Paracord Grab Handles 5th Gen 4Runner

DIY Paracord Grab Handle kit for the 5th Generation 4Runner (Simple DIY)

We had a question come in about paracord grab handles for the 4Runner and it got me thinking. I did some searching and from what I could see, there was no actual kit for paracord grab handles. There are hundreds of options out there for Jeeps but nothing for the 4Runner. I figured I would give it a shot and see what I came up with.

The question: Hey Brenan, love this site man, thanks for sharing everything and bringing all these writers together. Do you know of anyone or anywhere I can find a set of “OH *^%&%$” paracord grab handles?? I have looked everywhere and can’t seem to find any companies that mass produce a set for our 4Runner. Anyway, thanks for everything. Let me know if you find anything or know something I do not.

Answer: Yo, thanks man. There is nothing that I have found or know of off top. I would probably just buy a set of Jeep paracord grab handles and then see what I could do about converting them over to our awkward metal clips that hold up our spring loaded handles. I will let you know if I find anything.

I bought a set of Jeep paracord grab handles

The first thing I did was search Google for “Paracord Grab Handles 5th Gen 4Runner” and the first thing that popped up was a post on the forum. Some guy used a small plastic push clip that you then drove a screw through. It worked but I wouldn’t be too confident in something like that holding the weight of me jumping in the truck.

I bought a set of Jeep paracord handle from Amazon (Made in the USA). There are plenty of options for colors out there so I selected a set with good reviews and my color preference.

The golden question was what clips to use so I started thinking about drywall anchors which led me to 1/4-in toggle bolt drywall anchors. They are rated for 1,080 lbs in concrete block and up to 265 lbs in 1/2-in drywall. I figured they would hold me at 165lbs.

Exactly what I bought

• Handles: Check Price
• Toggle anchors: Check Price

Tools

• Linemen’s (Side-Cutting) Pliers
• Phillips screwdriver
• Small flathead screwdriver

At the end of the day, it worked out pretty nice and I am pretty confident these are going to hold my weight, no problem. If you are a tall guy pushing 280, I think these would even make the cut for you as well but who knows. Buy these and use these at your own risk.

I do think this is a much better option than a set of tiny plastic push clips.

Paracord Handle Install

Step #1: Tool Check and Parts

You don’t “need” a set of linemen’s pliers. Anything that can cut through a screw should do the job. You can use a set of bolt cutters, a Dremel, or whatever else you have in the garage. Just make sure you have something sharp. My Channel Lock pliers are pretty damn nice and they cut through anything.

Step #2: Cut Screw to Size (1/4″ – 20 X 1 1/4″)

You have a few options here. You can either cut the screw that the toggle bolt kit came with or you can go down to Home Depot and buy your own. The kit comes with a screw that is almost 3″ and that will be too long for how we are using it. I measured to the furthest distance inside of the where the grab handles sit and it was 2 1/4″.

If you do not want to cut the screw to size, buy four 1/4″ – 20 X 1 1/4″ screws. You can probably get away with 1 1/2″ as well. You can get a flat surface or rounded, it doesn’t matter.

On the right-hand side of the image, I have a close-up of the screw. When cutting the screw, one thread will condense on another preventing it from threading through the toggle anchor. All you need to do is lightly press your side cutting pliers in the next thread up to open that thread.

Step #3: Thread screw into toggle anchor

You want to thread your screw into the toggle anchor to make sure your screw is threading. My pliers are incredibly sharp so my cut was pretty accurate and did not destroy the threads. If you are using an old set of pliers that are worn, you may smash down a couple of threads causing you some problems. If you are not confident in your tools, just go buy a set of 1/4″ – 20 X 1 1/4″ screws at Home Depot.

Step #4: Remove Factory Handles – Small Flathead

Step #5: Pull out Plastic Handle Cover/Cap

Step #6: Pull Gently on Factory Handle

Step #7: Squeeze and pull out metal clip

Step #8: Insert Snaptoggle Anchor and pull

Step #9: Zip down Fastener on Toggle Anchor

When I inserted the toggle anchor, there was no way to get it perpendicular to the door. You can see on the right, it is at an angle. I pulled pretty hard on the toggle anchor to make sure it was in place and zipped down the fastener.

Step #10: Break off remaining Toggle Anchor Plastic

Step #11: Install Paracord Grab Handles

Step #12: Repeat the Process & Finish Up!

Paracord Grab Handles on the 5th Gen 4Runner

That’s it.

I guess that is my version of the paracord grab handles on the 5th Gen. I hope that helps answer some questions. If anyone has a different/better way, feel free to drop your comments.