Glass Door Handles & Pull Handles for Glass Doors (Complete Guide)
Glass door handles are commonly used on commercial entrances, office partitions and shopfront doors where a modern and durable hardware solution is required.
Unlike traditional timber doors, glass doors require specialised handle fixings that securely attach the handle through the glass panel without damaging the door.
Glass door handles are typically installed as pull handles or back-to-back handles, allowing the door to be opened from either side while maintaining a clean and professional appearance. They are widely used in: offices, retail shops, restaurants, commercial buildings, aluminium shopfront doors & internal glass partitions.
Types of Glass Door Handles
Back-to-Back Glass Door Handles
Back-to-back handles are one of the most common options for glass doors.
Two handles are mounted on either side of the glass door and secured together using bolts that pass through the glass panel.
This configuration provides:
a handle on both sides of the door
excellent strength and stability
a clean and symmetrical appearance
Back-to-back handles are commonly used on office entrance doors and commercial glass doors.
Single-Sided Pull Handles
Single-sided pull handles are installed on one side of the door only. These are typically used where the opposite side of the door has:
a push plate
a lock mechanism
a different handle type
They are commonly used in internal glass doors or office partitions.
Pull Handles for Glass Doors
D pull handles are a popular choice for glass doors due to their comfortable grip and simple design.
They are available in a variety of finishes including:
stainless steel
satin stainless steel
polished stainless steel
black finishes
D handles are commonly used on commercial glass doors and aluminium framed doors.
Another common handle type is a straight of offset ‘Guardsman’ style handle like our ASH121 or ASH123. These handles now also hold CDP (circular product declaration) and PCDs ( Product Circular Declaration).
Best Pull Handles for Glass Doors
Standard Glass Door Handle Sizes
Glass door pull handles are available in a wide range of sizes depending on the door type and building design. Here at ASH we can manufacture to any size requirement, from handles that measure 400mm long right up to 2200mm in length for longer pull handles. For more information on recommended handle sizes, visit our pull door handle height guide where you will find information on sizes for standard pull handles and sizes for full length pull handle options.
Larger handles are often used on shopfront and commercial entrance doors where visibility and ease of use are important.
Materials Used for Glass Door Handles
Glass door handles are typically manufactured from durable materials designed for high-traffic environments.
Common materials include:
Stainless Steel
highly durable
corrosion resistant
modern appearance
ideal for commercial use
available in satin stainless, brushed stainless or polished stainless.
Aluminium
lightweight
cost effective
suitable for internal glass doors
Brass
decorative finish
often used in hotels or premium interiors
Stainless steel is the most popular choice due to its strength and low maintenance.
Glass Door Handle Fixings
Glass door handles require specialised fixings designed to work with glass panels.
Most handles are installed using bolt-through fixings, where bolts pass through pre-drilled holes in the glass door.
These fixings typically include:
threaded bolts
protective washers
handle mounting studs
This system ensures the handle is securely fixed while protecting the glass from damage.
Our F2 and F2A are the two fixing options we have for glass door handles.
Glass Door Handles vs Timber Door Handles
Although glass and timber doors may appear similar, the types of handles and fixing methods used for each door material are very different. Choosing the correct handle ensures the door operates safely and that the hardware is properly secured.
Glass Door Handles
Glass doors require specialised hardware because the material cannot be drilled or screwed into in the same way as timber. Most glass doors are manufactured with
pre-drilled holes, allowing handles to be installed using bolt-through fixings.
Common characteristics of glass door handles include:
usually installed as pull handles or back-to-back handles
fixed using bolt-through fixings that pass through the glass
commonly manufactured from stainless steel or aluminium
frequently used on commercial entrances, office partitions and shopfront doors
Glass door handles are designed to distribute pressure evenly across the glass panel while providing a strong and secure fixing.
Timber Door Handles
Timber doors allow a wider variety of handle types because the handle can be screwed directly into the door surface or internal structure.
Common handle types used on timber doors include:
lever handles on backplates or roses
pull handles
door knobs
mortice lock handles
These handles are typically installed using wood screws or bolt-through fixings depending on the door thickness and handle design.
Timber door handles are commonly used in:
residential properties
offices
hotels
internal commercial doors
FAQ for Glass Pull Door Handles
What handles are used on glass doors?
Pull handles and back-to-back handles are the most common handle types used on glass doors because they can be securely fixed through the glass panel.
Can you install handles on glass doors?
Yes, handles can be installed on glass doors using bolt-through fixings that pass through pre-drilled holes in the glass.
What size pull handle should be used on a glass door?
Most glass doors use pull handles between 400mm and 1200mm depending on the door size and application.
What size holes do I need to drill for my handles?
We provide two fixing kit options for handles installed on glass doors, or F2 - for back to back pairs of handles and our F2A for single side fixed handles.
The hole for these to be prepared in the door is 18mm diameter.