Recessed Handle Tutorial

[bgavin]

Here is a tutorial in PDF form for mounting Penn-Elcom H7154 recessed handles. These are the beefy, spring-loaded handles that are also available from Parts Express.

Link to PDF

I use a plywood backer plate on the interior side. This provides an additional 12mm / half-inch of material for the wood screws to grab. The backer plate also insures against any air leakage.

[gdougherty]

Hmm... like the extra strength. I just used black Dynaflex 230 caulking around the handle edge to seal the cabinet. Plenty of squeeze out with caulking, the backing plate would be cleaner.

[bgavin]

I still do carpet finish, so I want an absolute guarantee of no air leakage. I also mount my handles with wood screws, and get nervous about all that torque applied to half-inch material.

What is not shown in the photo is, the recess cutout is immediately below the Speakon dish cutout. I extended the backer plate so it also provides additional meat for the dish screws. Two cutouts in close proximity can weaken the panel, so the backer plate solves both problems. The other side of the dish screws into the panel, plus the upper reflector plate, again giving me a full inch of material for the screws.

[Tim A]

These are mounted in the sealed portion of a Tuba 24II. The two corner screws on each piece are held with T-nuts. The others are 1/2" wood screws. The opening was lined with speaker gasket tape. No leaks, no problems, simple.