Lever Returns: What are they, and why are they important?

Levers or as many refer to them, door handles, are an integral component of a door’s locking mechanism. These elongated, and often horizontal handles keep the door locked until you turn it which releases the latch bolt allowing you to open the door. You can choose between levers with returns or those without. The ideal choice depends on your area’s building code standard or just your personal preference. To enhance your safety and prevent avoidable incidents, consider installing levers with returns on your doors.

What are lever returns?

Lever returns are a door handle design that ensures a lever is curved within half an inch (1/2”) or 13mm of the door face.

Most people assume that a lever with a return aims to prevent fire hoses from getting stuck during fire incidents. While an added benefit to the lever return, the original design was created to prevent clothing, sleeves, handbags, jewelry, and other accessories from getting caught when opening and closing the door.

Lever returns also make buildings accessible for people living with various mobility disabilities. They are more accessible for disabled persons to operate than levers that do not have returns.

Some jurisdictions have building codes that make lever returns mandatory. Property owners must install levers with returns to comply with these regulations.

Types of lever returns?

While ASSA ABLOY ACCENTRA^™ offers a variety of different door lever styles and finish options, some of the most popular ASSA ABLOY ACCENTRA levers with returns are:

• UB – The UB lever measures 70mm by 129mm, and has a square/rectangular shape. The handle is available in thirteen different finishes, ranging from clear-coated bright brass to stainless steel.
• TQ – The TQ lever with a return is smaller than the UB lever, measuring 63.5mm by 126mm. The lever is available in various popular finishes such as satin brass, black suede, bright chrome, and bright bronze, among many others.
• TR – The TR lever has a curved return, and it measures 63mm by 140mm. This door handle is available in various finishes for added aesthetics and is ADA compliant.
• RT – The RT lever is a reflections® door handle from the Hudson series. The lever has a return, and it measures 73.92mm by 144.46mm. It is available in over 13 different finishes to meet your aesthetic needs.
• UW – The UW lever is a decorative door handle with a return. The lever measures 75mm by 133mm and is available in various styles and finishes. You can mix and match your preferred coats to suit your desired finish.

Why are lever returns important?

1. Improved Safety

The primary objective of installing levers with a return is safety. Door handles that have returns prevent clothes, sleeves, handbags, jewelry, and other accessories from getting caught by the lever when opening or closing the door.

1. Enhanced Accessibility

Levers with returns are more accessible for disabled persons and people with mobility issues to operate. The curved design makes them easy to handle for improved accessibility. Some countries have specific disability laws that require all levers in public buildings to have returns.

1. Added Aesthetics

Levers or door handles with returns come in various styles and finishes for added aesthetics. They complement the design of the door and improve the room’s elegance. You can mix and match different colors and coatings to suit your preferences.

1. Legal Compliance

Many building codes in different states require all levers to have returns. Installing lever returns helps property owners to comply with these standards.

Get top-quality lever returns from ASSA ABLOY ACCENTRA

ASSA ABLOY ACCENTRA offers a variety of levers with and without returns that meet your local jurisdiction’s building code standards and your safety needs without compromising your desire for pleasing aesthetics.

We have a variety of levers and door handles with returns. Our levers with returns are made from quality materials for improved durability and are available in different sizes, designs, and finishes for added aesthetics.

Contact ASSA ABLOY ACCENTRA today to get the conversation started.