Suicide Knobs aka Brodie Knobs, Necker Knobs, Steering Wheel Spinners...
Ranked #188 in Autos, #18,434 overall
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.
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.
Check out these knobs!
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".
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.
Polished Aliminum Steering Wheel Spinner
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 11/08/2009) 
Chrome Skull Steering Wheel Spinner Knob
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 11/08/2009)
Auto Steering Wheel Spinner Suicide Knob with Route 66
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 11/08/2009)
8 Ball Steering Wheel Spinner Knob
Amazon Price: $18.99 (as of 11/08/2009)
Pool Ball Steering Wheel Spinner Knob Red #3
Amazon Price: $18.99 (as of 11/08/2009)
Blog Posts from Google
- Wheel Curb Rash - Dodge Challenger Forum: Challenger & SRT8 Forums
- Originally Posted by RoostKing View Post. Oh No you di'ent! Dangit! There's no antenna to tie the racoon tail to and the suicide knob won't fit on my steerin' wheel! Sorry, I couldn't help myself! ...
- Steering Wheel Spinner Automotive Interior, Folding Steering Wheel ...
- Pool Ball 1 Steering Wheel Spinner Suicide Knob ? Pool Ball 12 Steering Wheel Spinner Suicide Knob ? CUSTOM ACCESSORIES® BLACK STEERING WHEEL SPINNER ? U70108 Polished Aluminum Steering Wheel Spinner ? Black Laminated Steering Wheel ...
- where can i find a trucker girl steering/suicide knob?
- i have an old chev, and am looking for a steering knob that has the infamous trucker girl on it. i can only seem to find the typical 8 ball, betty boop, etc... thanks in advance if you help me out i will pick best answer!
- How many Remember these?
- (AKA) suicide knob, Neckers Knobs. Since I'd been thinking of cars, my mind naturally went that direction first. Any kids will probably have to find some elderly person over 50 to explain some of these terms to you. ...
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!
1
Granny Knob
2 points
4
Brodie Knob
0 points
5
Rob's Knob
0 points
6
Steering wheel spinner
0 points
Suicide Knobs on eBay
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Your Feedback
What do you think? Ever used one?
glockr wrote...
I'd forgotten all about these. When I was in high school a friend of mine had one on his 64 Nova. Lots of fun to use, but scary when someone else is driving.
Posted July 14, 2009
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