Brodie knob

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A brodie knob (alternate spelling brody knob) is a knob that attaches to the steering wheel of an automobile. The knob swivels, and is intended to make steering with one hand less difficult. Brodie knobs are also known as necker knobs, presumably because they allow steering with one hand while the driver wraps his other arm around his passenger's shoulders. Other names include Suicide Knob and Steering Wheel Spinner.

Although brodie knobs were never widely popular, they enjoyed limited popularity on trucks before the advent of power steering. Their main use today is still in trucks, particularly semi trucks where they allow simultaneous steering and operation of the radio. They also see extensive use on forklift trucks used in warehouses, where frequent sharp turning is required while moving goods about.

Wheel-spinners are also used for helping people with disabilities, such as multiple sclerosis, to drive automobiles.

Decorative versions of brodie knobs are also available. Popular designs include chrome-plated and 8 ball.