Grab Handle is Worthless!
03-12-2011, 10:32 PM
#31
Those two machine screws into tapped sheet metal will be more than enough for a grab handle. If yours are stripped then you have an installation issue, not a design issue. I would take it to ford and have them fix it if it's under warranty.
Going to a larger self tapping screw will not give you the same strength as a properly tapped machine screw.
You could also re-tap it with a new larger tap and use a slightly larger machine screw.
Going to a larger self tapping screw will not give you the same strength as a properly tapped machine screw.
You could also re-tap it with a new larger tap and use a slightly larger machine screw.
I'd leave it in the hands of the dealer if it requires attention. If there is some sort of design or manufacturing issue, Ford needs to know about it anyway. So far this is the only post on many Ford forums I visit, I've read mention any sort of such issue.
I'm well over 200 pounds and did a fair amount of pulling on mine out of curiosity. A lot more stress than simply entering or exiting the truck using the handle for assistance. Its solid.
08-22-2016, 11:54 AM
#32
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A Pillar grab Handle is garbage.
For everyone who said they haven't heard of an issue with these you haven't looked.
4 small screws hold the little piece of sheet metal anchor to the plastic pillar. The two small machine bolts go into the frame pillar through the plastic pillar and the metal bracket.
So... 2 metal bolts into plastic secured by 4 screws into plastic. It will pull right thru it eventually.
It happened to mine twice with normal sized folks pulling on it. It is a horrible design and Ford knows about it. If all you did was pull directly down on it there is a chance it would last, but it has torque and down force on it that those little parts will not hold up under for long.
It is a poor design, period.
I have installed a custom headliner and when I did I put in two nylon grab handles. There are still factory threads in the upper middle door frame for handle mounts.
4 small screws hold the little piece of sheet metal anchor to the plastic pillar. The two small machine bolts go into the frame pillar through the plastic pillar and the metal bracket.
So... 2 metal bolts into plastic secured by 4 screws into plastic. It will pull right thru it eventually.
It happened to mine twice with normal sized folks pulling on it. It is a horrible design and Ford knows about it. If all you did was pull directly down on it there is a chance it would last, but it has torque and down force on it that those little parts will not hold up under for long.
It is a poor design, period.
I have installed a custom headliner and when I did I put in two nylon grab handles. There are still factory threads in the upper middle door frame for handle mounts.
08-22-2016, 12:25 PM
#33
Senior Member
Okay, I'm cleaning the inside of the front windshield and noticed the passenger side grab handle is very loose.
So I pop the covers off thinking I will tighten the bolts, first thing I notice is that it is held on with 2 little screws. I used a 7mm socket and both screws are stripped.
Two tiny screws into sheet metal...My 135 lb wife can't get in and out of this thing without breaking the grab handle. What happens when someone big grabs that thing? That thing is going to snap off in their hand and they will end up on their a*ss!
So I pop the covers off thinking I will tighten the bolts, first thing I notice is that it is held on with 2 little screws. I used a 7mm socket and both screws are stripped.
Two tiny screws into sheet metal...My 135 lb wife can't get in and out of this thing without breaking the grab handle. What happens when someone big grabs that thing? That thing is going to snap off in their hand and they will end up on their a*ss!
Horse ****. Wife is either 435 or a defective screws originally. I put 300k on an 03Ranger Edge which has the same screws and used it every single time getting in and out over 11 years. Never once did it loosen up or become an problem.
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Ricktwuhk (08-22-2016)
08-22-2016, 07:01 PM
#35
Cycle For Fun and Health
The average weight of an adult person in the US is 154 lbs.
Should we expect/mandate that every thing built is sturdy enough for the heaviest person????
If we expect this, we may all be qualified to become politicians.
Build things for the normal person should be the proper solution.
Should we expect/mandate that every thing built is sturdy enough for the heaviest person????
If we expect this, we may all be qualified to become politicians.
Build things for the normal person should be the proper solution.
08-24-2016, 12:34 PM
#36
Senior Member
the handle is plenty strong enough for a 300lb+ person
Last edited by morehousej; 08-24-2016 at 12:36 PM.
08-24-2016, 01:10 PM
#37
Senior Member
The average weight of an adult person in the US is 154 lbs.
Should we expect/mandate that every thing built is sturdy enough for the heaviest person????
If we expect this, we may all be qualified to become politicians.
Build things for the normal person should be the proper solution.
Should we expect/mandate that every thing built is sturdy enough for the heaviest person????
If we expect this, we may all be qualified to become politicians.
Build things for the normal person should be the proper solution.
Little people. Go rule France or something.
