A lever handle is a device consisting of a beam or rigid rod pivoted at a fixed hinge or fulcrum.
The handle transfers a force to a load, eliciting a mechanical advantage. In addition, the levers enable efficient tightening and loosening of screws by turning the handle.
There can be many applications of a lever handle in various industries, from packaging to office equipment.
A lever handle is a rigid body capable of rotating around a point on itself.
Lever handles are segregated based on the locations of fulcrum, load, and effort.
Typically, you will find lever handles of the following types:
- flat lever handles
- levers with spherical knobs
- clamping nuts with double levers
- ratchet spanners
- split hubs
Therefore, you should ensure the purchase of lever handles based on your requirements. And ensure good quality to fit your applications.
Again, the material of the lever handle is something to look out for before purchasing. Ensure you choose the correct material for the handle to suit your applications. For example, cast iron is an ideal choice for heavy applications. And they also come in super-technopolymer with stainless steel inserts, allowing secure and quick clamping.
Moreover, you will find lever handles with an adjustment system and a unique ring. Such handles help adjust the tightening force to lock it in the desired position.
Here are the effective ways to choose the right lever handles for your business:
Straight Versus Offset
While some lever handles are straight, others are offset. Understandably, straight lever arms have a straight handle. And offset lever handles bear a crooked or offset handle.
If you have smaller spaces, you can use the offset lever handle.
Number of Handles
Next, you should look at the number of handles when choosing a lever handle. Not all lever handles come with a single handle–some have more than one handle. For example, a lever handle can have two, three, or four handles.
You can use multi-handle lever arms for applications requiring more torque. Such a feature helps you grip and turn multiple handles to generate more torque.
Resistance to Chemicals
Your lever handles might get exposed to chemicals while using them with machines. So, you should assess their chemical resistance to figure out whether the lever handles can work well in your business environment. However, most lever handles are resistant to chemicals, so they can resist oil, grease, solvents, and other chemicals without degrading.
Material
Although, we have said a bit about choosing the right materials, as different lever arms are made of different materials. Steel is one of the most popular materials, apart from cast iron, which is heavier than steel and is more prone to corrosion. And there are lever handles made of glass-reinforced technopolymer.
Support for Angle Limit Stop Pin
You might have an application that calls for a lever handle supporting an angle limit stop, a pin limiting the degree to which you can turn a lever arm. You can turn the lever arm in a limited degree of rotation with the help of an angle limit stop pin.
Removable Cap
Check whether the lever handle comes with a removable cap, which covers the handle or handles. When the lever handle gets dirty, you can pull off the removable caps to clean it.
Conclusion
Ensure that you do not purchase lever handles in haste. Instead, you should spend some time examining your prospective lever handles vis-a-vis your business requirements. And we believe this article will help you choose the right lever handles for your business. Moreover, you should ensure that you choose the right supplier as that plays a great role in ensuring quality.