements. Overall length can be longer than the center-to-center dimension because the pull may extend beyond the mounting posts. Compare both measurements when replacing existing hardware or selecting a pull for a narrow door stile.

Projection and grip shape affect clearance and hand feel. Straight pulls generally keep the grip parallel with the door face, while offset designs move the gripping area away from the mounting line. Check nearby door frames, glass, trim, locking hardware, and adjacent pulls to make sure the selected projection and offset provide adequate clearance.

Mounting methods vary. Some pulls use through bolts, some are prepared for back-to-back installation, and others use concealed or product-specific fasteners. Confirm the door thickness, material, mounting-hole size, and whether the hardware includes one pull or a matched pair. Glass, aluminum, hollow-metal, wood, and other door constructions can require different preparation and fasteners.

Finish and style can be selected after the mounting requirements are known. For commercial or regulated openings, also confirm that the pull location and projection are compatible with the door's required operation, accessibility, exit hardware, and other installed components. Use the exact product dimensions and installation instructions before drilling the door.