The Essentials Guide: Cabinet Building With Access Hardware

Your cabinets will need handles, hinges, latches, and perhaps locks or catches, depending on where the cabinets will be housed. The question is, which components are best for you? We’ve put together this cabinet guide to help you decide on the access hardware that best suits the needs of your end user. We’ll cover:

Three Critical Features to Look For in Access Hardware
Types of Access Hardware for Cabinets
Which Materials Should You Choose for Your Access Hardware?

Three Critical Features to Look For in Access Hardware

Well-designed hinges, handles, locks and latches tend to share important features that ensure your cabinet works as intended. Depending on the cabinet, not all will need the same features. Still, keep these points in mind as you consider your cabinet hardware: 

1. Functionality

Access hardware should ensure that cabinet doors open and close smoothly, making it effortless for users to access the contents. Whether we’re talking about hinges or handles, cabinet access should be efficient. In industrial or commercial environments, for instance, smooth-functioning access hardware can save your end users valuable time.

2. Security

Access hardware components play a crucial role in safeguarding the cabinet and its contents, thwarting unauthorised access, and preserving the security of valuable items or confidential information stored inside. Cabinet building doesn’t always need to consider security, but when it does, pay attention to the features of your hardware. An outdoor server cabinet, for instance, will require that you think about a cabinet locking system. 

3. Durability

High-quality access hardware is engineered to endure frequent usage, delivering extended performance. These hardware components are made from resilient materials capable of withstanding the weight and demands placed on cabinet doors. Durable access hardware is designed to withstand wear and tear, which extends the lifespan of cabinets and doors. Durable components ensure that hardware doesn't fail prematurely.

Browse our handles, hinges, locks & latches

Types of access hardware that cabinets need

The solutions you choose can help deliver cabinet security, controlled access, productive operation and a reduction in unnecessary repair costs. If you’re designing IP- or NEMA-rated outdoor enclosures, then your access hardware should carry the same rating. 

You can learn more in our guide, What are NEMA and IP ratings?

Our range of quality access hardware that you should consider includes the cabinet components below. You can also download free CADs for any component.

Swing Handles

When security is paramount, you need to know you can trust that your cabinet is fully protected. Use a swing handle gear box with cabinet lock hardware – specifically, a three-point locking system to prevent tampering, keeping your cabinets fully operational. 

Swing handles are user-friendly and easy to operate, providing a simple and ergonomic way to open and close cabinets.

View our range of swing handles

Hinges

Often a full, restricted or controlled range of door motion is required when accessing your cabinet. Hinges allow you to vary this range of motion, no matter the door, frame or mounting area. Using the right hinge for your application can easily drive increased functionality for the end user.

Our experts explain more in our guide, Types of Hinges and Where to Use Them. 

Before choosing a hinge, decide the desired opening angle and range for your cabinet door. You can get hinges that give you 90-degree angles, while others allow for full 180-degree or more rotations. Your choice depends on your cabinet’s specific needs and the space available for door movement. Some hinges are even specific to the cabinet type, such as HVAC units, which our range includes. 

View our range of hinges

Pull handles

Crucial when finishing your cabinet and maintaining quick and seamless functionality. Pull handles can offer flush fitting installation to help users stay efficient and safe in a busy work space. Choose your handles with ergonomics in mind. You want an easy-to-grip pull handle that helps access cabinets comfortably. The size should also be proportionate to the cabinet's dimensions. This will give you sufficient leverage for smooth opening and closing.

View our range of pull handles

Locks

Controlling cabinet access is critical. Cabinets are susceptible to tampering and ingress of dirt or liquids. Using lockable cabinet hardware enables peace of mind for you and your customers. Durable polyamide or corrosion-resistant stainless-steel will also offer your desired IP-rating as well as strength, ensuring security and protection are upheld.

View our range of locks

Catches

When your application is in constant use you often require a secure yet easily accessed door. Maintain ease of access and save time in a busy environment using easy-to-open catches.

View our catches

Which materials should you choose for your access hardware?

When you have material options, the one you choose depends on the most important attributes for your cabinet. Here’s a breakdown of materials used to manufacture access hardware – but keep in mind that materials can be formulated to give you the characteristics you need. For example, nylon is not inherently corrosion resistant, but it’s often formulated to provide this characteristic. 

	Die-cast zinc	Glass-filled nylon	Acetal	Aluminium	Steel	Stainless steel	LDPE	HDPE	Nylon	POM	PS	PP	Zamak
Strength	●	●	●	●	●	●							●
Durability	●	●	●	●	●	●							●
Lightweight		●	●	●			●	●	●	●	●	●
Low friction			●
Corrosion resistance		●				●	●	●					●
Hygienic						●
Chemical resistance		●					●	●	●	●	●	●	●
High-temp resistance		●		●	●	●				●		●	●
Low/easy maintenance						●			●
Security	●				●
Wear resistance					●	●							●

 

Now let’s look at key characteristics of materials for specific access hardware. 

Materials for swing handles

Zinc alloy and 30% glass-filled nylon 6: 

• Strength and durability: Zinc alloy provides high strength and durability, enabling the handle to withstand the mechanical stresses and demands of regular operation, including opening and closing cabinet doors or enclosures without wearing out quickly.
• Lightweight: Glass-filled nylon 6 is a lightweight material. Combining it with Zinc alloy helps maintain a reasonable weight for the swing handle, making it easy to operate and minimise the strain on the hardware or the cabinet door.

Materials for hinges

Acetal: 

• Low friction and smooth operation: Acetal is known for its low coefficient of friction, which means that hinges made from this material provide exceptionally smooth and effortless movement. This property allows doors, lids, or other components attached to the hinges to open and close with ease, reducing the effort required for operation.
• Corrosion Resistance: Highly resistant to moisture and chemicals, making it a suitable choice for hinges used in environments where exposure to water, humidity, or chemical substances is a concern. 
• High strength and durability: Withstands mechanical stresses and repeated use. Hinges made of acetal are robust and capable of enduring frequent opening and closing cycles without wearing out quickly. This durability contributes to the longevity of the hardware and reduces the need for maintenance or replacement.

Read more in our guide, Nylon vs Acetal.

Aluminium: 

• Lightweight: Ideal for hinges involving lightweight doors, cabinets, or enclosures.
• Corrosion resistance: Aluminium forms a natural protective oxide layer on its surface.

Die-cast zinc:

• Strength and endurance: Withstands mechanical stresses and repetitive usage without fast wear and tear.
• Corrosion resistance: Ensures the functionality of these hinges even when subjected to challenging environmental conditions.

Steel:

• Strength and durability: Withstands rigorous usage and demanding conditions without deforming or failing.
• Enhanced security: Sturdy construction makes them suitable for doors.

Stainless steel:

• Corrosion resistance: Exceptional resistance to corrosion, rendering stainless steel hinges ideal for applications exposed to harsh environments, chemicals, or saltwater.
• Hygienic: Non-porous surface is easy to clean, making it suitable for cabinets in food, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.
• Strength and durability: Excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and resistance to wear and abrasion. 

Read more in our guide, Stainless steel vs. aluminium hinges.

Materials for Pull Handles

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene):

• Chemical resistance: Resists a wide range of chemicals, making them suitable for cabinets in laboratories, healthcare facilities, and industries where exposure to chemicals is common.
• Impact absorption: Good shock-absorbing properties, which can help protect both the pull handle and the surface it's mounted on from damage due to impacts.
• Low cost: Affordable material, making LDPE pull handles a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious cabinets.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene):

• Weather resistance: Highly resistant to moisture and environmental elements, making these pull handles ideal for outdoor applications where exposure to rain, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations is a concern.
• Low friction: Exhibits low friction properties, allowing for a smooth and easy grip, reducing the effort needed for opening cabinet doors or lids.

Know the differences in our guide, LDPE vs HDPE.

Nylon:

• High strength: High tensile strength, making these pull handles robust and able to stand up to mechanical stresses.
• Corrosion resistance: Nylon pull handles maintain their functionality in humid or wet environments.
• Low maintenance: Easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance.

Glass-filled nylon

• Exceptional strength: Combines the strength of nylon with the reinforcing properties of glass fibres, resulting in exceptional load-bearing capacity.
• Improved impact resistance: Suitable for cabinets prone to mechanical shocks or rough handling.
• Dimensional stability: Pull handles maintain their shape and size over time, ensuring reliable and consistent performance.

Learn more about the pros and cons of glass-filled nylon.

316 stainless steel

• Corrosion resistance: Outstanding corrosion resistance, especially in aggressive environments where exposure to saltwater, chemicals, or humidity is common. 
• Strength and durability: Robust material with excellent mechanical properties. Makes for long-lasting pull handles, suitable for heavy-duty cabinets.
• Hygienic: Suitable for applications where hygiene is crucial, such as in healthcare facilities, food processing areas, or cleanrooms. 

Learn more in our Guide to Stainless-Steel Grades.

Materials for locks

Stainless steel:

• Corrosion resistance: Locks made from stainless steel can withstand exposure to harsh environmental conditions, including moisture, saltwater, and chemicals.
• High strength and durability: Excellent mechanical properties. Capable of withstanding mechanical stress, tampering attempts, and frequent use.
• Easy maintenance: Easily sanitised and maintained to meet strict cleanliness standards.

Die-cast zinc:

• Strength and durability: Can withstand mechanical stress, impacts, and repeated use without wearing out quickly. 
• Corrosion resistance: Locks able to maintain their functionality in humid or wet environments and resist rust.
• Security: Robust construction enhances security, making them ideal where protection against unauthorised access is crucial.

Materials for catch cases

Polyoxymethylene (POM) – also known as Acetal:

• Mechanical strength: High tensile strength and stiffness. Can  endure significant loads and stress.
• Reduced friction: Low friction coefficient, facilitating smooth and efficient movement of parts like gears and sliding elements within access hardware. 
• Wear resistance: Reduces the likelihood of premature deterioration.

Polystyrene (PS):

• Lightweight: Suitable where minimising weight is essential

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS):

• Impact resilience: Robust impact resistance, making it ideal for access hardware components that may undergo stress.

Our expert guide PVC vs ABS has more on these materials.

Polypropylene (PP):

• Chemical resistance: Resists a range of chemicals, including corrosive substances like acids and bases. 
• Cost-efficiency: Cost-effective material, making it ideal when dealing with large-scale production or budget-sensitive cabinets.

For more in depth information on PP, read Everything you need to know about PP plastic.

Zamak:

• Family of alloys composed primarily of zinc, along with aluminium, magnesium, and copper. 
• Wear and corrosion resistance: Excellent choice for catch cases that need to endure repeated opening and closing. 

If you have any questions about materials and access hardware, please talk to one of our experts, who can advise you on what’s best for your cabinet. 
 

Download free CADs and try before you buy

Download free CADs and request free samples, which are available for most of our solutions. It’s a great way to ensure you’ve chosen exactly what you need. If you’re not quite sure which product will work best, our experts are always happy to advise you.

Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.

Questions?

Email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0345 528 0474.