Threaded Knobs (Aluminum, Plastic, Star, Female)| Reid Supply
Threaded Knobs (Aluminum, Plastic, Star, Female) Reid Supply USA
Threaded knobs are hardware attachments that attach to cabinets, drawers, and other similar mechanisms. These parts protrude from the mounting surface, allowing users to grab, open, close, or move things. They’re usually produced in various types and of different materials. In today’s article, we’ll discuss different types of threaded knobs, their appropriate applications, and the different materials they might be made of.
Threaded Knob Types
There are two basic categories of threaded knobs: male-thread knobs and female-thread knobs.
· Male-threaded knobs — Also called threaded stud knobs, feature a threaded stud that’s an integral part of their design. These threaded studs are used to secure the knob to a surface that’s been drilled, or tapped through, or has a bottom tap that matches the stud’s thread size. In woodworking applications, these are usually fastened using threaded inserts.
· Female-threaded knobs — These feature just the knob itself, made of different materials, like zinc-plated metals, stainless steel, and polypropylene (thermoplastic). However, they usually have a bottom-tapped center, which allows them to be fastened to a stud integrated into the mounting surface.
In both cases, the knobs themselves feature a variety of shapes, including t-handles, wing knobs, ball knobs, lobe knobs (aka star knobs), clamping knobs, and knurled knobs. Most of these shapes can be used as adjustable handles, depending on their application.
Ball Knobs
Ball knobs come in vastly different configurations that mostly depend on your application needs. They can either feature an internal threading or an external fastener (threaded stud) which makes them incredibly versatile. For example, they can be used as cabinet door hand grips or car gear levers.
Ball knobs are mostly made of plastics, though different materials, such as cast iron, stainless steel, technopolymers, and rubber. Additionally, their diameters can range significantly, depending on your design needs or applications.
Tapered Knobs
Tapered knobs are incredibly versatile, as they play an important role in the function of various types of machinery and equipment, and as their name implies, they’re characterized by a tapered design. Considering their industrial use, they’re mostly plastic knobs, which greatly reduces their price, though other materials, such as metals, can be used in their production.
Tapered knobs usually feature female threads for static mounting on handwheels and crank handles of various types of machinery, like drill presses. In addition, some taper knobs are generally mounted on shafts ending with a threaded stud, enabling the handle to freely rotate around its shaft, allowing easier equipment operation.
T-Handle Knobs
T-knobs are mostly used in high-clamping-force applications, as their shape provides maximum leverage. They’re mostly made of non-slip thermoplastics or Phenolic knob plastics with a hard, smooth, and shiny finish. Both types mostly feature a molded-in threaded insert, though some models may feature a threaded stud. A third type doesn’t have any threading; instead, they’re held in place by special connectors or pins.
Other Types of Knobs
In addition to the types of knobs mentioned above, several other types are also worth mentioning.
Star Knob
Star knobs, also known as lobed knobs, are mostly made of soft-touch or hard plastics, though there are metal knobs designed for specific applications. Their unique shapes allow massive force exertion for high-torque applications, while their smooth and rounded lines and edges make their actuation comfortable.
They’re probably the most diverse type of knob when it comes to threading, considering their broad application. For example, star knobs are usually available as male-threaded, female thru (through tap), female blind (bottom tap), and female locking threaded versions. The latter is typically injection-molded using nylon or other types of soft plastics.
Clamping Knobs
Clamping knobs, also known as control or fluted knobs, are ideal for applications that require fine, precision adjustments, like industrial instrument boards. These are mostly made of hard or soft-touch plastics, with a knurled or fluted rim and an indicator mark for accurate setting and adjustment.
It’s worth noting that most of these grip knobs come with female threading or simple holes with a lateral through-tap on their sides. This through-tap allows a small hex screw to be tightened against the mounting shaft, clamping the knob in place.
Hand Knobs
Hand knobs encapsulate all previously mentioned types (ball, star, t-handle), but they have a large “head.” This excessive size makes them fantastic for adjusting clamping pressure in work-holding and positioning applications which may require frequent manual adjustments. Not only that, but their size and shape types make them more comfortable to grip and operate, allowing users to exert much greater force when fastening workpieces.
In addition, they’re either press-fitted or threaded onto a rod, with the latter being the most common approach. That way, the knob can be tightened or loosened to adjust the pressure of the rod against the workpiece.
Knurled Knobs
Knurled knobs usually come in two variants: CNC machined metal knurl knobs made from stainless steel or brass (though other metals may be used), or injection molded plastics, like polypropylene, nylon, or ABS. They’re mostly female threaded or mounted on a push-pull mechanism.
Metal knurled knobs are typically polished to a mirror finish, making them suitable for both decorative and industrial use. A minimized version of this type of hardware is known as thumb screws, and they’re mostly used to secure parts and workpieces to a work surface or a jig.
Summary
Threaded knobs are some of the most versatile hardware devices on the market, made from a wide variety of different materials, sizes, and shapes. They’re also incredibly versatile, as they’re present in our everyday lives, ranging from mere decorations and furniture hardware to automotive gear shifters and specialized industrial applications.
If you’re interested in purchasing threaded knobs, Reid Supply is a premier provider of industrial components, and offers a wide assortment of threaded knobs suitable for different applications.
If you’re not well-versed in this type of hardware, we suggest you check out our general guide on knobs, as well as cranks handles, and how to select hardware adequate to your application.