Guide

Swing Bar vs Stationary Handles

The choice between swing and stationary hardware is usually decided by vault clearance and by the market the casket is sold into.

How a swing bar works

A swing bar hangs from arms fixed to the casket side. At rest it drops close to the shell and when the casket is lifted it swings out. That is what lets the casket be wider inside while the outside stays within standard vault clearance.

Why it matters

Interior width is something a family notices. On American style caskets the swing arrangement is standard for exactly this reason.

Stationary handles

A stationary or wrapped handle is simpler to fit and cheaper, and it is common on European coffins where the look of a continuous bar is expected. The trade is interior width.

Fixing styles

Swing hardware attaches either bolt through or with an arm and adapter. The adapter style is common and economical, the bolt through style is used where a heavier duty fixing is wanted.

Assembly notes

Fit the adapters first, hang the arms, then slide the bar and fit the end caps. Test the swing action before the interior goes in, because reaching the fixings afterwards is awkward.

Key Points