A Buyer's Guide to Dortrend Pull Handles: Bolt-Through vs. Front-Fix
When choosing door hardware for a commercial office, a public building, or a busy residential space, pull handles are often the most heavily used components. Because they endure constant physical pulling, pushing, and tugging, selecting the right handle requires looking beyond simple aesthetics.
UK manufacturer Dortrend, based in Worcester, has been producing high-quality architectural ironmongery for over 50 years. Known for their durable, practical, and expertly finished hardware, Dortrend offers a versatile range of aluminium pull handles.
In this buying guide, we will break down the two most important decisions you need to make when selecting a pull handle: fixing methods (bolt-through vs. front-fix) and handle shapes (straight vs. cranked).
1. Choosing the Right Fixing Method
How a pull handle is secured to the door determines its lifespan and suitability for high-traffic environments. Dortrend handles generally come in two main fixing configurations:
Bolt-Through (Bolt-Fix) Handles
Bolt-through fixing is the gold standard for commercial and high-traffic doors. With this method, bolts are passed completely through the door from the opposite side and screw directly into the back of the handle (or into the roses supporting the handle).
- Why choose it? It is incredibly secure. Because the handle is anchored through the entire thickness of the door, it is virtually impossible to pull off, even under heavy, repetitive use.
- Best for: Main entrance doors, busy office corridors, school doors, and heavy timber or metal doors.
Dortrend offers two excellent bolt-through options in their 20mm diameter range, both finished in a professional satin anodised aluminium (SAA):
- Dortrend 20RBT2: A clean, minimalist, straight cylindrical bar handle that fixes directly through the door for a sleek, modern look.
- Dortrend 20RCR2: A premium variation of the straight handle that features elegant round roses at the fixing points, helping to distribute the pulling force and cover any rough drill holes.
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Front-Fix (Face-Fix) Handles
Front-fix handles are screwed directly into the face of the door from the front. The screws do not pass all the way through to the other side.
- Why choose it? Installation is incredibly quick and simple. You do not need to drill through the entire door, making it ideal for retrofitting or when you only want a handle on one side of the door without any visible fixings on the reverse.
- Best for: Lighter internal doors, cupboards, store rooms, or gates where traffic is light to moderate.
2. Straight vs. Cranked (Offset) Designs
Once you have decided on the fixing method, the next step is choosing the shape of the handle bar. While straight handles are the classic choice, cranked (offset) handles offer a highly practical alternative.
What is a Cranked Pull Handle?
On a cranked pull handle, the main grip bar is offset from the fixing points. Instead of sitting directly over the screws, the handle curves or angles away to one side.
Why Choose a Cranked Handle?
- Knuckle Clearance: If a pull handle is installed close to the frame of a door (especially on narrow-stile doors or doors with narrow frames), a straight handle can leave very little room for your hand. A cranked handle offsets the grip, preventing users from scraping their knuckles against the door frame or adjacent locks.
- Ease of Access: The offset design makes it easier to grab the handle from an angle, which is particularly helpful for accessible entrances.
Dortrend’s front-fix cranked handles are cast from high-quality aluminium, offering a robust grip and comfortable hand clearance:
- Dortrend 591SA: A highly durable, budget-friendly front-fix cranked handle suitable for both domestic and commercial applications.
- Dortrend 5151: A premium cast aluminium cranked handle designed for maximum comfort and reliable performance in high-use environments.
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Why Aluminium and Satin Anodised Finishes Matter
All the Dortrend pull handles highlighted in this guide are manufactured from high-grade aluminium and finished with a Satin Anodised Aluminium (SAA) coating.
SAA is highly favoured in architectural ironmongery for several key reasons:
- Corrosion Resistance: The anodising process creates a protective oxide layer that prevents the aluminium from rusting or pitting, making these handles suitable for humid environments (like cloakrooms) or external doors.
- Low Maintenance: SAA surfaces do not show fingerprints as easily as polished finishes and can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.
- Modern Aesthetic: The soft, matte silver finish offers a contemporary look that seamlessly blends with modern office interiors and residential decors alike.
Summary: Which Dortrend Handle is Right for You?
- For heavy-duty commercial doors where strength is the top priority, choose the Dortrend 20RBT2 or the rose-mounted 20RCR2 bolt-fix handles.
- For quick installations, lighter doors, or cupboards, opt for a front-fix model.
- If your door has a narrow frame or you want to ensure maximum hand clearance, the cranked Dortrend 591SA or 5151 handles are the perfect solution.
Explore our full range of pull handles to find the perfect architectural hardware for your next project.
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