Dodge Ram pillar handle cheap fix 

I made two modifications and it’s a lot easier. No cutting. I bought 2 1/2” x 1/8” brass reducing bushings at Lowe’s for $4.68 and 2 metric m6 x 2” bolts with an Allen screw head at ace hardware and 2 hose clamps. No cutting or gluing. Took 5 min. I can do chin-ups on that grab handle now. All for $10. Thanks again.

Was looking at tons of aftermarket chinese junk in the wrong color for waay too much money. My pillar is grey. Exact same damage from 17 years of kids hanging off the pillar handle. The fix worked like a charm - less than $5.00 at home depot. Popped off the captive washer. cranked those suckers down, and now my kids (who are really old now) can hang off that thing all day long. I love you man! Best video on the internet!

Did this fix last night and hanging on it like an ape, this fix bolted to the brass feels very solid! If you repeat this fix (as I highly recommend), the improvement I added was to use a heat gun and make the brass piece pretty hot for about 20 sec, and soften the plastic for 10 seconds too. Then when I quickly clamped these together, it formed some good threads into the plastic for a really good grip onto the brass threads. It needed no epoxy, and was $8.50 in parts from Lowes instead or a new $60 part that's just plastic again. Thanks for the great idea!

This is a very creative, economical, and robust solution. I used a 3/8" barb to 1/2" MNPT for a tighter fit to the stock bolt. Additionally, I needed to replace the washers to fit within the brass fitting; my '08 RAM 3500 Laramie CC had much larger washers. Otherwise Juan Aguilera is spot on with this fix. This video is well done, concise, and straight forward to replicate.

By far, the best "no frills" minus voice & exotic music type video of how to repair a grab handle for the Dodge Ram video. I learn by watching and it took Juan one minute and thirty-eight seconds to set me off to Home Depot to purchase the parts and fire up my cutting tools, measuring devices and a grinder (to shave washers). By the way, if you happen to lose a screw it is the Metric 6, 1.00 pitch, thread 25mm long type. Other grab handle repair videos show how to repair a faulty engineered part back to it's faulty workable state, Juan improved the part better than manufactured new.

good to know that this simple fix is still helping people out there....

Used this method as shown. Cost less than $8. for clamps and fittings. Worked like a charm. I can hang my 300+ lbs on it without concern. Thanks

Thanks for posting.... I just replaced the washer with a smaller one and it worked great.... Saved me 60 bucks........ Great Job!

Thanks for the video,worked perfect just saved 90 bucks.... thanks again

Juan, I don't know if you've looked at this post lately, but YOU ROCK!! This fix worked perfectly!!! I am in your debt for this quick, easy and inexpensive fix!!

This is a great fix Cost me less than $20.00 to repair both Sides Now they are stronger than factory / OEM replacements TNX for the post

Genius!!!! I too had the problem of of the fixed washer being too big to fit in the NPT (2005 Ram 2500). I simply cut it off and used a smaller washer... Thanks!!!!

Bro... wish I saw this video years ago. My 3rd handle just broke (since 2008) and I just so happen to find this video on my first search and just did the exact repair in under 20 min. From cutting the connector and pulling the washer off the bolt. Saved me the cost on the part and time. Awesome, thank you.

Thank you for this fix! I just used it on my 2003 Ram driver side pillar handle and am thinking of adding it to the passenger side even though its not broke yet.

This is one of the best grab handle repair videos that I have seen. Just finished my 2002 Dodge ram 1500 SLT using this same method. Works like a charm. Stronger than the original fixture! Thank you sir for your brilliant idea!!! Definitely a thumbs up 👍

I knew I would find some genius with a quick cheap fix for this on youtube, I love youtube thanks for posting

I just fixed my 2008 Chrysler Aspen passenger handle using this method, brilliant quick an cheap!!

I'm really glad to hear that this fix is working out for you Dodge guys...

Tried this and it worked like a charm

Dilly! Dilly! Perfect Fix for my 07 Ram 3500 Crew Cab (looks a little different than yours) $8 parts. 11/2 hours labor including driving to Home Depot. I believe it feels stronger than OEM. Well done & thank you!!!

Thanks for the video! Worked great and I could practically hang from it(220 lbs).

after all the videos I've watched! this seems way easier to fix! thank you bro! Can't wait to fix mines tomorrow!

2005 model needs the washer filed down as well. Great advice Gus F.

Great idea and it works! Much sturdier than factory

Just did this repair. Thanks for sharing. Handle is now stronger than ever.

Absolutely the best and easiest fix Ive found.....I had to modify the washer/bolts a little to get em back in but still an ingenius and sturdy and inexpensive fix. Thanks Juan!!

Brilliant! Just finished this fix on a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The only thing i would add is that i tightened the hose clamp fairly tight prior to screwing in the fitting, so the fitting actually cut some threads into the plastic. I screwed the fitting in with a 7/8 in socket because it was tighter than hand tight. Also I used 2 longer allen screws, washers and lockwashers. 1. so i didnt have to grind down the washer on the previous fastener and 2. it was much easier to reinstall onto the truck with the longer screws because I could start the screws in the holes before actually seating the panel. Parts were about 10 bucks including a new cut off wheel for my grinder. Thanks for saving me a bunch of money today.

I too had the oversized washer also, long workaround for me was to grind the washer to fit. None the less, THIS SOLUTION is great!

Genius man! The best cheapest fix I found! Many thanks!

Just broke mine, will be doing this tonight

I am a 350#+ guy and just broke mine yesterday. I am 100% trying this out if I have enough plastic post for the brass threads to grip. Thank you

FYI this was the best fix ever. KILLER JOB my man and thanks for sharing. It’s bullet proof now 💪🏽🤠

Just broke mine last night. Thanks for this great tip!!!!

Juan, Thank you sharing, it gave me a great idea I went to home depot and purchase a 3/4 inch PVC cap for 57 cents I drill a hole on the cap for the screw I used (Red Hot Blue Glue PVC Pipe Cement) and it work great. Thanks again.

Thank you thank you! Perfect instructions. Easy fix! 2007 ram1500. Yes the factory screws/washers would need to be ground down to fit inside the fitting OR raid your bolt jar (or your neighbours) and I’m sure you’ll find one that will fit.

Works great, got two bolts twice as long as original to make up for shark bite fitting, WAY BETTER THAN NEW!

1/2” black gas pipe cut to depth. Weld a washer to the end grind down welds. You will have to grind on the outside of the pipe to fit in the hole. Jb weld it into the hole. No more breakage!

Thank you for your idea. Mine just gave out last week. Had to do a little modifying on the bolts, but other than that 45 minutes and better than new.

Broke mine the other day. Thinking out loud, Dodge knows that this is a design flaw. Im glad that I came here to view your video. I view other repair videos as well, but your seem to reinforce the integrity of the factory Oh Sheet Handle Bar. By the way, I roughen the inner sleeve with 80 grits SP and I use epoxy to glue the brass to the plastic along with your brilliant clamp. TYVM

Had my doubts, but it actually worked great... I added epoxy to the brass fittings along with the clamp. The hardest part was grinding down the washers. I bought the exact same parts and along with the epoxy it was $13 total. Beats $60 + $s. I do think its actually stronger also. Thanks for putting up the video.

Hey man i just finished repairing my dodge with your fix. for anyone else just get a file to file the washers, number 10mm socket with screwdriver attachment and a iron saw "small". Thanks again. Tim.

Ok I just finished mine I ran into a couple of issues I have a 2004 , so if you have the same year you most likely run into the same 1- the fixed sleeve/washer in the screw is about 16.6 mm in diameter and the inside diameter of the nipple is about 15mm so the washer will not fit from the other side you have to file it down to size, the way I did this is put the screw inside the drill (as abit) and spin it with the drill while pressing on it with a file and kept checking till it fits. 2- the other issue is the screw is 10mm socket , well unless you have a very thin socket it will not fit insde that brass nipple again mine was larger then 15mm and I wasn;t about to make a new tool, instead I just cut the bolt of the screw with the dremmel and made it work with a flat screw driver. good luck to all.

Just wanted to thank you for this video! Super easy and saved me some cash, thanks.

Thanks to you tube again !! to Juan Aguilera and two other followers that suggested the allen head bolts now 30.00 in parts I have 2 stronger than new grab handles WAY TO GO GUYS !! THANKS

Mine just broke and I was going to try a dowel rod but this is way better. Thanks!

It's not just a case of weak plastic -- it's also a crappy design. Mine broke very soon after I bought the truck in 2004. I never use it, just my rather light weight wife on the very few times she needed to get in the driver's side to move my truck out of the way. The fist one was replaced under warranty. The 2nd one was *supposedly* a newer design and was stronger. It lasted a little longer. I put a washer in it to distribute the load and that lasted quite a bit longer, but eventually it failed also. I then tried a hose clamp and washer and that lasted for awhile. When it last broke on her, I just removed the grab bar and left it out. That kept her from getting in the driver's side and I've had it that way for a few years now. :) I was thinking about reinstalling it and figured I would do a web search to see if anyone had come up with a lasting solution. I was thinking of machining a cap of metal and screwing it onto the outside of the plastic cylinder in the grab handle unit. This gives me another idea -- maybe I'll make a cap for the interior like the brass fitting that you modified. Thanks...

I just got done doing this. A couple of things i will add, be sure you cut(or grind) the brass fitting all the way to the wrench connection part. If you dont it will be too long. Do a dry fit and make sure they are the same length as they were before they broke or it will be too long. Also wait until it all drys (if you use glue on it) before you install it or you will get glue everywhere when it squeezes out when you tighten.

Just did this worked great. I had to do this repair on my passenger side.

I just did this to my truck. Seems pretty solid. Thanks for the great idea.

Absolutely brilliant. I've got the billet reinforcements (from Genos Garage) on my brand new A pillar and still managed to bust out the entire center portion, the same way your top mount broke. Trying this tomorrow morning.

Thanks for the video! Remember to grind the washer all the way down or remove in order for it to fit.

Holy Crap! That's brilliant.

Gus, I had a 2003 dodge ran 3500 and you are right on the washer issue and the socket size. Since the reinforce is made of brass I opted to rekove the washer and on the socket size, yes I used a thing long style one and the thinner portion of it fitted inside the brass. Thanks for your great comments and I hope this will help many others......

This is a great fix! I did up the ante a little bit by putting some Gorilla glue on the threads of the insert before I threaded it i and clamped it down. I really don't know if that strengthened it any, but I didn't figure it could hurt. Thanks for the video.

Add one more that you have helped! This was very helpful!

Thanks for posting the vid! Went to home depot bought the parts and it worked like a charm!! A++

Just did this on my truck it worked great thanks

78k views! Crazy. Times have a changed…my fitting was $6.50 at Lowe’s. 😂 but still cheaper than a new handle at $85 for OEM! Just did this to my 2006 on the driver side, felt strong screwing the brass fitting in. I also used a bit of glue and tightened the hose clamp fairly tight before screwing the fitting all the way in to get better bite into the plastic. I’ll throw it back on the truck tomorrow. Hopefully this is a great long lasting fix! Thanks for the video!! What are people doing to strengthen these before they break??

Right on! This is a solid, simple repair. Thank you!

Hey Juan it’s 2021 just did this to my 06 mega cab worked so good did it to both even tho other side wasn’t broken

wow, works like a champ!thanks

Thaks for sharing this, just completed it and it works perfectly!

@Juan Aguilera Just FYI this is still helping people in the end of 2018

Genius, thank you

Mann hell yeah saved me 60 bucks!

Thanks so Much!!! Can't believe I did not think of this, sure am glad you did.

Thanks for the video, i tried the washer method and that only lasted a year so ill try this method now, looks like it should work better. :)

thank you so much for a great post , it worked great, its stronger than original

I'm facing this issue with my 2017 Ram 3500, lasted a good 4 years and then .... broke. On this year of ram, the 1/2" threads will fit loose in the cylinder. I had to take my angle grinder and cut some slits into cylinders so that I can cinch them up with the hose clamps (1 1/4" with a 3/8" hex head). I also needed two metric 8.8 bolts. I couldn't re-use the original bolts, the washer was too big and impossible to slide off the threads without damaging them. I suppose I could have whittled it down on a grinder wheel if I wanted to risk my fingers. I also used some 6-minute set epoxy (3800 psi at autozone, 6 minute set, 3-4 hour cure) on the threads of the 1/2" NPT to Barb fitting after cutting off the barb, slid it into the cylinder, and ratcheted it down with a ratchet wrench (not socket). The epoxy squeezed into the slits, So far everything is holding fine.

worked like a charm thank you.

It work!, Thanks for the video

Right on!!! It worked perfect!!!

2019 watching this AWESOME VIDEO 👍 👏

Great fix thanks a lot

Love the fix, but seems like a pipe bushing would be easier

Works great!

wow, awesome Idea! thanks a lot.

I just dit this.. omg. dude. thanks. I'm not handy at all but doing this make me feel like a hacker. thanks for sharing this. now. to try fixing the horn. :(

Glad to find this repair! Only question is will it stop the airbag from deploying?

if you want to go a step further get some plastic weld and put it around the threads :D thanks for this video saved me some time and money!

Dude, hell yeah. Thank yoy

This is exactly what I was hoping for. I was going to place a washer around the hose clamp and tack weld it in place. I like this idea better. as the threads hold it in deeper and the clamp. only one broke and the other I'd perfect. I'm going to cut the perfect one off and do it also. thank you for this great ieea. I lost one of the bolts though. I know it's 11mm. but what size thread and how long is it? I am disabled and I wanted to order it before I tear my truck apart without having all I need to fix it. thank you in advance.

Just did this, thanks to your vid! I used the brass that didn't need sawing off and removed the "points" so it slid in further. No fear! Thx!

That is such a great idea, I was just watching another video and the price is over 40 bucks. I did not want to get a new one only for it to break again. Thank you so much for sharing this. How did it line up on the A post? was there any gap due to spacing issues?Peace, Reese

Nice video 6/2020

Thank you

I believe the plastic is meant to give way when the airbag beneath the handle is deployed?Reinforcing with metal may cause some issues if you ever get tboned.just my thoughts

Just fixed it on my way back to parts store need a longer bolt

Can you tell me what to ask for at Auto Zone 2003 Ram truck passanger side grip handle hanging

awesome!!!!

Smart!

What size hose clamps are those? 1.5 or 2 inch maybe ?

How do you tighten the bolt once it’s inside the shark bite part? It’s too small of an opening for a socket to fit… I’m going crazy trying to figure this out !

great fix thanks man. Anyway does anyone know if they make any steel part for that one so heavy dudes can use it without fear ???? :P

thank god easy fix i was going to buy a new one and i know the color wouldnt match from being sun faded

Can you put a picture of the fitting and the name pls.

Do you have the part number for the fitting? I am having trouble finding it at home depot. I may need to go elsewhere and the part number would help greatly!!

Amazon has both grab handles at about $30 each...not too bad of a price considering we can just remove the old and put them on in a few minutes. I appreciate the video though! Nice work!

Why does it take in water?

I’m not fat I’m big boned