The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk "Suicide Knob"

I found a vintage steering wheel knob that would be just right for my old 1/2 ton but got to thinking how did these things earn the name suicide knobs and is there a potential danger having one mounted to the steering wheel? Off hand I can't see any reason not to use it.

-Mike-

I heard how they got their names, but man, that's been years ago so don't get me to lying.

My biggest fear of using one would be how it may eat into the wheel. Other than that, I've seen some that are very well made and absolutely gorgeous.

Also called a necker's knob! I found one in the glove box from my 36 wrecker. I am going to put it back on too!.

They're called suicide knobs because if you aren't paying attention it can grab you when the wheel is turning back and pull you in to the steering wheel or break your arm, in theory. The name may have something to do with only having one small point of contact with the steering wheel in case something goes wrong, as you won't have much control.

You might want to note that they're illegal in some areas (here in Alberta at least, so I'm told), and you may want to check your local regulations to see if they're legal in your state.

O, I thought it was for turning the steering wheel with one hand while having your other arm around your girl! LOL Am I wrong here?

Try turning a 640 GMC Steering Wheel without one. Your arms would look like Popeye's. I have one on my '36 1.5 ton also, love it.

Had one on my 52 for years (before installing Power steering). Don't think they're legal in VA but no one ever said anything.
To keep it from chewing on the wheel I used some leather under the clamp.

Grigg

We called them Brodie knobs. Used to use them to spin Brodies (donuts or fishtailing) with the rear of the vehicle. I usually need dirt to do that with anything I drove back then. One of the other "hazards" with them is it's easy to hook the opening of a long sleeve shirt over the knob when makiing normal turns.

Chuck

Old Forklifts have some pretty cool "weathered" ones that can be had for Stovebolts. Mine straddle the wheel spokes, no digging into the wheel itself.

I have one as an added "decoration", but never considered if it was illegal. Mmmm. Anybody remember USAC racer Mel Kenyon who used a modified glove and steering wheel effectively creating a "suicide" knob so he could still midget dirt track race after his hand was severly burned? Imagine using that to control an "out of control" race car? Now that's suicidal!

My arms already look like that!!

Have you guys seen what those knobs sell for on Ebay?

I did find this website about suicide knobs and thought I'd post a link here:

Suicide Knobs

I thought it was interesting anyway... I might even mount one on my truck!

Jerry

Jerry, thanks for the information! We should start calling these myths that are busted "Bolt Busters"

Interesting... I thought I read it somewhere... now after all this searching I can't find anything saying they're Illegal.

Anyhow, with power steering effective enough to just place the palm of your hand on the wheel or a finger on a spoke they're not necessary.

Grigg

Great bunch of posts on this subject. Looks like I'll be installing mine, My 51 half ton has only "Armstrong" power steering so it'll be nice to get a little more leverage for slow speed tight spots.

I liked the vintage look cheesecake ones on e bay but this one's even more special for me as it belonged to my father and I just recently unearthed it out of his junk pile, that and the fact that I've kept the old patina on the trucks finish and this knob has just the right amount of that to match up to it.

-Mike-

Pictures, Sleeve, pictures.

Cool link HellomrWilson I printed that out.

the best steering improvement on any of these old trucks is radial tires

Bill

Heres the one in the '36, it's Ivory. My Knob

Mine is made out of oak!

my dad worked in the oil field for 25 years and always had one on his truck and his forklift, and he only knew them as, well, i can't say it here because it isn't very politically correct or nice

Materman, I know what your Dad called them. Same thing we called them as I was growing up. Saying it now, in certain circles, will get you a knuckle sandwich.

They are illegal in most states unless you have a Handicap exemption.

Very cool info Tim...... Thank you

One thing to be careful with when installing them, make sure you correctly place it before tightening to avoid damaging the wheel and making sure that it is tight when using. I have an almost perfect wheel except for where someone put a brodie knob on it, it chipped the wheel through the paint and down to the black.

I've never used them on vehicles, but have used them on farm tractors. They function very well. Makes turning the steering wheel a whole lot easier when standing still, and quick slow turns.

Ditto that! Whenever I get a tractor, one of the first things I do is put a knob on it. Makes it a lot easier to maneuver those old girls without power steering.

lol, the other day my know came loose and its a big Genie shifter bowling pin. the pin spun outward and kept me from being abel to turn my wheel for a sec, causing me to have to pull over.

Keep your thumbs out of the way is all I have to add on the subject.

may be you are right

Question I have is where on the steering wheel are they normally installed?

On the outside rim.... Sorry, I had to...

Any where it is comfortable for you.

I put mine on the bottom center spoke... but driving straight ahead it ended up about 4 or 5:00, worked well in my right hand.

Grigg

On my tractors I usually put them at about 12 o'clock. When I was a kid I had one in a car, and I think I had it up there on that also. But as Grigg mentioned, wherever it fits best for you.

I put mine at about 7 or 8 o clock that was I can put my are around my gal and shift. I couldent picture driving with the right arm then grambing the wheel with the left to shift, then back to the right hand..

I kept my arm around my gal and let HER shift!

Great site! I had to laugh about the part where OSHA says that there can't be any on consruction vehicles that handle material. I've never been on a loader or backhoe that didn't have a suicide knob!