Surface-mounted with screws or through-bolts
ANSI/BHMA A156.6 · ADA 404.2.7
Maryland, DC & Northern Virginia
Push and pull plates are flat metal panels mounted on non-latching commercial doors. The push plate goes on the push side. The pull plate, paired with a handle, goes on the pull side. Together they tell people which way the door opens. They also take the daily wear from hands, carts and bags, so the door face stays clean. Most plates are made of stainless steel, brass or bronze. They work with a door closer, since there is no latch to hold the door shut.
Plates take the scuffs, fingerprints and dents from traffic, so wood and painted doors last longer.
A flat plate means push and a handle means pull, so visitors never guess which way.
Smooth stainless steel wipes down fast and handles hospital-grade cleaners, a must for clinics and kitchens.
King Locksmith and Doors Inc. is a commercial locksmith and door company serving Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. We work with small businesses, government agencies, hospitals, hotels and large facilities. Our technicians install, repair and replace commercial door hardware, from push and pull plates to closers and locks. We match finishes, check ADA heights and fix the door behind the plate. You get one team for the whole door opening, not just the plate.
The right plate depends on the door, the daily traffic and the people using it. Use these five simple checks to pick the size, material, handle and mounting that fit your building and pass inspection.
Most push plates come in 4 x 16, 6 x 16 or 8 x 16 inch sizes. Narrow stile doors, such as glass storefronts, often need a slim 3.5 x 15 inch plate that stays clear of the glass.
Measure the flat area where the plate will sit. Leave a small margin on each side so it clears the frame and any glass. A plate that fits well looks clean and stays flat for years.
Satin stainless steel, finish 630 or US32D, is the most common choice. It resists rust, hides fingerprints well and holds up in schools, offices and stores. Brass and bronze suit hotels and older buildings.
For hospitals and clinics, ask about antimicrobial coatings or copper alloy plates. Match the plate finish to the closer, hinges and lock so the whole door looks like one set. Plates 0.050 inch thick or heavier stand up best to carts.
A pull plate comes with a handle. Straight pulls are the most common. Offset pulls bend away from the door to protect knuckles. Round or square bar stock, about 1 inch thick, gives a firm grip.
Handle length is measured center to center. Eight and 10 inch pulls fit most doors. Through-bolted pulls stay tight longer than screw-on pulls on busy doors. Leave at least 1.5 inches behind the grip so gloved hands fit easily.
The 2010 ADA Standards set door hardware between 34 and 48 inches above the floor. Pulls must work with one hand, without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. We measure and check both before drilling a hole.
Push and pull plates are built for non-latching doors. Fire-rated doors need a positive latch, so a plate alone will fail inspection there. In that case, pair the pull with a latching lock or exit device.
Plates mount with countersunk screws, double-sided tape or through-bolts. Screws suit most solid doors. Tape works on hollow metal doors where screws can strip. Through-bolts hold heavy pulls tight on busy doors. Each method needs a clean, flat surface first.
Clean stainless plates with mild soap and a soft cloth, wiping with the grain. Skip steel wool and bleach. Check screws and bolts twice a year and tighten anything loose before it strips the door.
Lever handle sets latch the door, while push and pull plates let it swing free. For busy, non-rated doors, here is how plates compare on the points that matter most.
Consideration
Push & Pull Plates
Lever Handle Sets
Hands-free push keeps crowds moving fast
Turning a lever slows every single pass
No moving parts to wear out
Springs and latches wear out with use
Push with a forearm, no hand contact
Every user must grip the same lever
Only needs a wipe and tightening
Needs regular latch and spring adjustments
Low parts cost and quick install
Higher price plus lock cylinder and keying
Push and pull plates look simple, but heavy daily use takes a toll. These are the problems we see most often on commercial doors across Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia.
We supply and mount new push and pull plates sized, finished and placed to suit each door.
We remove worn, bent or dented plates and fit new ones that cover old screw holes cleanly.
Loose or wobbly pulls get re-bolted, re-anchored or replaced so they stay solid under heavy daily use.
We move plates and pulls to the right height and grip so your doors meet ADA rules.
Non-latching doors rely on the closer, so we adjust closing speed to stop drifting open and slamming.
We swap plates across a whole floor or building in matching finishes, with little downtime for staff.
Tell us about your doors and we will send a free estimate for new plates, repairs or a building upgrade.
