Suicide Knobs aka Brodie Knobs, Necker Knobs, Steering Wheel Spinners...

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Suicide Knobs

Suicide Knobs are the attachments you put on a steering wheel so you can drive a car or truck with one hand. They are also known as Brodie Knobs, Necker Knobs and Wheel Spinners.

They were very popular in the days before power steering. Now that everyone has power steering they are not as popular, due in part to a number of states banning them.

They can have wildly different designs and can be an interesting accessory.

Short History 

Brodie knobs were used 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 and even riding lawnmowers, where frequent sharp turning is required while moving about.

Brodie Knobs were widely popular (especially on the west coast of the U.S.), during the 1950s. Their intention was to be used primarily as addition to a Hot Rod. The knob was used to spin the steering wheel, rapidly in one direction or the other, while accelerating, to cause the tire(s) to spin. Hence, come the terms "lay a brodie" and "Slob the knob".

Suicide Knobs on Amazon 

In the 1950s and 60's a person could go into any local mechanics shop and choose from a large variety of "Brodie Knobs", with every conceivable theme, from "Candy Apple colored", product logos, to nude women, and everything in between, some automobile dealerships even used them for advertisements.

Classic Steering Wheel Spinner

Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 07/06/2009) Buy Now

Type S AC50092-60/6 Steering Wheel Spinner Knob

Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 07/06/2009) Buy Now

Easy Riderâ„¢ Mower Steering Knob

Amazon Price: $14.97 (as of 07/06/2009) Buy Now

Chrome Skull Steering Wheel Spinner Knob

Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 07/06/2009) Buy Now

8 Ball Steering Wheel Spinner Knob

Amazon Price: $18.99 (as of 07/06/2009) Buy Now

Blog Posts from Google 

spinners wheels
Are you looking for affordable spinners wheels at cheap prices at up to 50% - 65% Off? You can find both new and gently used. Compare prices, review the bargains, buy the spinners wheels you are looking for today! ...
Need car suggestion for my novel -- survellience/stealth vehicle ...
Gold 1970 Cadillac DeVille with brown interior, suicide knob on the steering wheel, and an orange drink dispenser. Worked for Undercover Brother. Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati. Top. Login or register to post comments ...
Suicide knob -
totally cool green acrylic suicide knob from driving with a deathwish.should mount on just about any steering wheel $25 shipped.
15" three spoke steering wheel with suicide knob
Brand new with nut--$95 shipped.

Suicide Knobs on eBay 

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What's your favorite name? 

Here's a list of the names. Please add any I've missed, or if you have a better definition, let me know!

Granny Knob

2 points

Suicide Knob

Used by hot-rodders to do even more dangerous mane more...1 point

Necker Knob

Allows steering with one hand while the driver wra more...1 point

Brodie Knob

0 points

Rob's Knob

0 points

Steering wheel spinner

0 points

Hot Rods on Amazon 

Hot Rod

Amazon Price: $10.49 (as of 07/06/2009) Buy Now

Hot Rod

Amazon Price: $12.49 (as of 07/06/2009) Buy Now

Hot Rod Garages

Amazon Price: $26.40 (as of 07/06/2009) Buy Now

Hot Rod [Blu-ray]

Amazon Price: $17.49 (as of 07/06/2009) Buy Now

Transformers Reveltech - 047 Hot Rodimus

Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 07/06/2009) Buy Now

Spinner Knobs on eBay 

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Your Feedback 

What do you think? Ever used one?

AbbasAbedi wrote...

I have never seen a suicide knob before this lens. 5*

ReplyPosted June 09, 2009

desertgrace wrote...

Great Lens, I had no idea what those were called!

ReplyPosted February 27, 2009

tdove wrote...

Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory!

ReplyPosted January 29, 2009

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