Nearly every question we get before an order is some version of "what size do I need?" The good news is that measuring takes two minutes and one tape measure. The bad news is that people skip it, guess, and end up with a handle that is too tight to get a hand behind. Here is the method.
The measurement that matters
Find the two mounting holes your existing grab handle bolts into. Measure from the centre of one hole to the centre of the other. That is your mount spacing. Now add four to five centimetres. That extra is what lets your hand slide behind the handle and get a proper grip. The number you end up with is your handle length. Write it down before you go looking at colours, because colours are the fun part and everyone forgets to measure once they get there.
What the sizes mean
Our standard paracord grab handles come in three lengths, measured loop to loop. 24cm is the universal size and suits most pillar and roof mounts on 4WDs and utes. 21cm suits tighter spaces and some smaller mounts. 18cm is built for cargo drawer systems and other short spans, and is sold as our cargo drawer handle. If your measurement lands close to one of those, pick it. If it lands well outside them, or your mounts are unusually far apart, order a custom length and tell us the exact number.
Which size for which vehicle
We do not publish a hard table by model, because mount spacing changes between years, trims and pillar positions, and a wrong table is worse than no table. What we can say is that 24cm is what the majority of Hilux, Ranger, D-MAX, MU-X, LandCruiser, Prado, Navara, Triton, BT-50 and Patrol owners end up with on the pillars, and 21cm is the common pick where space is tight. Our vehicle pages have the detail for the Ranger, Hilux, D-MAX and MU-X, LandCruiser and Prado, Navara and Triton. Measure anyway. Two minutes now saves a return later.
Screws or clips?
Before you measure, pop the cover off your factory handle and check what is holding it in. Screws or bolts mean you are good to go: the new handle uses the same fixings. Clips mean the factory handle is pushed in, and there is nothing for a paracord handle to bolt to. In that case you will need to fit nut inserts first, and on some vehicles even that does not give a clean result, so check before ordering. The installation guide shows what you are looking at.
Do not forget the washers
A washer under each screw head spreads the load and stops the loop wearing on the fixing. They also finish the mount, which is why we offer them in matching and contrast colours. Washers are not included by default; add them on the product page under Washer Colour when you order.
Quick checklist
Centre of hole to centre of hole. Add four to five centimetres. Match to 18, 21 or 24cm, or go custom. Confirm screws not clips. Choose washers. Then pick your colours. If you are still not sure after measuring, message us with your number and vehicle and we will tell you which size to order. More answers are in the FAQ and grab handle guide.