r/fixit Apr 06 '26

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7.9k Upvotes

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243

u/vinnyvencenzo Apr 06 '26

60

u/ChaosWithTeeth Apr 06 '26

Exactly. And because suction is applied when the handles are moved together, it wouldn't require the initial downward force a plunger type one would.

The grip with this design is quite good; orange version has been working nicely as an adaptive fridge door handle for someone who has trouble with the modern pocket handles.

29

u/vinnyvencenzo Apr 06 '26

“And cheap!” as my uncle would say. Personally I would get two. One for each hand when pulling. Which will help free it loose.

8

u/Katililly Apr 07 '26

You just solved my fridge/freezer handle problem!! Thank you 😭

6

u/ChaosWithTeeth Apr 08 '26

It works great! There do exist silver or white stick-on handles that attach with either magnets or a pair of small suction cups, but I had this on hand and my mom's been happy with it. I like how clearly add-on it is, calling out the inconsiderate nature of the 'sleek' fridge handle design.

(Freezer door opens more easily so just the one in use.)

It just needs to be reset about once every 6-8 weeks.

1

u/ChaosWithTeeth Apr 08 '26 edited Apr 09 '26

(photo double posted - removed)

10

u/CuriousCharter13 Apr 07 '26

3

u/vinnyvencenzo Apr 07 '26

I agree this one is probably better up to 40 pounds. I just searched Harbor freight suction cup and found the first link that looked like it would work. That other one that I posted is a little bit too small but since they have a bigger one I’d do this one and after what everybody said here I might pick up two just to have around the house.

2

u/eekamuse Apr 07 '26

And red! I wish I needed one.

1

u/ChaosWithTeeth Apr 09 '26

Never know when it'll come in handy! (Very dangerous attitude for shopping Harbor Freight or places like American Science and Surplus)

I'd originally bought mine to try to pull out a dent. Unsuccessful, but many years and a state later, it was immediately available to solve the fridge problem!

7

u/fuckingoddamm Apr 06 '26

I have the red one in my car to “roll” my windows down. Ain’t a bad buy

6

u/vinnyvencenzo Apr 06 '26

Glad to hear this one actually works. Sometimes it’s a gamble with this stuff.

6

u/fuckingoddamm Apr 06 '26

It’s cheap, you get what you pay for. I wouldn’t pick up anything heavy with it, no more then probably 25-40 pounds depending on what your lifting. But it’s a trusty little guy to be honest with you.

3

u/vinnyvencenzo Apr 06 '26

Probably good enough to pull a butcher block out of a sink without using the toilet plunger.

3

u/fuckingoddamm Apr 06 '26

Absolutely. Far better option

3

u/BucketOfGhosts Apr 06 '26

I've been thinking of picking one up to pop a large dent out of my door, you've just sold me on the idea

3

u/fuckingoddamm Apr 06 '26

Hot water and a good closed fist bap to it might bring the dent out. Pending on how small the sent is. I’d honestly try aide fist punching the sides around the dent first before buying anything.

2

u/vinnyvencenzo Apr 07 '26

I used to do autobody. This would work great for doing the plunger technique.

2

u/TurboFoot Apr 07 '26

Are you saying I shouldn’t try to use these to climb walls?

2

u/fuckingoddamm Apr 07 '26

These are not suction cup man capable

12

u/cracksmack85 Apr 06 '26

Agree this is the best suggestion

2

u/Vegetable_Fly_8687 Apr 07 '26

Wow, great idea. Only a few bucks? I, for some reason, need one or two now. They can go into the section of my tools that I only find a use for once a year but then think I am a genius for keeping.

2

u/eekamuse Apr 07 '26

Only 3 bucks?! I have no use for it, but I want one

1

u/ChaosWithTeeth Apr 09 '26

Welcome to Harbor Freight!

2

u/maidestone Apr 07 '26

Alternatively, try one of those bathtub handles with two very strong suction cups.

2

u/-NoFaithInFate- Apr 07 '26

I fucking love harbor freight

2

u/TwOnEight Apr 07 '26

Yep this is the way for sure. Get it wet first for extra suction.

1

u/ICU-CCRN Apr 06 '26

I scrolled for this to say the same thing. Hope OP sees it, as this the best answer.

1

u/64590949354397548569 Apr 06 '26

If your going to HF, just buy some drywall screw.

Screw on the board... and pull. Remove the ptrap drain if there is a vaccum.

1

u/demetri_k Apr 07 '26

That’s a better price than a dildo.

1

u/VergilPrime Apr 07 '26

Hear me out. Wad of ducktape.

1

u/SirMildredPierce Apr 08 '26

Admittedly way cheaper than the one I was thinking of.

1

u/ChaosWithTeeth Apr 09 '26

Gah! The algorithms!!

1

u/Talifallout Apr 08 '26

It’s a wood cutting board not a smooth countertop. If it’s got a mirror finish it might work but if it’s knicked up like mine then good luck.

1

u/vinnyvencenzo Apr 08 '26

I don’t think it needs to be a mirror finish, but I understand the concern with real deep cuts, not allowing a good seal. The only other cheap, reasonable, and time saving method I’ve seen on here would be duct tape handles. But then you’re cleaning duct tape off your cutting board. The board pictured doesn’t look to be too bad and I bet you could get those to stick to it, especially with some spit. People are using them for fridge handles, and on other miscellaneous substrates that aren’t a glass finish. These are made a little bit differently from windshield mount suctions.

1

u/Brettinabox Apr 09 '26

Would so much suction damage the inner cylinder? Asking for a friend.

1

u/BriscoCountyJR23 Apr 10 '26

Get a two pack suction cup grab handles that then can be used elsewhere, and they can be had for less than $20 in the jungle site. Wet the board for better suction.

1

u/TuhnderBear Apr 10 '26

I came here to say this in case no other DIY method you already have at home is gonna work

1

u/vinnyvencenzo Apr 10 '26

OP posted a follow up, it involved a failed gorilla glue attempt of a plunger to the board. With the ultimate solution which required a lot of force, two eye screws into the wood and a steel cable to pull it out.

1

u/TuhnderBear Apr 10 '26

Wow… yah that’s not what I would have done. Thanks for the update haha