Aluminium sliding door handles are touched every time the door moves, so they need to be comfortable, tough and right for the way the door slides. The handle on a sliding door is also where the lock sits. This guide explains the aluminium sliding door handles on each Coetz™ sliding range, the stainless steel pull handle options, flush pulls for doors whose panels pass each other, and how to look after them.
In this guide
Handles by range
| Range | Included | Optional |
|---|---|---|
| Patio | Powder-coated handle kit, for 2 panel and 4 panel doors | – |
| StormSeal | 25 mm hook lock; handle ordered separately | D-crank handle recommended; flush pull recommended on 4 panel (OXXO) doors |
| Elite | Hook lock; handle ordered separately | D-crank handle recommended; other stainless steel pull handles |
| Premier, Premier Multi and Horizon | Stainless steel flush pull and escutcheon, with the hook lock | Stainless steel pull handles on Premier |
The hook lock is included on every range, but on Elite and StormSeal doors the handle is ordered separately, so add one to your order; see aluminium sliding door lock.
Stainless steel pull handle styles
For upgraded aluminium sliding door handles, Elite, StormSeal and Premier sliding doors can take optional stainless steel pull handles:
- Straight (T-mitre): a bar on two mitred legs, in several lengths.
- D-mitre: a compact D-shaped handle with mitred corners.
- D-crank: a D-shaped handle with cranked ends.
A long straight bar suits a tall door and gives everyone something to hold at a comfortable height. The longest straight handle is made for pivot and swing doors only; see aluminium pivot door handles.
Flush pulls
A flush pull is recessed into the panel instead of standing off it. On a 4 panel StormSeal door, where two sliding panels pass in front of fixed ones, the manufacturer recommends a flush pull so the handle does not catch when the panels slide past each other. Folding doors use flush pulls for the same reason; see aluminium bifold door configurations.
Choosing aluminium sliding door handles
Use these steps to choose aluminium sliding door handles:
- Check what comes with the door. Patio, Premier and Horizon doors come with handles; on Elite and StormSeal, add a handle to the order.
- Choose a pull handle if you want a bolder look or an easier grip on a heavy panel.
- Match the finish. Stainless steel suits Black, Charcoal and Natural Anodised frames especially well.
- Think about who uses it. A longer bar is easier for children and wheelchair users.
- Order with the door, so fixing holes are made in the right place.
Pricing
Optional pull handles are priced by style and size; ask for a price when you order. For door prices, see aluminium sliding door sizes.
Looking after sliding door handles
- Wipe aluminium sliding door handles with mild soap and water.
- Avoid chlorine cleaners and abrasive pads on stainless steel, especially at the coast.
- Check fixings once a year and tighten gently.
- Keep the track clean, so the panel slides easily and nobody has to yank the handle. See aluminium sliding door rollers.
A handle that has to be pulled hard is usually a sign of a dirty track or worn rollers, not a handle problem.
Handles inside and out
A sliding door is used from both sides, so think about both faces. Inside, a comfortable grip matters most; outside, a handle that is easy to find in the dark and does not catch on clothing. On a busy patio door, a longer pull handle spreads wear and makes the panel easier to start moving. Aluminium sliding door handles should never be used to lift or force a panel; if a panel sticks, check the rollers.
Replacement handles
Handles and lock sets are fixed to the panel and can be replaced without replacing the door. Send us a photo of the handle, the door range and the frame colour, and we will help identify the replacement.
Ordering
Coetz™ supplies aluminium sliding doors with the lock fitted and the handles included or ordered for each range; your builder or installer fits the door. We deliver across South Africa, or you can collect free from Laser Park. Glazed doors must meet SANS 10400-N, published by the South African Bureau of Standards. See aluminium sliding doors.
Aluminium sliding door handles: frequently asked questions
Do aluminium sliding doors come with handles?
Patio doors come with a handle kit and Premier and Horizon doors with a flush pull; on Elite and StormSeal doors the handle is ordered separately.
Can I get a stainless steel pull handle?
Yes, on Elite, StormSeal and Premier sliding doors, as an option.
What is a flush pull?
A handle recessed into the panel, recommended on 4 panel StormSeal doors so panels slide past each other freely.
Why is my sliding door hard to pull?
Usually grit in the track or worn rollers, not the handle.
Can I replace a sliding door handle?
Yes. Send us a photo and the door range to identify the replacement.
Coetz™, Unit 2, 84 Ridge Road, Laser Park, Johannesburg. Call 010 412 0062, WhatsApp 076 613 4418 or use our contact page.
Handles on hinged, pivot and folding doors: see aluminium door handles.
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