Handles for windows and doors: what you need to know to choose safely

Window handles: how are they made and how do they work?

Behind the simple gesture of opening a window lies a sophisticated closing mechanism. The window handle is in fact a key technical component of the frame: it allows the sash to open and close while contributing to airtightness, insulation and overall security.

In modern uPVC and uPVC/aluminium windows, the locking system is integrated into the hardware and is activated by turning the handle. When the handle is lowered, the locking points distributed along the sash engage with the strikes on the frame, ensuring closure.

With one simple movement, the window can open in turn position or tilt for a vasistas opening. DQG window handles also include a dedicated micro-ventilation position, allowing the sash to open by a few millimetres to guarantee a continuous air flow (without compromising insulation or security).

Window handles can be divided by type or function:

• Cremonese handle: traditionally used on wooden shutters, it operates through vertical rods that move up and down to secure the sashes.
• Standard window handle (martellina): the most common solution on uPVC and uPVC/aluminium frames; its spindle activates a discreet, multi-point internal locking system.
• DK handle (Dry-Keep): adds the possibility of tilt opening, offering controlled ventilation without reducing the security of the frame.

Beyond functionality, window handles are also part of the home’s design. They are available in many colors (silver, gold, white, black) and finishes (glossy, matte, satin) to complement any architectural style and match both classic and modern houses.

When security is a priority: locking window handles

The security of a window or door frame does not depend solely on the glass or the profile: the handle itself can make the difference between a window that is easy to force and one that offers true burglar-proof security.

Traditional handles provide basic mechanical closure, but in certain situations (ground floors, isolated homes or public buildings) more protection is needed. This is where locking window handles come into play, designed to prevent forced opening from the outside.

1. “Push-and-Turn” handle (SecuForte): the handle remains disengaged from the internal mechanism until it is pushed downward; only then can it be rotated. It is a mechanical, discreet and always-active solution: even if someone attempts to manipulate the spindle from outside, the handle stays locked.
2. Keyed lever handles: ideal for higher security needs, they allow the handle movement to be completely blocked. Once the key is removed, the handle is totally still, making it impossible to operate from outside, even in the event of drilling. This type of protection can be certified up to RC3.
3. Keyed handle with defender: a reinforced plate that covers and protects the cylinder base against drilling or tampering attempts.
4. More advanced options include motorised locks, biometric handles with fingerprint scanners, handsfree systems equipped with proximity sensors or domotic systems.

Handles for windows and doors: a practical guide to choose

Handles for windows and bottom-hinged windows

In uPVC and uPVC/aluminium windows, the standard window handle (martellina) is the most common solution: with a single movement it allows the sash to open, tilt or close hermetically.

DQG windows, in particular, are equipped with a micro-ventilation system that ensures a continuous air exchange even when the window is closed, without reducing window security and helping prevent mold inside the home.

The frame material can influence the choice of handle model, colors and finishes. Modern handle sets in silver, white, gold or black, available in glossy or matte surfaces, offer many different ways to match the window or door with the style of the room.

Lever handles for French doors and balcony doors

Although often considered similar, French doors and balcony doors serve different purposes, and the choice of the most appropriate handle should reflect that.

• French doors are designed for frequent passage and for providing the same insulation performance as traditional windows. They often feature lever handles on both sides (also called pass-through handles), which allow opening from the interior and exterior; they may also include a lock with key or an exterior fixed knob.
• Balcony doors, on the other hand, function as secondary entrances: they are opened less frequently and prioritise ease of use. For these openings, slimmer lever handles or recessed pull handles on the outside are preferred, as they minimise projection while maintaining a comfortable grip. They always include a locking system, and in some cases are paired with a reinforced defender or plate for added protection.

Handlesets for sliding doors and windows

In sliding window and door systems, the handle must combine ergonomics, strength and mechanical precision. Unlike a casement window, the opening movement runs along horizontal tracks and requires a grip that makes operation smooth without compromising sealing performance.

• In lift-and-slide systems, where the sashes can reach considerable size and weight, the handle plays a structural role. The most advanced solutions pair a traditional lever handle with an exterior recessed pull, integrated into the frame; a discreet detail that makes it easier to lock the sash tightly and guide it back into position.
• In tilt-and-slide systems, the handle controls the entire mechanism: it first lifts the sash slightly to release it from the frame, then allows it to slide along its track. These systems use dedicated handles or pull bars, sometimes equipped with a key lock or safety block, ensuring smooth operation and effective protection against forced entry.

Pull handles for entrance doors

The handle on an entrance door is the first point of contact with the home, and also its first line of security. Here the key requirements are durability, strength and protection of the locking system, combined with a design that reflects the character of the house.

Stainless-steel pull handles are the most common choice: robust, elegant and resistant to weathering, and available in different shapes such as rectangular, tubular, inclined or arched. For more traditional settings, brass remains a timeless material: warm, refined and capable of adding a touch of elegance to the entrance.

For maximum security, there are pull handles equipped with a security escutcheon (or defender plate), which protects the cylinder against drilling or extraction attempts. More advanced options include handlesets with fingerprint scanners, which recognise the user and unlock the door electronically.

Lastly, handsfree handles allow automatic opening via remote control or proximity sensors: an ideal solution for smart buildings or high-traffic entrances.

DQG: high-performance frames and handles for windows and doors

Since 1967, DQG has been designing and producing Made in Italy windows and doors that combine innovation, attention to detail and fully customised design. Every casement or sliding window, French door or entrance door is created to deliver comfort, security and long-lasting performance thanks to our advanced uPVC and uPVC/aluminium frames.

The same approach is reflected in DQG’s range of window and door handles, which completes the product offering with refined functionality and coordinated finishes: from tilt-and-turn window handles to pass-through lever handles for French doors, all the way to pull handlesets and knobs for sliding systems and entrance doors.

Each model is designed to guarantee ergonomic operation and aesthetic consistency. Push-and-turn handles, RC3-certified keyed versions and reinforced defenders ensure top-level protection, while handles with biometric scanners or touchless technologies raise security even further, integrating seamlessly with modern smart-home systems.

Explore DQG’s complete range of windows, doors and accessories, fully customisable in finishes, materials and functions, in order to create safer and more efficient living spaces.