Door Pull Mounting Styles — Thru-Bolt, Back-to-Back, Surface Mount
Most door pulls can be mounted in several ways, each suited to a different application. Whether you're installing a pull on a wood door, metal door, glass shower door, appliance door, cabinet, or custom application — it will use one of the four mounting types below.
Mounting Type 1
Thru-bolt mounting
The door pull is fastened directly to the door with bolts that pass all the way through. The full thickness of the door supports the pull, making this the strongest mounting method.
The tradeoff is that mounting bolts are visible from the opposite side of the door. This can be solved two ways:
Cover with a push plate
A push plate installed on the interior face hides the thru-bolts completely.
Decorative thru-bolt mounting
A decorative screw cover or plate replaces the bolt head on the interior side. Commonly used for single glass shower door pulls.
Mounting Type 2
Back-to-back mounting
Two pulls are positioned opposite each other on either side of the door. A stud or bolt passes through the door and connects both pulls at each mounting point.
Commonly used for glass shower door pulls and entry door pulls.
Note: Not all door pulls can be back-to-back mounted. The pull must be thick enough at the mounting points to accommodate a threaded set screw.
Mounting Type 3
Surface mounting — concealed
Mounting studs are threaded into the door. The pull slides onto the studs and a set screw locks it in place — no bolt head visible on the opposite side.
Advantage
Clean appearance — nothing visible on the opposite side. Only option when there's no room to tighten thru-bolts from the other side.
Disadvantage
Less strong than thru-bolt mounting. Not compatible with all pulls — the pull must be thick enough at mounting points for a set screw.
Mounting Type 4
Surface mounting — non-concealed
The pull is screwed directly to the face of the door with visible screws. Simple to install — but just as easy to remove, so best suited for lightweight applications like gates.
The exposed hardware creates a rustic, handcrafted look. Some of the most beautiful surface-mounted pulls are made by Acorn Manufacturing.
Also helpful:
How to Order Door Hardware Flush Bolts & Surface Bolts How to Choose the Best DeadboltNeed help choosing?
Not sure which mounting style is right for your door? Contact us or call 954-776-5340. Browse our full door pull collection or return to the Help Center.