Will stainless steel rust?

Stainless Steel will tea-stain (rust) if not cleaned correctly, to learn about the properties of Stainless Steel and a suggested maintenance regime please follow the link to care and maintenance of stainless steel. This information applies to all Stainless Steel products, not only Knobs and Handles.

Can I use Kethy handles on an integrated refrigerator or dishwasher?

Whilst many of our knobs, handles and lip-pulls may be used on cabinetry attached to integrated refrigerators, dishwashers and other heavy accessories, we cannot guarantee the products for this use. Our knobs, handles and lip-pulls are designed, and tested, for cupboard doors and drawers and use smaller gauge fixings than appliance handles. Appliance manufacturers design handles to suit the requirements of their specific appliance. 
Before selecting a knob, handle or lip-pull, please consider the ergonomics of the application, especially if used by elderly, or dexterously challenged individuals.
Please consult with your qualified designer, cabinet maker, or contact Kethy directly for guidance. 
How accurate are the dimensions of the technical drawings?

Product dimensions can change over time due to design improvements, tooling up-grades and plating processes, if the dimensions are critical to your needs, please ask us to check current stock for exact dimensions. Because printers vary, PDF files are not suitable to scale from.
The photo may differ from the actual product.

The photos on this web site are provided to assist you in choosing Kethy products. These photos are as accurate as possible, however, are not intended to provide a perfect match to the actual product colour or perspective. Colours and photo size may vary based upon your screen resolution and other computer or device settings. The photo may differ from the actual product due to reproduction limitations of the photograph and limitations of viewing photos at different resolutions, hue, brightness, contrast, and other screen and graphics-card variations. Also, photographs are two-dimensional whereas the products are three-dimensional.
Colour, Materials and Finishes.

Knobs and Handles are made from different base metals and timbers and are coloured using different methods, these may reflect light, and therefore colour, differently. Wood is a natural product and will differ in colour, texture and grain, even within batches; this is normal and part of the appeal of natural products.
We recommend you visit a Kethy Reseller or Stockist and view the product to satisfy that it meets your expectations.
Do colours of different models match?

As Kethy offers a comprehensive range and the latest in designs, we source products from many producers in many countries; this sometimes means that a colour or finish in one style may vary from another. Colours of batches may differ as does dye lots vary on fabrics, please check if matching one style with another in the same project
Will Brass discolour over time?

Brass is noted for its colour and beauty; however it is also subject to some natural discolouration over time when exposed to air. Our brass products are coated with the finest lacquer available; even these lacquers have limitations and may wear with varying amounts of use and environment factors. Whilst brass will last for many years, the lacquered finish cannot be guaranteed unconditionally.
What is the guarantee on Kethy Knobs and Handles?

Greg Steele Trading, (Kethy Australia) unconditionally guarantees our products against defects in workmanship or materials, subject to fair wear and tear within the normal working life of the product.
We cannot be liable if the products are subject to:-
  • - Incorrect installation or failure to follow instructions.
  • - Use of a product for which it was not designed.
  • - Improper or lack of maintenance.
  • - Harsh or corrosive cleaning products including acids, alkalis, bleaches or strong solvents. These will damage most metal or lacquered products, not only knobs and handles
Why does timber used for knobs and handles vary in colour?

Timber is a natural product and the colour of a tree will vary, not only from tree to tree but also from within a single tree. This variation is due to the many environmental and nutrient factors the tree will experience in its lifetime. The colour of natural timber will change when exposed to UV light generated by the Sun.
What size screws do I need?

The screw depth on handles can vary depending on the design, our technical drawings detail this. Most knobs and handles have sufficient thread depth to allow a 22mm or 25mm screws to fix to either 16mm or 18mm doors or drawers. We will supply the correct screw for these thicknesses depending on the handle; we also will supply longer screws upon request, up to 50mm long.
Can Back-to-Back handles be fitted to glass doors?

Yes, however there are some limitations and safety protocols that should be observed
  • -The diameter of the hole is determined by a combination of the glass thickness and the handle fixing fittings, check with your glass supplier for hole size and location which will  vary with glass type and thickness. Check the handle specifications to ensure the handle and its fitting is suitable for the hole size in the glass.
  • -Suitable glass thickness should be determined in accordance with the human impact safety requirements see (section 5) in Australian Standard AS1288-2006: Glass in building – selection and installation.
  • -We recommend toughened safety glass, this will minimise the likelihood of the glass cracking around the handle holes, which is likely with laminated or other un-toughened glass.
What metals are Kethy knobs and handles made from?

Knobs and Handles are made from several different raw materials, often this is determined by the shape and size of the product, each raw material has advantages and limitations, some of the materials are:-
  • -Aluminium – Most aluminium is extruded which is ideal for longer lengths. Aluminium can be finished by anodising or electroplating.
  • -Brass – This is one of the oldest metals used for knobs and handles, it is ideal for knobs and can be electroplated or coated in clear lacquer to allow the natural beauty of the metal.
  • -Stainless Steel  – can be hollow tube or solid – Ideal for longer lengths, usually hand finished to provide a natural look.
  • -Timber – The warmth and natural appearance is the attraction for timber, mainly used for smaller knobs and handles.
  • -Zinc (Zamac) – Most cupboard door handles are made from Zinc alloy as it is an ideal material for die casting to produce intricate shapes. Zinc alloy can be finished in many ways to provide a large range of finishes.
What is the best material to use when my house is near the water?

All metal products are affected by particles in the atmosphere, the most effective way of ensuring a long life is to clean regularly with warm soapy water and then dry with a soft lint free cloth – Please refer to the section Care & Maintenance.
Why do I need to clean my handles regularly, no matter where I live?

Even if salt spray is not a problem, ordinary household dust is very corrosive to most metal surfaces if allowed to settle and stay in place for a long period. Cleaning regularly with warm soapy water and drying with a soft lint free cloth prevents this damage. This applies to most metal surfaces in the home.


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