Spinner (Suicide) Knobs

[Paul Markowski]

Anyone use on of these things on the steering wheel for added steering control (especially when backing up)? I figure these are no longer needed since the invention of power steering. I could be wrong. Or do some people use them because of the "cool" factor.

 

[DavidC]

My Grandpa had one . Of course his old 40's Chrysler had a pushbutton to start also.

Dave

 

[mpaulson]

I beleive they are illegal, at least in Canada for on road use.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Many, many, many, many years ago I put one on my 57 Chevy - Cool Factor - for about 2 weeks. Yes, without power steering it offered great leverage for the big steering wheel in turns, but I ended up taking it off and gave it away. Reason: Ouch Factor trumped Cool Factor...Banged up and twisted fingers, wrist whapping, and a lot of "not-so-funny" funny bones bopped. I'd rather stick my finger in the holes of a chrome spoked steering wheel flying down a rough dirt road than have one of those steering knobs. And as mpaulson said, they are illegal...even way back then.

 

[Ozymandias]

so did I, happily without broken bones....

 

[Paul Markowski]

I beleive they are illegal, at least in Canada for on road use.

I did some research online....It does not appear that any State has made them illegal. I agree though with what the consequences could be by having the spinner smack your hands all around as you drive.
Thanks to all of you for your input.

 

[Regcabguy]

If you wore a long sleeved shirt there's a fair chance that the knob will get hung up and send you over the edge.

 

[Paul Markowski]

If you wore a long sleeved shirt there's a fair chance that the knob will get hung up and send you over the edge.

True. I can see why they may be dangerous.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

I did some research online....It does not appear that any State has made them illegal. I agree though with what the consequences could be by having the spinner smack your hands all around as you drive.
Thanks to all of you for your input.

Laws come and go over time, depending on the do-gooders feelings about your perceived infractions of their high and mighty standards...like cruising, or gathering at the drive-in, or safe, custom modifications to your vehicle. We must all be James Dean delinquents.
A similar code to the current "1977 revision" shown here was pointed out to us younguns by our favorite officer friendlies in the 60's (yes they were very friendly back then!): RCW 46.37.375(1) http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.37.375

RCW 46.37.375
Steering and suspension systems.
(1) Construction of steering control system. The steering control system shall be constructed and maintained so that no components or attachments, including horn activating mechanism and trim hardware, can catch the driver's clothing or jewelry during normal driving maneuvers.​

As long as the knobs were in the "stored" position while driving we did not get a lecture. Most of the knobs could be flipped and locked to the inside position of the steering wheel where it would not snag on clothing or tenderize body parts. However, it did not mitigate the terror to the fingers when you let the steering wheel pass through your hands coming out of a turn. Soooo...If you want to try one, go ahead. I would anticipate they are less of an issue causing bruising, breaks and running off the road due to snagging your sleeve with thee smaller diameter steering wheels and power steering in today's vehicles.
I still catch a glimpse of knobs, mostly on sweet 40's & 50's era classics and rat rods around town as well as some sharp big rigs.
I do remember that certain modifications including the knobs were permitted for individuals with disabilities. Doctor's orders were required and the Washington State Patrol had to inspect and approve major modifications. A couple friends had their cars modified with all kinds of levers and knobs; one from a bout with polio, and the other due to "issues acquired" in Viet Nam. They were amazingly good drivers.

 

[Shiner]

I beleive they are illegal, at least in Canada for on road use.

Maybe illegal to use...…...but prove it was used. Not really needed, but still see them on some big rigs, etc.. The physically dis-abled use a version of them. Yard spotting trucks use them.

 

[Dl5treez]

Backhoe, wheel loader, forklift, RZR, all day long.

In the pickups they’re more a pain in the arse than they’re worth.

 

[BIGNASTY]

I have them on ALL my tractors

I also thought they were illegal for street bouts I COULD BE WRONG

 

[mpaulson]

I've got one on my jet boat for quick cranks on fast rivers.

 

[BIGNASTY]

I've got one on my jet boat for quick cranks on fast rivers.

Maybe I should put one on the wife "She's a Great QUICK CRANK"

 

[BIGNASTY]

If someone needs a spinner to assist in backing maybe they should LEARN TO BACK A TRUCK & TRAILER

 

[Shiner]

Maybe I should put one on the wife "She's a Great QUICK CRANK"

Crank or Yank, or BOTH?

 

[BIGNASTY]

Maybe I should put one on the wife "She's a Great QUICK CRANK"

Penny Here!!

Im going to need to have a talk with BIG about this when he comes out of surgery from having his right hip replaced today.

HE'S TOLD ME IM A GREAT CRANK, if anyone is responsible for it being QUICK its his problem NOT MINE

HA HA HA HA

 

[Shiner]

Penny Here!!

Im going to need to have a talk with BIG about this when he comes out of surgery from having his right hip replaced today.

HE'S TOLD ME IM A GREAT CRANK, if anyone is responsible for it being QUICK its his problem NOT MINE

HA HA HA HA

OUCH!