A handle system attaches to the side of a cooking vessel and enables the removable handle to be securely fixed to the cooking vessel and to be easily removed when it is not required. Multiple embodiments of the engaged and engagement structures are illustrated and include a rectangular handle bracket and a variety of handle; a variety of rivet heads and shafts and a variety of rivet engaging tong structures, along with a variety of mechanisms for operating all of the engagement and disengagement functions of the above.