Guide to Control Knobs

Purchase the right control knobs for your applications
By Jess Buskirk

Control knobs are used in a vast variety of applications. These knobs, also called instrument knobs, adjust the volume on a stereo, the temperature of an oven and the air conditioning in a car, among other applications. Many times, a standard control knob can be used with any application as long as the knob's shaft fits the application's stud, insert or hole. Control knob distributors offer products in a variety of materials, shapes, sizes, finishes and colors.

Control knobs are installed by simply pushing the knob onto the stud, screwing it onto a threaded stud or fitting it onto internal hardware. Control knobs often have indicating markers so the operator can monitor how far the knob has been turned or it's position. Occasionally, the markers are illuminated. When purchasing control knobs, consider the following:

1. Order custom control knobs if you want to add your company's colors or logo.

2. Search for control knobs that offer an adequate level of precision to the operator.

3. Use climate control knobs for heating, venting and air conditioning applications.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Order from custom control knob manufacturers Custom control knob manufacturers have the ability to construct control knobs to fit your exact specifications. This option is ideal for companies that need unique features, such as a logo or an unusual marker etched into the control knobs. Manufacturers that fabricate custom products also offer business owners the freedom of choosing the control knob's material, color, finish, markers and size without searching through an inventory of standard products.

I recommend: Order custom plastic-molded control knobs from Aero-Med Molding Technologies. The custom control knob manufacturer's products are routinely used in the aerospace, medical and engineering industries. FCI Molded Products keeps an inventory of standard control knobs and configures any knob to fit customers' specifications.

Order control knobs designed for your application's task Whether your application uses a temperature control knob, bass control knob, air control knob or volume control knob, the knob's style depends on the needed level of precision. Different styles of control knobs include lobed knobs, ball knobs and wing knobs. Lobed knobs are ideal for moderate precision, ball knobs are sufficient for minimal precision and wing knobs can be turned with the fingertips for high precision.

I recommend: Browse the Monroe knobs catalog for a large inventory of control knobs. The company offers knobs ergonomically designed for specific tasks in a variety of materials and finishes with a selection of gripping surfaces. J.W. Winco offers a broad selection of control knobs. The control knob distributor's inventory includes a mix of metal and plastic knobs in a variety of shapes, sizes and surfaces.

Buy climate control knobs for HVAC applications Climate control knobs are used in heating, venting and air conditioning applications. Installing a control knob on your HVAC application provides the operator with a simple method of controlling the unit.

I recommend: Order climate control knobs online at AmericanHVACparts.com. The company provides parts and assistance to contractors, construction and building maintenance professionals. Select a wall thermostat control knob from the inventory at Hughes A to Z. The control knobs are available in a variety of colors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Before placing your control knobs order, you need to know the bore diameter of the stud, insert or hole where the knob will be installed. The bore diameter is the outside diameter of the application's stud, insert or hole.

FEATURED LISTINGS

www.digikey.com

Control Knobs: Rogan Corporation
Provider of plastic knobs and levers. Manufacturing capabilites include bondable liquid silicone molding, multi-shot injection and insert molding.

Control Knobs

Guide to Control Knobs

Action Steps

Tips & Tactics

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