OBJECT HARDWARE – how to address door opening in public spaces?

In the completion of public buildings, attention must also be paid to the details that we believe we can save on. However, this usually backfires - one common example is the improperly chosen hardware, such as door handles or pulls. If we do not choose a solution that is designed for heavy use (i.e., high visitor frequency and possible rough handling), we can expect problems in the future. However, these can be safely avoided.

Door hardware is usually addressed only during the implementation of the project, and under budget constraints, the main selection criterion is often only price. The materials used and the internal mechanism of the hardware often do not meet the increased functional demands that we expect for public buildings. As a result, standard hardware often does not withstand long-term use and needs to be claimed or replaced with more suitable new ones.


The requirements for building hardware are based on the definition of object classes according to ČSN EN 1906. Standards obviously represent a compromise that sets minimum requirements and properties. Long-term experience confirms that for public buildings (from schools to hotels to public administration buildings), the commonly used object class 3 is insufficient; only door hardware corresponding to object class 4 is suitable and cost-effective.

What is the right solution? Durable bearing hardware

The optimal solution is to use building hardware with an internal bearing mechanism, PullBloc ®. This technology is designed for long-term heavy and rough loads, so bearing handles can be used not only in offices, hotels, or government offices, but also in sports stadiums or even in restaurant restrooms.

How does bearing hardware actually work?

"The mechanism of Cobra PullBloc ® hardware contains a ball bearing made of hardened steel, which ensures smooth and quiet handle movement even after 1,000,000 actuations – which, by the way, is also the number of cycles on which every hardware is tested," explains Jan Nečas, product specialist at Cobra (www.matekliku.cz), the largest Czech supplier of door hardware. "The housing made of hardened plastic forms a unit with the square and the handle. The common rotation of this unit prevents friction at the handle's neck, which increases the lifespan of the entire system," adds Jan Nečas.

The Cobra PullBloc ® handle mechanism additionally features a metal ring that connects and reinforces the entire internal structure – ensuring the necessary stability and problem-free attachment to the doors. Press-fit threads with a length of 30 mm (along with standard screws) allow for use with variable door thicknesses from 35 to 50 mm, making the handle very stable.

What are the main advantages of Cobra PullBloc ® bearing hardware?

• They meet object class 4, the materials used and the technology can therefore withstand long-term heavy loads (tested at 1,000,000 opening cycles)
• The plastic housing, square, and handle form a single unit that rotates together - reducing friction and significantly extending the lifespan of the entire system
• Thanks to a uniform mounting system through the entire door thickness, they guarantee a firm and long-term stable installation.
• Four protrusions on the plastic rose prevent rotation, and the plastic used is solid yet flexible, thereby holding well on any door surface.
• The rose does not require additional lubrication, Cobra hardware is practically maintenance-free.
• PullBloc ® has been used for a long time in Germany and Austria, where experiences with it are really good. All bearing handles are certified according to DIN, EN, and O-Norm standards.

What bearing hardware options do we have?

In object class 4, we can choose between three design variants - Loft, Vision, and Ufo. All contain the same bearing mechanism, and the handles are made of scratch-resistant "304" stainless steel.
Jan Nečas from Cobra adds: "For building hardware, more than anywhere else applies: we can consider different designs or colors, but let’s not make unnecessary compromises in quality."
More information about object bearing hardware can be found at www.matekliku.cz