Every now and then I need a handle for a project. I usually go for plain black plastic handles, but there are times when I was something a little more comfortable to use. I’m not talking about handles for kitchen cabinets or drawers, but for DIY projects. I’m talking about the types of handles often used in industrial applications and production lines.
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When building the testing fixture for my OMT blade comparison project, I used two handles – a plain black handle at the rear of the sled, and a yellow Davies comfort grip handle (model number 4570BY) on the pivoting stop bar.
Once I installed the handle and started using it, I realized that I have a few things around the workshop that came with similar handles. A camera accessory and my dust collector both have Davies handles.
These handles have two 1/4″ holes that are spaced about 4-3/4″ apart. The total handle width is 5-3/4″. It’s overmolded with a soft cushiony plastic on both sides of the handle grip.
Davies Molding makes these handles in a couple of colors – black with black, orange, gray, red, and yellow. They’re available for $7-8 each. I purchased mine from Allied Electronic, but there are a bunch of other vendors. Large quantities for final product use can probably be purchased directly from Davies.
I’m not sure how much weight these handles can support, but I have a small portable dust collector, weighing 32 pounds, that was factory-built with one of these handles, and it seems to be in good shape.
I sometimes over-think about the components I select and use for my various projects, but even the smallest thing can sometimes make a difference. I’ve been working out the design for a custom wooden toolbox, and when I’m ready to tackle the project, I will likely order a couple of these handles for the drawers. They’re a little over-built to be used as drawer pulls, but if I change my mind there are a few plans for portable tool and accessory totes on the drawing board.
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Buy Now(PDF catalog page via Allied Electronics)
More Info(via Davies Molding)
If you’re wondering why I posted about something as unusual as overmolded plastic handles, it’s because nobody else does. If you’d like to see more discussions about random DIY project components, let me know. Ordinarily I keep thoughts about things like this to myself, but if you’re interested in hearing about them, that could change.
Jim Felt
More is good. Too much information in this arena is an oxymoron.
And congrats on the new Ben. I’m sure the great reviews will follow.
10-4
Kent
I had no idea these existed, and I think they make a fine addition to the site. Love this kind of stuff.
mike
This sure would be handy on some things in the garage. Thanks Stu.
fred
Nice addition.
For years I’ve added handle (metal) to the top (back side ) of larger wooden-handled wire brushes. The handle gives you an extra place to grip the brush – providing more leverage for cleaning jobs. Depending on the width of the wooden handle – a screen-door pull might be as large as can be accommodated – or the brush handle may be wide enough to use something like this.
Rockler’s # 30876 handle is also an option for some jigs.