Molded Rubber Handle Grips

1. Determining the Rubber Material

Custom Rubber Corp. works with just about every rubber or thermoset material currently on the market. The table below outlines common characteristics for the materials most-used for rubber molded handle grips. The table is a rough guide - ask Custom Rubber Corp. for expert assistance with selecting the appropriate material for the rubber handle grip application in question.

2. Determining the Right Color, Design and Engraving

Because Custom Rubber Corp. provides custom molded handle grips, the color and design limitations are almost nonexistent.

2.A. Color: For visual examples of available color range, discover our examples of colored rubber. Custom Rubber Corp., together with our suppliers, can match any Pantone shade required and once the color is approved, the molded rubber handle grips will be consistent order after order. Keep in mind that it may take one or two iterations to get the color exactly right - translating a Pantone color number to a molded rubber part depends a lot on the texture or sheen of the rubber handle grip.

2.B. Design: Design elements that are visual and tactile include the geometry of the grip, the texture of the grip, and the hardness of the rubber used for the grip. Each of these elements can affect or influence the others and they all have to work together to ensure the finished product is functional as well as visually appealing.

For the hardness of the rubber (durometer) and the texture of the grip, the interplay here is significant. A “soft touch” can be achieved through either softer rubber or a harder, more durable rubber with some geometry that gives the rubber material room to flex. Below is a picture of one of Custom Rubber Corp.'s standard handles that has deep ribs that flex when gripped. This allows the handle to be made with very durable, slightly harder rubber material while maintaining the soft touch in the users' hand.

2.C. Engraving: Because we're discussing custom molded handle grips, there is an opportunity to engrave logos, phone numbers, or web addresses right into the handle. This, combined with a color that's specific to your brand, is an easy way to make sure your customers contact you when they need spare parts or assistance with any part of the machine - the handle grip is touched every time it's used and is very visible. Custom Rubber Corp. also has access to hundreds of different standard textures that can be applied to any part of the molded handle.

3. Determining the Designed Interference Fit

Handle grips are generally installed over or molded over either round or flat bar stock - usually steel - we'll call it the “hard handle”. The question is, how much smaller should the rubber ID or internal dimensions be so that the handle grip fits snuggly over the hard handle? In other words, if the hard handle is 1 inch in diameter, what should the diameter of the inside of the handle grip be? If the rubber handle grip has an ID of 1 inch, it will be too loose and not stay in place - there must be a designed interference fit.

There are a few areas that factor into this equation;

3.A. How Thick is the Handle Grip Wall?

The thicker than rubber molded handle grip wall is, the less stretch or elongation the handle grip will have. This means that the designed interference fit will be less for a thick-walled handle grip than for a thin walled handle grip. Custom Rubber Corp. has standard handle grips with wall thicknesses that vary from 0.106 inches to 0.230 inches. We've also made custom handle grips that are as thin as 0.60 inches thick.

3.B. What is the Surface of the Hard Handle?

If the hard handle is smooth, the interference grip will have to be greater (i.e. the rubber handle grip ID will be smaller and fit tighter) to make sure the two parts stay in place. If the hard handle has a texture to it, or has some physical features like a ridge or a groove, then the interference fit could be reduced or customized to take advantage of any physical features.

4. Determining How the Handle Will Attach

There are times when rubber handle grips are molded directly over the hard handle. In these instances, thru-holes and/or other features can be added to the hard handle that will ensure the rubber handle grip stays where it's designed to stay. In these instances there is effectively no designed interference fit. This is discussed in depth in rubber to metal bonding, section 3.A.

Alternately, the rubber handle grip can be attached using a bonding agent or glue when assembled in a secondary operation. This type of attachment also reduces the need for an interference fit although a small amount can be helpful. This is discussed in depth in rubber to metal bonding, section 3.B. 

When the rubber handle grip is held in place by friction alone, the interference fit has to be greatest. In these cases, there is often a small hole in the covered end of the handle grip that can be used to let the air escape as the handle grip is installed, and also can be used to remove the handle grip when maintenance or replacement is required.

A custom rubber handle grip can give your product a distinct look and feel in addition to ensuring that the functionality is exactly what's designed. The ability to specify a color and/or include engraving that adds to your product identity and brand is all possible when you contact Custom Rubber Corp.

Standard Molded Rubber Handle Grips
In addition to custom molded handle grips, Custom Rubber Corp. does offer a select number of stock handle grips that can be purchased directly through our on-line store.  These handles are all molded rubber in the USA. They are durable and dependable handles that you can count on. Click here to see the standard rubber molded handle grips offered by Custom Rubber Corp.

None of the parts pictured below are in stock or for sale. These are all examples of custom-manufactured products that illustrate Custom Rubber Corp.'s capabilities.