## Common ground
All options are handles and knobs not elsewhere specified, used for gripping or turning mechanisms.
## Options at a glance
**3924.90 – Plastic material**
- **Defining trait:** Made from synthetic polymer (plastic), typically lightweight and moldable.
- **Typical examples:** Kitchen cabinet knobs, plastic drawer pulls, bathroom fixture handles.
- **Best fit when:** The product is molded, non-metallic, and not rubber or glass.
**4016.99 – Vulcanised rubber (soft)**
- **Defining trait:** Flexible, elastic, and shock-absorbing; made from processed natural or synthetic rubber.
- **Typical examples:** Non-slip grips on tools, soft-touch appliance handles, rubber door pulls.
- **Best fit when:** The handle is soft, flexible, and designed for grip comfort or vibration damping.
**4017.00 – Hard rubber**
- **Defining trait:** Rigid, durable rubber with high wear resistance; not elastic like vulcanised rubber.
- **Typical examples:** Industrial control knobs, vintage appliance handles, electrical insulators.
- **Best fit when:** The handle is firm, non-flexible, and used in industrial or high-durability settings.
**6914.90 – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Fired clay or porcelain; hard, brittle, and often decorative.
- **Typical examples:** Bathroom fixture knobs, decorative cabinet handles, vintage-style door pulls.
- **Best fit when:** The product is glazed, heat-resistant, and has a high-end or aesthetic appearance.
**7020.00 – Glass**
- **Defining trait:** Transparent or translucent, brittle, and smooth surface.
- **Typical examples:** Modern kitchen handles, glass door knobs, minimalist design fixtures.
- **Best fit when:** The handle is clear, shiny, and used in contemporary or transparent designs.
**8302.4X – Base metal (e.g., brass, steel)**
- **Defining trait:** Made from ferrous or non-ferrous metals; typically durable and corrosion-resistant.
- **Typical examples:** Door handles, window knobs, bathroom fittings in metal.
- **Best fit when:** The product is metallic, solid, and used in structural or high-use applications.
## Key differences
| Option | Material Type | Flexibility | Durability | Aesthetic Use |
|--------|----------------|--------------|------------|----------------|
| 3924.90 | Plastic | Low (rigid) | Medium | General use |
| 4016.99 | Soft rubber | High | Medium | Grip comfort |
| 4017.00 | Hard rubber | Low | High | Industrial |
| 6914.90 | Ceramic | Very low | Moderate (brittle) | Decorative |
| 7020.00 | Glass | Very low | Low (fragile) | Modern design |
| 8302.4X | Metal | Low | High | Structural use |
## How to choose
- Is it made of metal? → 8302.4X
- Is it soft and flexible? → 4016.99
- Is it hard rubber (not soft)? → 4017.00
- Is it plastic? → 3924.90
- Is it glass or transparent? → 7020.00
- Is it ceramic, glazed, or decorative? → 6914.90
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- A rubber handle may be mistaken for hard rubber if worn; check firmness.
- Plastic and metal handles can look similar; confirm material via weight or conductivity.
- Glass and ceramic may both be used in design—use “transparency” or “glaze” to distinguish.
- No priority rule given: choose based on the product’s **main function** (e.g., durability vs. aesthetics)