Grab handles for bed vault (to hoist yourself up / in) -- DIY instructions

I looked at and tried some grab handles but didn't like the readily available options so DIY'd this one to help pull myself up into the bed. It has a magnetic handle that keeps it closed when not in use.




This was a DIY project using some leftover aluminum bar stock, and I'll share the details here so anyone can build their own and iterate for even better results. It's my second iteration—the first used a rectangular aluminum handle (linked), but it was too awkward to reach, so I scrapped it for this angled design that hugs the L-track better and is closer to the tailgate.

Materials :

• Aluminum bar stock: ¾" x 1 ½"
• L-track stud bolt and nut – linked
• 4 Tapered machine screws (for mounting the grab bar)
• Good metal-cutting saw blade. I used Bosh RESM6x2
• Belt sander or file
• Drills: ¾" (for recess holes), smaller bit for through-holes and tapping machine screws
• Tap set for machine screws

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Bar Stock for Angle:
   • Measure and mark ¼" off one end of the aluminum bar to match the angle where the L-track meets the Cybertruck bed.
   • Without access to a mill (like a Bridgeport), use a hacksaw with a fresh, high-quality blade to cut off the ¼" piece. Go slow for a clean cut. It will not look pretty..
   • Belt sand or file if you want, but this will not be seen.
2. Drill Holes for Mounting:
   • Mark positions for two holes, spaced to align with your L-track mounts (1" apart).
   • Drill two ¾" holes about 3/8" deep—these recess the flare nuts.
   • In the center of each recess, drill a through-hole sized for the stud bolt.
   • Mount the bar stock and align the grab handle so it doesn't interfere with the tailgate. Mark the whole locations.
   • Drill/Tap the holes for your tapered machine screws to match the mounting plate for the grab handle.
   • Taper the grab handle mounting holes to accept the tapered machine screws.
3. Attach to L-Track:
   • Insert flare nuts into the recesses and secure with stud bolts. Note: The linked L-track stud bolts come with a positioning washer that I did not use.
   • Position the grab bar over two L-track mounts (one will be visible under the handle; the other hidden beneath).
   • File down the bolt heads slightly if they protrude beyond the bar's surface for a flush fit and so the grab handle folds completely for the magnet to catch.

It works great for me, but as one commenter noted earlier, the grab handle alignment might look a bit "off" aesthetically because the handle is designed to grab from the other side. It isn’t reversible because the magnet is imbedded in the handle.

If you build this, share pics—I'd love to see improvements and variations.

Drive safe!
L-Track Single Stud Bolt

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5Z4K9PX?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Flip up Grab Bars

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDRWG4ZD?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1



Black Aluminum Alloy Handle Rectangular Industrial Pull Handle

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QN3YRDS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

YukonJack said:

I looked at and tried some grab handles but didn't like the readily available options so DIY'd this one to help pull myself up into the bed. It has a magnetic handle that keeps it closed when not in use.

Click to expand...

Any interesting in selling the milled aluminum bar stock (assumingly with pre-drilled holes)?

Best design I've seen yet. The folding flat is an important feature. Making a handle is on my list. I've purchased parts to make a version, but my design would not have the fold flat feature. Well done.

Motorcycle foot pegs are pretty close to this. https://www.cybertruckownersclub.com/forum/threads/bed-grab-handles.46924/

That's great! I'd put the finger reliefs on the far side though. Looks like it's on backwards. It's still the best I've seen so far. I can already just step onto the tailgate but would love a handle like that. I think I'll make one. Thanks for the great idea!

Great design! Thanks for sharing.

I like your idea better than mine for a grab handle. Mine uses a double loop handle-bar tie-down strap and a small soft shackle. A rigid handle works better than a strap (that squeezes the fingers).

What kind of 50 shades of kinky sex thing is this?

I don’t have a milling machine so this was a labor in love…

The grab handle has an embedded magnet to keep it closed when folded and can’t be reversed without modification. The other side is knurled. I searched for what appeared to be the best quality.

If anyone that has a milling machine wants to take this design and run with it have at it.

Best

That's badass. Don't have access to any of those tools you mention, but impressive - wish I had one.

Easy
M8x1” L Track Mount plus motorcycle pegs

kpanda17 said:

Easy
M8x1” L Track Mount plus motorcycle pegs

Click to expand...

Do you have a link?

kpanda17 said:

Easy
M8x1” L Track Mount plus motorcycle pegs

Click to expand...

I want this! Links please

turns2stone said:

I want this! Links please

Click to expand...

mount(s) pack, can always use extras
https://a.co/d/083GAPyE
Pegs (caveat, little short)
https://a.co/d/0h5g0Mm6

Key is to match the bolt size and thread pitch of mount to peg
These match

kpanda17 said:

mount(s) pack, can always use extras
https://a.co/d/083GAPyE
Pegs (caveat, little short)
https://a.co/d/0h5g0Mm6

Key is to match the bolt size and thread pitch of mount to peg
These match

Click to expand...

Thank you! And great to know about the thread pitch. I ordered the components you linked - except I picked black pegs

Once I have them in-hand, it might give me more options for pegs, as I can test fit pegs locally if I don't end up liking the ones from Amazon.