We wanted a good set of handles for the JK. And as much as possible we buy "Made in the USA" but of course expecting quality. A friend got a pair of Grab Handles from another manufacturer and after spending too much time figuring out the proper "bolt-angle" he returned the kit and ordered the cheap copy made in China and those installed well. I did not want to buy the Copy made in China because I feel respecting intellectual property is important.
My wife and I loved the design of the grab handles crafted by Carolina Metal Masters and while very expensive, we gave it a try. The photos do not do justice to the quality product they sell. Installing it is a breeze, it takes 10-15 minutes, including the time one wastes inserting a piece of cloth inside the A Pillar cover so when one unscrew that bolt the bolt does not find its way into the pillar.
Very good precision machinery, every angle crafted perfectly and one can tell the craftsmen are proud of the product they make.
I did not bother to document the install because they created a great install video in youtube and what you see is what you get. The install instructions also give you the proper torque settings.
Below I posted the pictures of the unpacking and the final look of the product when installed. The flash reflects in the metal surface and makes it look as if the pieces are of different colors. All pieces are made with the same material and color is even.
They are very solid, easier now to get in the car with a lift, specially for my wife. Notice the ball mount for future use, installing a GPS screen or a Go-Pro Camera.
I am very satisfied with the product and I sent them a note as I love to see high quality products made in the USA. They replied back saying they will activate a Free shipping discount code for the wrangler forum members. The code is WRFREE and will be active from 10/19...
Those look very nice, if not a bit over-the-top sizewise. Massive, but masculine!
I lived in the evergreen state for 23 years, and recall the summertime temps exceed the 100 degree mark only 2-3 times a year, but down here in the sunbelt where we exceed 100 much more frequently the insulating rubber grip on the GraBars allow these to be used in any temperature without being too hot to grab.
Those bars, (any bars) without some type of insulating cover on them are all but useless in the summertime in warmer climates. The metal gets too hot to touch.
Those look very nice, if not a bit over-the-top sizewise. Massive, but masculine!
I lived in the evergreen state for 23 years, and recall the summertime temps exceed the 100 degree mark only 2-3 times a year, but down here in the sunbelt where we exceed 100 much more frequently the insulating rubber grip on the GraBars allow these to be used in any temperature without being too hot to grab.
Those bars, (any bars) without some type of insulating cover on them are all but useless in the summertime in warmer climates. The metal gets too hot to touch.
I have had the brass knuckle version for close to a year, also have CMM mirrors that mount to them for when doorless. Extremely high quality, mirrors also don't vibrate at all. Live in the Midwest and don't really get 100+ temps, but do stay in mid 90's for a lot of summer, and never been too hot to touch for me. These handles get more comments from people than anything else I have done to my rig.
I have had the brass knuckle version for close to a year, also have CMM mirrors that mount to them for when doorless. Extremely high quality, mirrors also don't vibrate at all. Live in the Midwest and don't really get 100+ temps, but do stay in mid 90's for a lot of summer, and never been too hot to touch for me. These handles get more comments from people than anything else I have done to my rig.
They look great! Good that we now have several options for grab bars and (3) of them are made in the USA - Carolina MM, GraBar and Steinjagger. Small American companies need our support.
FYI Carolina MM offers in two models: loop and "brass knuckles." Both same price. Last time I checked I think they were $160 for the fronts only. Pricey but built to withstand a medium size car/Jeep bomb.
With a 2.5 inch lift they're a much appreciated accessory after having 2 hip replacements, 2 ankle and one knee surgery. Work great and look cool too. Highly recommend.
4 lumbar and 1 cervical surgery for me, all with fusions and hardware. No fun. These things are terrific. Not nice to have a must-have for folks like you and me.
If HEAT may be a problem, you could always wrap the handles with Para Cord or the smaller "Micro-Cord" .... That would make a inexpensive heat insulator for the
guys in Hot climates... Good Luck. "BH"
Can the Moderator help by editing my OP and change the discount code to WRFree (it is case sensitive and my OP has everything in uppercase)
To all of you sending me PM, yes, the code works but it is WRFree CMM just emailed me and told me they got couple of orders and code is working as expected.
Looks great! Put the exact same style in my JKUHR last weekend. I got the front grab bar as well. Wife thought I was crazy at first but now she loves them (she's 4'11").
Thanks for the code. Gonna order the rears right now.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Ask a question
Ask a question
Jeep Wrangler Forum
9M posts
468K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to Jeep Wrangler owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, trail riding, gear, suspension, tires, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, for all JL, JT, JK, TJ, YJ, and CJ models!