Pull Handle hole distance refers to the measurement between the centres of the mounting points prepared in the door. It is commonly described as centre-to-centre distance, fixing centres, or CTC. This dimension controls whether the handle aligns with the drilled holes, making it one of the most important measurements for glass, timber, aluminium, and metal door installations.

Centre Distance Is Not Overall Length

Overall length measures the handle from one outer end to the other. Centre distance measures only the space between the centres of the fixing points.

For a straight handle with equal extensions above and below the mounting points, the relationship can be expressed as:

Overall length = centre distance + upper extension + lower extension

A handle may therefore have an overall length of 600 mm while using a 400 mm centre distance. Ordering by overall length alone can result in a handle that does not fit the prepared door.

Why Hole Spacing Must Be Exact

Small errors in pull handle hole spacing can prevent bolts from passing through the door correctly. Installers may be able to modify some timber or metal doors, but incorrect adjustment can damage the surface or weaken the fixing area.

Tempered glass creates a stricter requirement. Drilling and edge processing must be completed before tempering, and the finished panel cannot normally be redrilled. The approved hardware drawing should therefore reach the glass processor before panel production begins.

How to Measure Existing Holes

Remove the old handle carefully and expose the centres of both mounting holes. Measure from the centre of the first hole to the centre of the second hole rather than from their outer edges.

When the holes are large, measure from the same edge of one hole to the same edge of the other. This produces the centre distance when both holes have the same diameter. Record the hole diameter separately because the new bolts, sleeves, and gaskets must also fit.

The measurement process should cover:

1. Centre-to-centre fixing distance

2. Diameter of each prepared hole

3. Door material and thickness

4. Position of the holes from the door edge

5. Handle orientation

6. Available clearance around the grip

7. Number and arrangement of mounting points

Photographs and a marked drawing reduce the risk of misunderstanding.

Standard and Custom Dimensions

Standardized fixing centres can simplify purchasing and replacement, but there is no single dimension for every pull handle. Short Cabinet Pulls, shower handles, entrance handles, and full-height door pulls all require different proportions.

Custom centre distances may be necessary when matching existing holes, following an architectural drawing, or aligning hardware with door features. Buyers should confirm whether customization affects tooling, minimum order quantity, sample time, or production lead time.

More Than Two Fixing Points

Most short and medium pull handles use two mounting points. long handles may require additional supports to control movement and distribute the pulling force.

For three or more fixing points, every distance should be dimensioned from one common reference point. Listing only separate gaps can allow accumulated measurement errors. A full technical drawing should indicate overall length, each mounting centre, projection, bar dimensions, and connection details.

Door Thickness Changes the Fixing Set

Centre distance may remain the same across several doors, but the connecting bolts cannot always remain unchanged. Thicker doors require longer bolts or threaded rods, while glass installations need suitable sleeves and protective gaskets.

Back-to-back handles connect through the door to a second handle. Single-sided models may use concealed fixings, through-bolts, or rear mounting plates. The handle center distance guide must therefore be reviewed together with the actual fixing method.

Confirm Dimensions Before Production

The safest approval method is a dimensioned drawing followed by a physical sample. Install the sample on an actual door or accurate test panel and check alignment, grip clearance, stability, finish, and compatibility with nearby locks.

YAKO manufactures pull handles in different profiles, lengths, fixing structures, and surface treatments. Our team can review existing hole measurements or new door drawings and prepare a dimensional proposal. Submit the required centre distance, overall length, door thickness, material, finish, and quantity to discuss production with a custom size handle factory.