Kayak Handles

When I bought my Malibu Tandem XL 2, the first thing that went was the mid-handles, its like it couldn't hold the weight of the kayak to where the strands came out of the plastic holds.  I called the makers and the sent me new handles.

Now I have a banks board with the same handles and it also pulled out of the plastic hold.  Is there any other manufacturers of kayak handles, that are sturdier?

Its this one, in which I use with screws (not rivets) it breaks in the blue part and then slips out.


http://store.oceankayak.com/products/313497/Side-Mount_Carry_Handles

I bought a set of handles similar to that from Hook1. They've held up ok for two seasons.

Tote posted a DIY handle thread a few years ago. Those looked sturdy.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,7919.msg69188.html#msg69188

Al

Hate those ok handles.  Much prefer the fixed molded handles found mid hull on the adventure.  Hoisting overhead with those ok handles is a real b@&$!

 I think most of those generic handles (including on OK's) come from Crack of Dawn.  You can find them much cheaper that you see on the OK site.     For instance ... http://www.kayakproshop.com/COD_Deluxehandle.html

-Allen

Ty for all the great info.  I will look into it.

I also broke the handle of my T15 last week.  You can also check austin kayak and if you received their monthly newsletter they have a 20% discount code where you can use it
 http://www.austinkayak.com/products/187/Kayak-Side-Mount-Carry-Handles-PR.html.  Only problem is how to remove the rivets.

I also broke the handle of my T15 last week.  You can also check austin kayak and if you received their monthly newsletter they have a 20% discount code where you can use it
 http://www.austinkayak.com/products/187/Kayak-Side-Mount-Carry-Handles-PR.html.  Only problem is how to remove the rivets.

Luckily for me, I have the 2 screws that hold in one side.  I just use a philips to remove mine.  whew! rivets is a whole other problem.

Do you have any recommendation regarding broken handle screw removal? They are SUPER stuck.

Do you have any recommendation regarding broken handle screw removal? They are SUPER stuck.

screws...I assume you tried WD40 etc. Heat aint gonna work  Looks like you will have to grind it flat (so the bit doesn't wander) and drill it out. go slow if they are stainless.

Chaeki,

I may have an extra handle if you still need one....

Glen

Chaeki,

I may have an extra handle if you still need one....

Glen

Thanks !!! but I would just break it again... I need to find a alternate, like a aluminum one, or go to home depot.

Chaeki,

I may have an extra handle if you still need one....

Glen

Thanks !!! but I would just break it again... I need to find a alternate, like a aluminum one, or go to home depot.

I dont yhink the handles are the problem, the carry my kayak and i believe it weighs more than yours  Maybe you need to re-inforce the backing...

I dont think the handles are the problem, the carry my kayak and i believe it weighs more than yours  Maybe you need to re-inforce the backing...

You show me how to do that first... so I can do it to the other side... LOL

chaeki,

I think you said the webbing is what is coming undone.  I'm not sure backing will help that.

I'd end of the webbing sewn for reinforcement, or even better, get a longer piece of webbing, fold the end over, and get it sewn for reinforcement.

Still, I would not think this is something that would break repeatedly.  Are you jerking on your handles?

-Allen

chaeki,

I think you said the webbing is what is coming undone.  I'm not sure backing will help that.

I'd end of the webbing sewn for reinforcement, or even better, get a longer piece of webbing, fold the end over, and get it sewn for reinforcement.

Still, I would not think this is something that would break repeatedly.  Are you jerking on your handles?

-Allen

Your right, the webbing is breaking the plastic that holds it in, and sometimes I jerk the handle (hahah thats a funny pun).  For instance on my banks board, it happened when I was coming in to shore and the waves were breaking on top of the board, pulling it away from me.  But on my kayak, it was when I was holding it by one side, loading it off the SUV by myself.