Steering Wheel Spinners - Keep Calm and Spin On
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- They go by many different names: spinners, steering wheel knobs and suicide knobs.
A spinner is basically a knob which attaches to the steering wheel of a vehicle. It is intended to be used in situations where maneuvering is excessive. It allows the driver to turn the steering wheel more quickly to place the vehicle in an intended position.
They are extremely useful when backing up a vehicle, particularly a tractor trailer.
Why are they sometimes called suicide knobs? Back in the days when there was no power steering, drivers who used a steering wheel knob, would get injured when the wheel snapped back after vigorously turning it. Now, this doesn't happen, as the steering in most all vehicles is power steering.
Dave does a demonstration of using a spinner when backing up a tractor trailer.
LINK TO PURCHASE A QUICK KNOB SPINNER.
www.quick-hamm...
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE QUICK KNOB SPINNER.
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(PLEASE NOTE: THE ABOVE LINK CONTAINS AN AFFILIATE LINK, WHICH MEANS WE MAY RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION FOR PURCHASES MADE THROUGH THIS LINK.
We have indeed tested these spinners and use them in our Peterbilt.
We would not recommend something to our fellow truckers, which we would not use ourselves.
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I just want to say that the man in the video reminds me of my late father. I miss him so much...this guy here though seems to be friendly an all-around great guy to know.
Thanks Angela, that's high praise! Higher than I probably deserve, but thank you just the same!
Well said, they’re very useful especially if you’re backing up trailers.
got em on all my garbage trucks as we are constantly backing. makes a world of difference!!
I love those things. I've used many of them in the past. It most definitely makes turning the wheel a whole lot easier. Thanks for the memories.
Thanks for sharing
Roy
Thank you! Dave
Works GREAT Dave, always mounted one around the position you use.
MUCH better than palming the wheel to spin it, that slips/loses orientation easily.
NEVER lost the habit of keeping fingers/hands out of the inside of the wheel, power or manual - ya never know!
Tucked inside at a good position like that, the knob is good for orientation even when not using it. Hands fit to the outside just FINE for normal driving without it.
8 ball just for fun & looks.
My dad was a double amputee and had one of these on his truck, he had a hand control on the left side for gas and brake and then the spinner on the wheel. When he passed away I took over his truck and was told to take the spinner off but honestly after using it so much I left it on because it was so useful.
They work great on garden tractors with hydro transmissions.........backing up and turning to mow around things.
You had a good answer and question for the DOT. It sure looks like it would come in handy for turning the wheel. Enjoyed the video and thumbs up.
Thanks! Dave
I been using them for years sure makes easier getting around in town. Especially doing multiple stop loads.
I bought my first one in Petro Joplin Missouri. I have never looked back and moving from company to owner op truck I brought it me and it has always been a great deal of help. I have never had a scale or a DOT agent ask me about them. so for now its been a great experience.
Hopefully the DOT have bigger fish to fry than picking on someone for having a spinner. Depends how bored they are that day. Yes, a great tool. Wouldn't do without it.
I love these spinners. I have one on one of my tractors and I find that I use it more than I put two hands on the steering wheel.
Actually, the phrase "suicide knob" came from the notion that anyone wanting to however drive a truck fast and aggressively, especially with only one hand, was suicidal. Of course, that's not how these are typically used. The main benefits are cruising, backing, and sharp turns at slow speeds.
I've never driven a heavy trucks (light ones only) but have worked in the industry building trailers & installing PTOs & airbag suspension & the drivers who I spoke to who used them absolutely loved them. I have driven a couple of forklifts with them & they make maneuvering a lot easier. Sometimes you need to do what ever it takes to make things just that little bit easier. Keep safe out there Dave.
Thank you, I'll try! Dave
Very useful specially when backing up a 48’ in to those tiny parking lots in supermarkets from queens, Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan
They came fitted to Matbro Mastiff loading shovels in the UK, we would load a 11 Cubic yard tipper truck (dump truck) in 3 mins. All day 6 days a week so we needed them as we were lock to lock on every load. The Matbro was the 1st piece of equipment to have articulated steering in the world, IE: it bent in the middle. The patent was later sold or leased to Caterpillar and made the owners millionaires'.
I like vids that explain the running of trucks etc. and seeing where rules differ from those in the UK.
Thanks BS
As a pro driver since 64 I know that Ontario outlawed them years ago but as with everything there are exceptions. OH&S says a guy driving a shunt tractor should use them to prevent repetitive strain injuries so since I was backing into docks and the fact that dispatch sent me to the tightest places to back into I got away with it.
Back in the 50s there were some knobs with a release button to flop them down parallel with the wheel but anymore the only place I know to get them is a fork lift supply place.
I use one, even have my trainees use them. They usually don’t like it at first but like me love it once you get used to it. I have much more control and response backing with one.
Thank you for the history lesson. I didn’t want to get one until I knew the reason for the monicker. Glad it doesn’t apply anymore. Thanks!
My pleasure!
My pleasure!
dave, as a charter member of the calused arse society of the old school road dogs of America thank you! keep calm and spin on brother's!
Hey, thank you sir! Dave
I always heard off Highway use only, tractors and forklifts. I also heard broken thumbs or hands on spin back in a crash. Great video good to know the regs.
Love those spinners.Used the suicide knobs in my days.
It is my understanding that they were called suicide knobs because in an accident it could stab you in the chest. I was told that about 35 years ago before the shoulder restraint seat belts were as popular as they are today. Back in the sixties and seventies, many cars only had a seat belt around the waist. Therefore, when you got in an accident you would normally hit the steering wheel with your chest.
I have used one for many years. Been through inspections without the first thing said about it. I hate driving a truck without it.
Only negative comment I can say is I have a severe case of carpal tunnel in my hand from using it all through the years.
Although I have been driving with it for more than 20 years, so it's nothing that has happened overnight. Drive safe.
I know you'll probably be like wtf is he doing on a trucking video, but I'm a disabled driver, right arm impaired. I drive with a spinner all the time. I've gotten to the point I don't feel safe turning without it. In a few states Michigan, and New York I think. You're required to have a spinner your arm is impaired or range of motion, etc. Great video.
Thanks Jacob. I think spinners are a valuable and affordable tool. I know they've been a help to me! Dave
Ya, weren't spinners originally invented for one armed drivers?
Thank you again for the lovely trip down memory lane! Hell we had 'suicide knobs' on our tractors, pickups, garbage trucks & I even put one on my 'armstrong' street racing '68 Camaro SS! ;-) Did some great 'donuts' with that wheel! And yep, I did hit the curb that one time & jacked my wrist & said a naughty word or two! Fun times.
Now the legal eagle in me wants to know why these are illegal? I also still righteously flip the bird at any weigh station I pass in my 4 wheeler out of solidarity! Rock on all!
I have used a spinner knob over 30 years. Wouldn't drive without one. If your not smart enough to keep it away from your shirt sleeve, maybe you shouldn't be driving. It makes backing a trailer SOooo much easier.
Warren Michigan checking in brother love the channel I’m 9 months in to my newly acquired class A endorsement and can’t get enough of the information you give to your viewers
I have one on my sprinter I wouldn’t be without it. They’re not illegal here in Ireland.
My dad had one of them on his 1951 Desoto Custom. Everybody had one on their car back then. Hell, I thought it came with the car.
Had one on every tractor on the farm, Also have one on my truck. Great for turning tight corners and backing into docks.
we got one of those on our frontloader power steered tractor and it's super handy on a vehicle like that when I have to do a lot of steering in small places etc. but our old Fordson Super Major does not have anything like power steering and it doesn't have anything else working with electricity but the start and lights. So it would be super dangerous to have one of those on it's steering wheel.
I've heard that those would be quite dangerous in accidents though, because the steering knob can go through your stomach or something if you don't have your seatbelt on for some reason.
I Had Those Spinner Knobs !! Loved It For Backing In...
For the cost of ruddy thing, the knob should be mandatory in vehicles that require constant, fine movements. Forklifts have them as standard fit for a reason. Invalid carriages also have the option for ease of use. The only pig is regular driving, but even then...
Had one on my car years ago. Got it caught in my sleeve and almost crashed my car. After that I still had one, but only the "fold over" style.
Go to Spokane, WA weight station they will show you a code. I got violation for having that spinner about 7 years ago. And DOT wouldn't let me go until I detached it from steering wheel. Gotta love Spokane DOT!
I love the spinner and I am adding the 2nd one !
I've had a borrowed car with a spinner for a few days and it drove me crazy, kept catching my sleeve, banging into my wrist, pinching my fingers, lol, different strokes for different folks...
We had power steering on our tractors on the farm . Still used spinners . Got one on my yard tractor .
I live and have lived for over 30 years, about 15-20 minutes from that very stop you mentioned in Marshall Michigan.
Real mans fidget spinner
They work great on forklifts too.
Great Video, thanks for the clarification as I've heard different things regarding the legality of spinners as well!, great point, give driver's the right to make their jobs easier and go after the truly unsafe driver's out there.
Thanks! Dave
Had one on my 67 F 100, made a world of difference when a person had manual steering!
Knobs are good, got my first in Carl jct Missouri at western auto for my 50 olds in 1960
I grew up on a farm and it's a must In a tractor. Steering wheel is much smaller In a tractor so you can spin it fast. Might have to get one for my truck.
Keep calm n spin on brother!
I had a spinner too when i drove loved them made backing easier on me...thanks for showing this..God bless
Other locksmiths told me about this and how it is useful
They sure do "PUT THE TOUCH" on that backup ...
I believe the 'suicide knob' term came from the old farm tractors with narrow fronts, if you turned them too fast they were easy to flip over.
Actually came from the old big rigs without power steering. It would whip back and snap your arm
cant speak about using one on a truck but on a broad-acre farm tractor it makes a world of difference especially because of the the steering once you cross about 3-4 tonne tractors its all hydrostatic steering so the steering wheel tends to drift. when the wheels are straight the knob say is on the left after a couple of turns when you straighten up the wheels again the knob could be on top or the bottom or even on the right. it doesn't happen much on newer tractors but old one even when driving straight down a road the wheel will still drift. if you try to hold the wheel like a car or truck you end up having to relocate you hands every now and then after a while you end up steering with the knob all the time.
This is a great tool for backing, help out a ton
There really handy and they help get a turn made easier
Thank you for the vid. I’m looking for one with a quick release so I don’t have to speed ratchet it off. 😂
good video, my father told me big reason was when there were serious wreck the knobs would end up a puncture in your chest or stomach killing you he did say they were very convenient.
great video used spinners for decades also low seat plus i took seat foam apart and contoured the foam with knife would end back pain great for backing up usually first try plus shugger i would lock it if i had to use the clutch alot
I drive a forklift at a lumber yard and I use one. Being a guitar player, it definitely helps my wrist as well as makes it easier to drive.
I have a spinner know in my Jeep Cherokee, it's nice to use when plowing. Mine is removable, I just push a little pin and the knob pull out of the mount. I store the knob in my console until either I'm plowing or backing my trailer up etc.. That is personal preference, as I don't see much danger in a spinner either.
It helps when you have a giant steering wheel like the 1978 Transtar I drove many moons ago.
I even put a spinner on my Bronco II. That thing is so short and quick steering it's like driving a forklift. I like it for moving cars,trailers and other stuff around my own crowded property,and I make a lot of $5's for gas by pulling out and re-parking neighbors' RV trailers for 'em.
You can get some that fold away when not in use. if you were worried about it catching clothes or hitting the driver's chest in an accident this might help.
cousin had one on his car, nearly fliped it when it caught his shirt cuff.
Thanks for the video and the back story. You are very entertaining
Got mine at the old Calumet Truck Stop in So. Holland, ll
smile....spin on Dave
Is there a war going on in the background?
"so few rights....." let the trucker spin if he wants to..
I swear by the spinner knob, especially when backing up. I rarely use it driving down the highway but will use it occasionally when making a turn.
Thanks, My ranger is hard to steer and is causing hand and and shoulder problems, this knob is like night and day! I can survive now till I can get another vehicle.
I use the spinners on tractors because of arthritis. It is the only way I can operate without so much pain.
Interesting, hadn't thought of that! Dave
I'm not sure where this Myth started but I can tell you this, as a man whose uncle is a Sheriff, Wheel knobs are NOT illegal in ANY US State. Fun fact; most Police cars have Wheel Knobs. If it was illegal why would Cops use them?
Appreciate the input! Thanks! Dave
The interior of that truck is impressive.
Yeah, I like it. Thanks. I lived in that truck for over ten years, figured if I had to live in it I might as well get one I liked. Dave
Thanks for sharing, yes tools of the trade. I just bought one myself.
I can't back in without one now!
I don't why I did, but I put one on my pickup truck, because I couldn't really put a different steering wheel on it because of it had the cruise control on it. Plus it was harder for me to get a good grip on my steering wheel.
Just one observation. Notice the coat he's wearing? I used to use a spinner and loved it, but on two different occasions the sleeve on my jean jacket caught the knob, and suddenly the wheel was yanked right out of my hands. Not saying you shouldn't use one. Just saying be aware when wearing a long sleeved cuffed jacket.
Good point! Dave
Thank you, sir!
Thank you!
when plowing i like to have one, for need to be quick as heck to react when about to go off the road. have done that twice when plowing hehe. and when mopping up park areas and so on.
on my new truck i have the volvo dynamic steering so no need for one. one finger is all it need. even fully loaded. a great system that saves your sholders. even if it is a 3000usd option :/ but next to the 7000 in other options just for the front axle its not that much.
still the best way to drive is with both hands on the wheel they say :)
Would be a great asset when plowing. I use mine mostly for backing up.
My wife has MS and these are great for people with neuropathy
Really! Didn't know that! Dave
Thanks for ur explanation
thanks for the demonstration
ME TOO!!!!
LOVE THE HELL OUT OF THEM, MY DAD WOULD LET ME SPIN EM IN THE YARD AS A YOUNG PERSON!!!
PEACE AND PROSPERITY!!!
I am not a trucker, and neither is my friend who had been driving the family rig at the farm since 8 or 10. He told me these are called necking knobs. You can steer with one hand while cuddling your honey as you cruise down the roads.
Got one that I've managed to set up so can pop on in about 5-10 seconds and off again pretty much instantly. Am company drv so had a few people around yard try and get high&mighty and shut 'em down with the instant removal part plus only attach it when around yard or backing into customer dock.
It is really very good for all cars
Semper Fi Brother !
Got my vote.. 40 years and they are as great today as back then.. Oh, an you do learn quick on the return in Armstrong. A few words like F###k That hurt... and you learn... LOL
only a hick would think like that lol.. everyone knows that these can cause crash easily. it can catch onto ur shirt and all of a sudden ur flying off a bridge.
my 1948 international kb has one. I don't think I could drive it without it but yeah sometimes due to my size it might hurt a dab
This guy makes me proud to truck keep the wheels down
Thanks!
I have one in my switcher and 2 other ones in my bag for back up , hate not having a knob
Damn I don't even drive and I want one.
They are nice! Maybe you could mount one on your desk. dave
where are you from Dave? I'm in michigan just north west of the old pioneer truck stop where you bought your first spinner..thanks for the videos keep em coming
I use the same one you are using. About $20.00 at most truck stops.
Enjoy your posts, lots of good info. Would like your opinion on pros/cons regarding running under your own authority.
My favourite trucking was on my own authority. The downside is occasionally having to chase your money. Dave
I have a question, is there any way to save a dump trailer from going over once it's raised up? I'm lining up some stuff pulling a scrap bucket but all I ever hear about is trailers flopping over once they reach max height. If you can feel the trailer start to go, is there; A, any way to stop it from rolling over and save it, or B, a way to get out safely and not get caught in a rollover?
Not that I know of but my dump box experience is limited. Good Question! Dave
Hi, I pulled an end dump in the early 80s. Prevention is the best way to keep a trailer from laying over.
Always make sure you are on flat level ground, never place your duals in a depression, particularly the
rear axle of the trailer. I have seen several lay over and they have always gone to the left odd enough.
If you are dumping in a scrap yard your biggest problem may be flat tires.
Make sure you're on level ground and prepared to lower your dump if you feel something aint right. lower it slowly and youll be fine.
I am a trash truck driver and my company. Recently told us we had to remove them all as they are illegal.I also ask them to show me where it said that in the regulations to which I was told they would get me a copy. It's now been 3. Weeks and no one has ever given me a copy.I even got a note for my doctor Now asking them to allow me to use it for shoulder and hand pain. We'll see what will happen.
every safety guy I've talked to is always said they are legal to have on your wheel they are legal to use while backing they're legal to use on private lots just can't use them while driving on a public road legally but it's not like they can prove it
I think I'll put one in my car!
For 43 years I have been spinning my rig with my finger. I got pretty strong fingers today, but in the days of armstrong steering I did not steer like this. Today I have to be careful that my boss does not see me spin the wheel with my finger. He does not like it. He has trouble driving his car with both hands. LOL.
I jammed my thumb on a manual steering once, and that was without a knob. Man I like modern trucks.