The most common and probably the best known fastening system for 45-degree door handles on the market looks like this: a thick screw, which is fastened into the door and gives the impression of sturdiness and compactness. The mount is set on the head of the screw and fastened with a side screw. This system of 45-degree fastening is good and simple but is not the best quality, because the entire load is carried by the side screw which holds the door handle. This means that the mount can move and damage the front door, and that the door handle can loosen.
From a strong belief that their fasteners are better to the shocking “wow” effect they experience when they try our fasteners
At the beginning of last year, we set off to a meeting with a major front door manufacturer. We brought our VPU fastener for 45-degree door handles.
After a conversation with their technologists, we enthusiastically presented the advantages of our VPU fasteners. They listened carefully, but did not hide their doubts that this system could be better than the one they have been using for years. Together we decided to visit the production facility and perform a live test of our fastener, which presented a challenge for us as well.
Upon visual inspection, their technologists, as any other observers would be, were most likely convinced that we are wrong and that they would prove it. Comparing their current system with a sturdy screw and ours, which has a longer fastener body but smaller screw, they did not believe that it truly could be better. But when they mounted it onto the door and fixed the door handle, their amazement was more than obvious.
There was no space between the fastener and the door, no play, and the load of the door handle was no longer applied to the side screw but to the whole fastener. Our seemingly weaker fastener proved to be extremely well-made and strong. Up until then we at Griffing believed we had an excellent fastener, but ever since this test, we know we have the best.
Technologists compared their current system with a sturdy screw and ours, which has a longer fastener body but smaller screw, they did not believe that it truly could be better. But when they mounted it onto the door and fixed the door handle, their amazement was more than obvious.
What is the secret of our fastener?
Knowing the possible damage that can occur when using the standard fastening system on front doors, our engineers and technologists played with some ideas and found a solution. The fact is that other standard fasteners are good enough, but they do not take into account the laws of physics, which have an effect on the stability of a door handle.
When a mount is set on the screw of a standard fastener and we try to move it, some play can be felt, which allows the door handle to wobble. The door handle only stabilises when a side screw is fastened, which is proof that the full force is carried by the side screw.
With VPU fasteners however, the fit of the mount to the fastener is so precise and rigid, that there is practically no play. The load is not on the side screw, but on the contact between the fastener and the door handle. The body of the fastener carries the entire weight of the fastener and the side screw is there only to hold the door handle from slipping off the mount when the door is used. This system is more stable and easier to install.
Consequently, a VPU fastener provides the highest guarantee that the door handle will not loosen and come off. Additionally, because of the fit between the mount and door, and the absence of door handle play, the door will not be damaged.
| Rosette for 45-degree round handles now available
An excellent fastener was upgraded with a premium rosette which will convince even the most hardened sceptics. Premium rosettes elevate the VPU fastener to a new level, since they increase the bearing surface, which means that the force and load are distributed over a larger surface. These rosettes differ from others due to their innovative method of setting and tightening, which can be seen in the video below. |
Comparison between the VPU fastener and other fasteners for 45-degree door handles
| Other fasteners | Griffing VPU fastener | |
| Well secured and suitable for all materials. | YES | YES |
| We make no compromises with non-ferrous metals (which may corrode and cause instability). Instead, we select only the best materials and emphasise the use of stainless steel. |
NO |
YES |
| Stability does NOT depend only on threaded pins. |
NO |
YES |
| Distance between the mounts can be adjusted by 2 mm. |
NO |
YES |
| The fit between the fastener and mount is set within precise tolerance (minimal play). |
NO |
YES |
| Force distribution during door handle use is spread over the entire surface of the mount not only on the head of a load bearing screw. |
NO |
YES |
| Simply adjustable rosette, which increases the stability and minimises mistakes during installation. |
NO |
YES |
Like other fasteners, our VPU fastener is well secured and appropriate for all materials. As mentioned before, the main difference is in the transfer of applied force, since there is a risk of damage to both the front door and the door handle if the entire load is carried by a side screw.
Due to lower production cost, components are often made from non-ferrous metals, which can lead to corrosion and instability. At Griffing, we swear by stainless steel, so our fasteners are made entirely from it. We opt for other materials only in cases when stainless steel does not work with the material of the door (for example, for screwing into a steel frame on the inside of a PVC door, in which case the screw must be galvanised and tempered).
The stability of fasteners mostly depends on the threaded pin (side screw to fix the mount of the door handle to the head of the fastener). When we place the mount of the door handle on a screw, we can move it, because the bearing surface between the mount and the screw is very small, the contact is not rigid and there is play in the joint. In Griffing VPU fastener, the mount fits properly with the body of the fastener, which eliminates any play. The load is carried by the joint between the fastener and the mount, not only by the side screw or pin.
Griffing door handles enable the setting of a 2 mm distance, which means that the door handle can be mounted even if you make a slight mistake when drilling. 🙂
The fit between the VPU fastener and the mount is set within precise tolerance and with minimal play, which can be seen from the moment the mount is set on the fastener. Due to the imprecise fit of other fasteners, stability is only achieved by tightening the side screw.
| At Griffing, we approach progress through engineering. We do not wish to offer products that will merely “hold things up”, so the engineering criteria are an obligatory part of our entire process. Our knowledge is based on 45 years of experience in metalworking for the automotive industry and mechanical engineering, where criteria are set very high. Good practices from these industries are applied to our door handles and fasteners, which makes us stand out on the market. Our main guideline is quality, price comes second. |
Galvanised tempered screw for PVC doors is included
At Griffing, we swear by stainless steel, because it is structurally more robust and generally a better choice of material. However, since the steel frame within PVC doors is very hard, the thread of a stainless steel screw can become stripped. We have found that a galvanised tempered screw is the best solution, and so include one when shipping the fastener.
The steel frame within PVC doors is very hard, and he thread of a stainless steel screw can become stripped. That’s why is a galvanised tempered screw the best solution for this type.
However, stainless steel screws are a better choice for aluminium doors because they do not create a galvanic cell, which would lead to aluminium oxidation. This way everyone can choose the best screw for their type of door.
Stainless steel screw is a better choice for aluminium front doors.
Order a sample fastener and test it
Just as the stability of a house depends on its foundation, the stability of a door handle depends on its fastener. Despite the fact that other fasteners are good and simple, they do not take into account some basic physics. With standard fasteners the overall force is applied only to the side screw, which tends to loosen as a result of repeated loading, whereas the load on Griffing VPU 45-degree fasteners is distributed across the entire contact between the fastener and mount. Since the fit between the door handle and fastener is within precise tolerance, the mount does not wiggle and cannot damage the door. The door handle is sturdy and stable and can hold for many years.
We invite you to experience the quality of our Griffing VPU fastener first hand. Until now, every customer has loved it. Send us an email to sales@griffing.si or call at +386 51 22 07 25.
