Back-to-Back Door Handles for Glass Doors: Sizes, Fixings, and Common Mistakes

If you’re shopping for a glass door handle and keep seeing terms like “double sided,” “double-sided set,” or “back-to-back,” you’re not alone. These phrases often get mixed up—yet the difference matters, because glass can’t be “adjusted” like timber or metal once holes are drilled.

This guide explains what back-to-back door handles really are, how to measure your door correctly, which fixings are safest, and the common mistakes that cause poor fitment (or worse—glass damage). Along the way you’ll also see natural buying tips for double sided door pull options, glass door pull styles, and other door handles for frameless glass.

1) what “back-to-back” actually means

Back-to-back door handles (also called a double-sided door handle set) are two pull handles installed on opposite sides of the same glass door, using the same drilled holes and shared through-bolts.

In simple terms:

• Two handles (front + back)
• Aligned directly opposite each other
• Fixed through the glass using the same hole positions

Why people choose back-to-back

Back-to-back glass door pull handles are popular because they:

• Look clean and symmetrical
• Give an equal pull from both sides
• Work well for shower doors, shopfronts, office partitions, display cabinets, and interior glass doors

If you need a pull handle on both sides, a double sided door pull is usually the correct setup—specifically a back-to-back set.

2) Back-to-back vs single-sided vs double-sided sets

2.1 Single-sided (one handle only)

A single-sided setup means:

• One handle on one side only
• The other side may have nothing, a small knob, or a push plate

Common uses

• Display doors where customers pull from one side only
• Interior partitions where one side is “staff-only”
• Push/pull doors where the handle is only required on one face

2.2 Double-sided / back-to-back set

A double-sided set for glass typically means back-to-back door handles:

• Two handles designed to pair together (front + back)
• Through-bolted so the fixings pass through the glass
• Both handles share the same drilled holes

This is the most common “proper” glass door handle solution when you want a pull on both sides.

2.3 “Double-sided” terms that confuse buyers

Here’s where confusion happens: some sellers call any two handles in a box “double-sided,” even if they aren’t designed to mount back-to-back.

Clarification

• Back-to-back = installed on both sides, aligned, sharing the same fixings
• Not every “pair” is truly back-to-back (hole spacing and fixings may not match)

If you want a true double sided door pull for a glass door, make sure the listing states back-to-back and specifies through-bolt fixing.

3) Measurements you must confirm before ordering

Before buying any glass door pull or glass door pull handles, confirm these measurements. Getting them right saves time, returns, and avoids stressing the glass.

3.1 Glass thickness

Typical glass thickness ranges you’ll see:

• 8–10 mm
• 10–12 mm

Why it matters

• Determines the correct bolt/screw length
• Ensures spacers and gaskets fit properly
• Reduces the risk of loosening or cracking over time

3.2 Center-to-center hole spacing (C/C)

C/C spacing is the distance from the center of one hole to the center of the other.

How to measure accurately

• Use a tape measure or ruler
• Measure center-to-center, not edge-to-edge
• If you already have handles installed, measure between the bolt centers

This is one of the most important measurements for door handles on glass—because holes in glass can’t be “nudged” bigger like wood.

3.3 Hole diameter

Hole diameter is the width of each drilled hole.

Important note

Glass holes have limited tolerance. If the hole is too small, the bolt won’t pass through. If it’s too large, the handle may not clamp securely.

3.4 Handle length vs grip length

Many buyers focus on the overall handle length, but grip length is what you actually hold.

• Overall length: end-to-end size
• Grip length: usable space for your hand

A longer glass door handle can look great—but you still want a comfortable grip area that suits the door size and how people use it.

3.5 Offset from the door edge

This is how far the holes sit from the glass edge.

Why it matters

• Drilling too close to the edge increases the risk of cracks
• Proper placement reduces stress, especially on heavy doors

Quick measurement checklist (save this)

• Glass thickness: ___ mm
• Hole diameter: ___ mm
• Hole spacing (C/C): ___ mm
• Offset from edge: ___ mm
• Door use: shower / office / shopfront / cabinet

4) Fixing types for glass doors and which one you need

4.1 Through-bolt fixing (most common for back-to-back)

A through-bolt (also called through-screw) passes through the glass and clamps both handles together.

Pros

• Strongest and most secure fixing
• Clean finish (ideal for modern frameless glass)
• Best for high-traffic doors like shopfronts and offices

If you’re buying back-to-back door handles, through-bolt fixing is usually the standard.

4.2 One-sided fixing with backplate (when drilling isn’t possible)

This method may use a backplate or adhesive solution when you cannot drill.

When it’s used

• Lightweight doors
• Temporary or low-use applications

Cons

• Not as secure as through-bolting
• Performance depends on the plate/adhesive system
• Less ideal for a true double sided door pull on glass

4.3 Spacers, gaskets, and washers (critical for glass safety)

For any glass door handle, gaskets are not optional—they’re protection.

Why gaskets matter

• Prevent metal-to-glass contact
• Reduce vibration and movement
• Help distribute pressure evenly

A proper set should include

• Gaskets (usually rubber/soft material) for each contact point
• Washers/spacers as required by the fixing design
• Correct-length through-bolts for your glass thickness

5) Installation overview

This is a simple overview for installing glass door pull handles safely. If you’re unsure, use a professional installer—glass is unforgiving.

Tools you’ll usually need

• Tape measure
• Allen key / hex key (often included)
• Soft cloth
• Level (optional but helpful)

Step-by-step (general)

1. Confirm measurements and dry-fit the handles
2. Place gaskets/washers (never skip these)
3. Insert the through-bolts through the glass holes
4. Align both handles front and back
5. Tighten evenly, alternating sides
6. Stop when snug—do not overtighten
7. Check final alignment and grip feel

Tip for your product page: Encourage buyers to choose a back-to-back set when they need a pull from both sides, and to send measurements if unsure.

6) Common mistakes

This is the part that saves the most headaches—and it’s exactly where many buyers go wrong with a double sided door pull.

Mistake #1: Wrong hole spacing (C/C)

Result: The handle doesn’t fit. Forcing it can chip or crack the glass.

Mistake #2: Wrong screw length for glass thickness

• Too short: won’t tighten properly
• Too long: can bottom out or create stress points

Mistake #3: Missing gaskets/washers

Metal touching glass can cause chips and cracks over time—even if it seems “fine” on day one.

Mistake #4: Overtightening

Overtightening is one of the fastest ways to create stress in glass. Tighten gradually and evenly.

Mistake #5: Installing too close to the edge

The closer the hole is to the edge, the higher the risk—especially with heavy doors or frequent pulling.

Mistake #6: Mixing handles that aren’t designed as a pair

Not all “pairs” are true back-to-back sets. Misaligned holes and uneven clamping can look bad and fail early.

7) Choosing the right material and finish

The right finish depends on your door location and environment.

Indoor vs semi-outdoor

• Indoor office partitions: most finishes work well
• Semi-outdoor shopfronts: choose materials/finishes that resist corrosion

Humidity matters (bathrooms, coastal areas)

Bathrooms and coastal climates are harsh on finishes. Choose durable materials and keep the surface clean to reduce staining and wear.

If you offer timber options like teak for glass doors, this is where to highlight:

• Durability and moisture resistance
• Warm look paired with modern glass
• Simple care: wipe dry, avoid harsh chemicals, re-oil if needed (if applicable to your product)

8) FAQ

What does back-to-back mean for door handles?

It means two handles mounted on opposite sides of the same glass door, aligned and fixed through the same holes using through-bolts.

Can back-to-back handles be installed on tempered glass?

Yes—if the glass is already drilled and tempered correctly. Tempered glass cannot be drilled after tempering, so holes must be correct from the start.

What is the standard hole spacing for glass door pull handles?

There isn’t one universal standard. Many sizes exist, so always measure your door’s center-to-center (C/C) spacing before ordering.

Do I need one handle or a set of two?

If you need a pull from both sides, you need a back-to-back (double-sided) set. If you only pull from one side, a single-sided option may be enough.

What glass thickness do I need to know before buying?

You should know the thickness in millimeters (for example, 10 mm or 12 mm) so the correct bolt length and gasket fit can be selected.

Can I reuse existing holes in a glass door?

Usually yes—as long as the new glass door handle matches the existing hole spacing (C/C) and hole diameter.

How tight should glass door handles be?

Snug and secure, but not forced. Tighten evenly and stop before you feel strong resistance to avoid stress on the glass.

9) Quick buyer checklist + call to action

Buyer checklist

• Glass thickness: ___ mm
• Hole diameter: ___ mm
• Hole spacing (C/C): ___ mm
• Door type: shower / office / shopfront / cabinet
• Finish preference: ___
• Need pull inside + outside? Yes → back-to-back set

Send us your glass thickness + hole spacing (C/C) and we’ll recommend the correct back-to-back / double sided door pull set for your glass door.