KTJO Driver Side Grab Handle

Whew…. What a great product. Look at how much commotion it still causes. I thought I saw on here, a Tacoma, in Utah, that was involved in a pretty bad collision (totaled) and they had the drivers side grab handle. Airbags still deployed.

 

I'm looking at getting this handle soon. The newer version (V2) seems to have a rivetnut tool. Does anyone have any feedback on this newer version and how the installation went?

 

I don’t know too much about rivets but the little research I’ve done, I never really considered a jacknut the same as a rivnut. I’m sure it has its applications but not sure this would be it and do you really need a tool for a jacknut? I thought those collapsed just by tightening

 

I was setting up the truck for a trip for thanksgiving and that’s when I realized getting into the rear seats was a hassle with nothing to grab onto. So I picked up the rear handles for half off but haven’t installed yet. Used mainly for my girls to assist them up.

anymore you can remember? I’m guessing the angled bracket is what makes it feel less secure. Any pictures on your cam roll?

 

I've never understood the obsession here with this questionable aftermarket driver's side grab handle (use the steering wheel - hello!). But I do concur a little assistance for the back seat riders might be nice. My solution was these parachord grab handles that slip on the headrest posts. Inexpensive, easy-peezy (and reversible) install, and they work and look great.

 

I’ve looked into this over the years without pulling the trigger. But honestly I like the oem look of the b pillar grab handles (despite the previous hurdles experienced with the drivers grab). I use it everyday and it’s my truck… tbh after the first initial install troubles I’ve since taken it off/on multiple times and it’s a breeze and straightforward. I got the rears for half off (otherwise I wouldn’t have spent the asking price) so I’m looking for incite specifically for these, thanks though.

I’ve also ordered the folding side mirrors that I need to install. I know and experienced the history but I also know what I want and it’s the only solution available so I dive in.

 

I had the newer version, but the expanding nut and screw seemed a bit too spindly for my taste. I got another bolt that matched the upper bolt, and a barrel-type rivnut. The rivnut was too big for the factory hole, and I didn’t want to drill. I ended up getting a flange nut and using double-stick tape to attach to the backside of the mounting flange. Worked great - and full confidence in the strength of the handle.

 

Ive had mine on for almost 2 years, id do it again for sure . Initially the top bolt cover would pop off put I think I smashed the plastic clip, install error, installed correctly but had to add a tiny dab of gel super glue since I slightly damaged the bolt cover clip. Since then it's been good for 2 years... If need be I can reorder the bolt cover.

Its great when I have one hand available or have to get out on an angled slope when wheelin, otherwise there just a swinging door or the turning wheel to grab onto which sometimes cant be moved if your on a tight line and unstable. Best use for me its to get out easier. Ive only hit my forehead on it twice!

 

I ended up trashing it and using a much more solid bolt I had in my parts bin combined with a couple washers and a nut instead. Assuming the rivnut works as intended (the kit only comes with one so if you mess up there's no spare), it still only utilizes a small screw head bolt that for me would never mount solidly in the rivnut to secure the handle, and because it used a screw head I couldn't torque it solidly enough to feel mounted.



Unless there's any difference in the rest of the kit, I kind of wish i had gotten the discounted surplus V1 handles instead and saved a few bucks to end up at the same end point.

I had the same issue with the rear handle mounting as the above one I described for the front handle, as no matter how I messed with the mounting setup the top mount bolt in the kit and rivnut is just too flimsy and doesn't mount securely enough. Unlike the front handle though, the top mount point for the rear handle is set in an open hole you can't access the backside of to replace the rivnut with a conventional bolt and washer, so the solution I came up with for the front A-pillar doesn't work on the B-pillars for the backseat handles. Since I can't return the handles because I took so long to try the install from when they were delivered, I may at some point eventually try to come up with something else to mount them but I'm not very optimistic.

 

I’ll have to open the box up and see what hardware is for the top mount, if the handle will accept anything larger. I’ll just have to open the b pillar and dive in, take measurements of the hole and go from there I suppose.

 

Anyone know where i can buy one now? Sold out in Black.

 

I would like to get one in black also. I wonder why only one company has offered a product like this. It seems that there is more than enough demand that more companies would make them.