Hebelgriff

Hebelgriff, or lever handle, is a type of door hardware designed around a horizontally oriented lever that operates a door latch. When the lever is pressed downward, a spindle inside the handle turns the latch bolt, allowing the door to open. Lever handles are commonly used on interior doors and many exterior doors and are favored for being easy to operate with a closed fist or while carrying objects. They also provide a more ergonomic action for people with limited hand strength compared to knob-type handles.

Design and variants: Hebelgriffe come in many shapes, such as straight, curved, or offset levers, and are often paired with a matching escutcheon plate or rosette. They are typically made of metal alloys such as stainless steel, zinc, or brass, with finishes including chrome, satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or powder coating. Locking options vary from passage (unlocked) to privacy (bathroom/bedroom) and key-operated variants for external doors. Some lever handles are designed for panic bars or door closers in commercial buildings and must meet local safety codes.

Installation and standards: Installation requires appropriate bore holes and alignment with the latch mechanism in the door edge, and correct mounting on the door and frame. In many jurisdictions, lever handles used on public or accessible doors are favored for usability and may be required by accessibility codes, such as easier operation for users with reduced hand strength. The lever design reduces the force needed to operate a door, which can improve traffic flow in busy spaces.

See also: Türdrücker, Türgriff.