The term 'suicide knob' came about many years ago. When trucks and tractors had no power steering this thing would break your elbow or hand if your steer tires got in a rut. The steering wheel could spin like a gyro. I know cuz my thumb got broke when I was backing over a rail road track, tire got caught and pulled the knob out of my hand and it came back around again and again
LOL I'm an old lady when I was a kid those knobs were called necking knobs so you could hold the steering wheel and put your arm around your girlfriend at the same time my sister's boyfriend used to have them on their cars
Suicide knobs are also considered an essential piece of equipment for a person who only has one fully functional arm or hand. My exwife is technically a quadriplegic. She doesn't have full motor control of her left hand; it's in a contracture from a SCI (spinal cord injury) so she technically needs a suicide knob. Granted she has learned to use her impaired hand to effectively control the steering wheel with both hands so she doesn't need one now. She's learned how to effectively use her impaired hand as much as possible and grasp her steering wheel with it. Suicide knobs fall under the same classification for someone with a SCI who's a paraplegic and has no motor control of their legs and can't use the accelerator/throttle and brake pedals so they put the controls on by the steering wheel as additional lever to the turn signals and wipers. The vehicle has levers similar to what's on a motorcycle; you have accelerator/throttle and brake pedals . If you need such a device for independence and to safely operate a motor vehicle, it's protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). One of the advantages of a suicide knob regardless if you're disabled or not is you have a better grasp of the knob than you would without one. It provides an additional gripping point and methodology to provide more control options for the vehicle's steering. Just make sure it's properly installed and if you have climate variances mentioned in this video to reinstall it so it has a solid tight fit on the steering wheel. These climate variances will happen as you see them with tire pressure, it's nothing to worry about, just make sure that the knob is solidly (re)installed when you have to do a climate change readjustment or reinstallation. While I don't need a knob now, I'm considering one for the added vehicle control benefit.
The knob is such a great idea as it helps with parallel parking, so you can spin the wheel with one hand with other arm pressed against the passenger seatback to help you see into direction you are heading as I don't trust using mirrors alone. Plus your muscle memory can recall where straight ahead is without looking. Thank you very much for explaining how the widget works (and the potential problems with it), ServiceDog Vlog!
When I moved to Pennsylvania in 1960 I had to remove my steering wheel knob in order to pass the state's safety inspection. My 55 Chevy took about 5 turns lock to lock and a knob came in handy.
Just got one, and I love it, turning is as easy now as it gets, I like 10.30 possition on the wheel, and mine is quite flat so I still have an open palm but it’s slick as because now you have a bearing doing all the work.
thanks for sharing this! I may just have to look into getting one. I injured my left wrist 3 years ago and it never healed, and I've always preferred driving left handed, so it has been a huge (painful) problem. this may very well be the solution. I was so happy to see that you posted, as I've been wondering how you are doing and keeping you in my prayers the last couple months.
It's called suicide knob for a reason. This thing can cause serious injuries to the driver in an accident. The way you were holding the steering wheel when you wanted to make a full turn was wrong. Never hold a steering wheel from the back of the wheel. You can turn easily with one hand by applying pressure using your palm.
To knowledge they are not illegal in any state. Has to how they got there name as a suicide knob is that there have been many deaths related to them from truck drivers using them in 18-wheelers back in the 60's and 70's. So if you know of anyone who as ever driven big trucks they well tell you how most of the trucking companies out there well not allow there drivers to have or use them. As for buying them you can get them at your local truck stop, medical supplies store, and amazon. hope this helps
I'm pretty sure they are illegal in NY. According to Article 9 - NY Vehicle and Traffic Law section 382-c it says "The commissioner may prescribe" blah blah blah. I don't see any written account about what the 'commissioner prescribed' but according to local police they are illegal, so apparently the commissioner doesn't like them.
It took a minute or so to realize that you only have one hand. I'm so sorry. If you feel as though you need this device then use it ! That was a great video I learned alot. I'm 71 years old and in my youth Spinners were illegal, the police would give you a ticket and tell you to remove it. I was a little surprised to see that the shape had changed. They used to be longer or taller with a half of a hour glass shape and very shiny. Under all that gloss there was a solid color like metal flake candy apple red, or a print of dice. But most often there was a beautifully detailed print of a very scantily clad woman! Like a Playboy model! Boy! they were great! I'm sure their great collector items now. Good Luck. Keep up the good work.
ServiceDog Vlog It's called a suicide knob cause back in the day with big trucks when they had no power steering when you would turn a corner the steering weel would turn back by it's self at high speeds and if you had your hand in the way you could brake finger or cut you fingers on the screws at the bottom.
The big thing is they were for car and especially trucks and larger trucks that had manual steering (no power steering), so you could make tighter turns, They are dangerous when you do "mudding/mud-running" or driving across terrain, because when you hit a rut or hole , with manual steering, the steering wheel will take-off and spin with amazing force as the tires are forced to the direction of rut /hole. I 've known two people who had a wrist or an arm broken (caught in the spinning steering wheel). I sprained a couple fingers once. Ony one of these was cause by a knob. the other the dude got his arm caught in the spinning steering wheel "spokes". * Some knobs will flip to be inside the steering wheel circle , when you don't need them. These are "kinda" common on tractors and some construction vehicles.; Manual steering to be common in heavy trucks and also old cars and pick-ups. Knobs were "sorta" more common in pick-ups/4 wheel drives back then. Today with powered steering they(knobs) are generally not needed , except for handicapped drivers or various heavy vehicles which can have/need a tight turning radius or ones that have "omni directional" type steering . *- this is why if you ever see somebody driving with their arm just resting on the steering wheel and not grasping it at all, there is a fair chance they a drove manual steering vehicle off -road , where it is dangerous to grasp the wheel at all . Also know that "knobs" were bad idea for such vehicles, as the spinning steering wheel was dangerous enough to try to control, much less having a rod/knob attached to it , making it even more dangerous.
As a truck driver with a much stiffer steering wheel than a car, I can say using it for backing or making a turn is a breeze. Saves time, gets you out of the way quicker, and seriously saves your back from twisting it when backing. For safety I recommend always driving with 2 hands, if you are going to hold it while driving or only hold it while backing and turning. Also in terms of the law...it may be technically illegal in some places, but I'm pretty sure a cop isn't going to just pull you over for having it. Cops usually have better things to do and are after more serious safety concerns like distracted/impaired driving, excessive speeding, etc... not worth the time to pull you over for the knob, when someone flies by at 20mph over the next minute.
Thanks for the video :) I would like to add this. If your knob interferes with other safety equipment you can be ticketed. Think about knob positioning and the Air Bag. If unsure ask a professional :)
Washington state doesn't like any modifications to the wheel that "could catch on clothes or jewelry during normal operation". Beyond that one part they are legal everywhere else. I have also had one slip side to side in addition to slipping down.
Don’t be an asshole Brandon Hozey, she is clearly disabled and she is doing the best she can. And she did install it herself, she was talking to people who can’t do it. You fucking prick
LMAO for reals. I mean I understand using the palm and pressure to turn (hence the reason I’m getting it) offers a little more control. But to do a quick fliparoo is kind of insane 😂
Gama Man lol 100%, palm and pressure is normal. I know a lot of us do it... I’ve never heard anybody’s say I let go and quickly have to grab it mid turn... my brain had to repeat that and go, “wait, wtf did you just say you do?”. It’s not even logical or intuitive.
Its called a suicide knob because back before power steering in semi trucks the steering wheel would snap back around like a powerful spring after making a turn, and if your hand was in the way it could break your fingers.
In Quebec Province, 20 years age, a lot of people had them but now, you can’t find them in regular store. You have to buy it in store for disability person!
I think it's my area but unless you're looking for one for a Tractor you're out of luck. I lost my old one when a guy running from the cops rammed me out of the way. I'm going to have to order on line. It's taking way too long to find one in a local store. You have yours in the same place I have always had mine in.
that-lil-trans-boy Well the lady in the video when she said that was generic and didn’t mention disabled people so in turn this guy gave a similar generic response which in turn you gave a huge irrelevant rant, stop being triggered by everything and everyone and give me that booty.
that-lil-trans-boy I wasn’t oblivious, just stating why the guy said what he said because she was being generic. That’s too much for me, you do coupons? If not, I’ll catch you on black friday.
Naw drive a newer full size ford truck its a bitch to turn the wheel. Its my main complaint about my work truck 08 f250super duty. Im used to classic they trun EZ as Fuck
I just want to say that the true name for the knob is called a steering wheel spinner knob. I have been using the same spinner knob since 1976 and there is one thing that you forgot to talk about every now and then the spinner knob needs oiled so it can last a long time and besides you calling the knob a suicide knob the video was great. PS in this state that I live in you can get a ticket for having a spinner knob on your steering wheel if you don't have on your license that you need one medically.
I'm using my mother's phone this is my comment not hers I'm from CA. I also heard suicide knobs are legal only for people who do not need to use them such as able-bodied people.
New cars are just too damn hard to turn the wheel, i got a few classic and oh man you can flick the wheel and it will go around literally steer with a pinky. And in oregon work trucks cant have knobs mounted to the outside (where your hands go)
The tendency to over correct your steering is multiplied by quite a bit using this "Brodie" or "suicide" knob on modern cars. If you have to have one, install it on the bottom of the steering wheel rather than the top to limit stupid human reactions plus gravity. Best used on a riding lawnmower in these days of automotive power steering, unless you are a one-armed driver..
My wife was pulled over and the officer asked if she was disabled which she replied that she has Progressive MS m, he said otherwise he was going to give her a ticket. He even made her show her PD placard.
I found just using the palm of the hand and wrist works well for single hand without letting go but I couldnt use a knob like that on long trips due to my size and a few other things. I hold the bottom of the wheel on the inside on long trips, my arm would go dead holding it up like that.
I actually learned how to turn the steering wheel with one arm, without letting go and grabbing it again. 3:23 I heard this misconception. The RU-vidr I heard it from has a channel called Paralyzed Living. Here's a link to it: ru-vid.com
I have a right hand drive Willy jeep and it's my right arm which is damaged (difficult to raise it) so must change gears with my left hand. Most of these vids are for left hand drives. Will I be able to use it for ease of turning? I don't have power steering. Thanks.
@@9114SouthCentralAv She had been struggling with the aftereffects of a traumatic brain injury. She ultimately died of a massive cerebral hemorrhage. :( Her name was Tatyana Schneider. She was abandoned at birth in Russia and later adopted and overcame many hardships. Her organs saved 5 peoples lives and her eyes gave 2 others vision. She touched many peoples lives.
Why on earth are they called sueycide knobs? I misspelled that on purpose so my comment won't disappear. Nevermind, I see some people have answered that question.
Why would you have to let go and then grab your steering wheel when backing up? That makes no sense. I've been driving for 35 years and I've never done that..
Are steering wheel control knobs legal in California? Usually, steering wheel control knobs are illegal UNLESS you have a documented medical reason for needing this.
Dunno what the law is in all states but i think if you have some type of disability and you can drive i think the law will allow you to have one. Check it before using one just to be on the safe side.
@@guy_incognito7538 What are you talking about? What one hand? The ride is without exception with both hands. Need to ride without exception with both hands.
@@GunboxMr except you dont. One can easily steer with one hand, but I can see you are a stickler for the ten-and-two. Hand over hand is unbearable trying to back a trailer, and anybody who has backed a trailer more than once would know that. Also, how do you think people with standard transmissions have to drive? One handed! Most people drive one handed. It is not wrong, just slightly less safe than two hands.
@@guy_incognito7538 Not, I am a stickler of nine-and-three. Ten-and-two only for beginners, for to learn how to move hands without intersected them. If the majority hold the steering wheel wrong, this does not mean that is right. Your opinion is the opinion of the herd. As I said - if your instructor was an idiot, sue him if you haven’t learned to drive with two hands and a manual transmission.
Do yourself a huge favor and get a proper quality Steering Wheel Spinner Knob like the Sure Grip for example. There is just too much at steak here. One that comes loose can become a "suicide knob".
ServiceDog, thanks for the VLOG. But, since you're promoting the safety, practicality, and other positive benefits of the knob, then let’s remove the word "suicide" - as this negative word aligns with danger and death. For marketing reasons, let's call it by its official name: "steering" knob.
I think they are called suicide knobs because if you have an airbag in the driver side while you have the knob, it could really hurt the driver. That's what I was told when I asked. I'm not 100% sure though.
They were called suicide knobs because back when they first became popular it was with truck drivers back in the 1940's-1950's and those older vehicles didn't have shoulder seatbelts, only lap belts. When you would get in an accident your body would go forward and your head would hit the steering wheel, and some of the older suicide knobs were wood and even some I have seen were metal, and could do a lot of damage if your head and face came into contact with them at high speed. Locally there is an older truck from the 60's in a junkyard with a metal suicide knob, I have seen it myself and I can tell you if you whacked that with your head, you would be needing plastic surgery at the least.
I put mine at 6:00 on the outside,but you can put one on the INSIDE of the wheel if the wheel runs pretty close to your belly or a shift lever. On older trucks with "power steering by Armstrong" it'll serve as a good muscle builder,or a reminder to rebuild that worn out steering box. One thing is true-once you have a suicide knob,driving sucks without one. BTW-The term "Suicide Knob",as I understand it,comes from two different sources. Used on older trucks without power steering,if you lost your grip on the wheel for whatever reason (slick/wet hands,hitting a fair sized rock or other obstacle or blowing a steer axle tire),they were notable for their ability to break multiple fingers in less than one turn of the wheel. Also,some mail order auto parts outlets in the 50's and 60's sold VERY cheaply made spinners,which after months of use would LOSE the knob,usually in mid turn,landing the driver and car in a world he DIDN'T want any part of.
Hand position on a steering wheel should always be : both hands on the wheel at all times, and hands placed at all times in the 10:00 and 2:00 positions on the wheel. That is what gives you control of the car, and it is what is safe. It is how race car drivers-both rally and track- always drive their cars. It is what gives them and you control of the car and what gives one the "feel" of the car. (I would agree that if the driver unfortunately has only one arm, the driver should use a "suicide knob") Your "extensive" research appears to have not discovered why these knobs are called "suicide knobs" and :wrist breakers". Check out "chetyoder's" comment on your posting for some insight. Be safe, Always place both hands on your wheel I do agree with you that "dangerous can be annoying." Posting good information on the Internet can be such a good and helpful thing. Not so with dangerous information. Dangerous information is-annoying.
Not sure what`s up with you, hope you are doing ok. I really miss the videos that you used to do. I would get up in the morning and could not wait to watch your new video....miss you and Bugsie, but I guess maybe you have decided to stop doing your videos like before?? Sad! Take care of yourself. All the best, C.S.
The angle of your knob nearly negates the entire reason of having a knob. When your knob is at the bottom, the knob is pointing almost directly upwards. It should be practically parallel to your steering wheel.
Sorry about the repetition at the end. With the TBI, I tend to repeat things throughout my vlogs (it happens ALL the time). While I almost always catch it and am able to edit it out of the final video, occasionally I do miss those moments. :) Also please excuse the awkward tan lines on my hand (from my wheelchair gloves), as well as the disgusting pimple on my face.. :)
They're not dangerous to use at all. I use one all the time. Also, the young lady you see in this video has passed away. At least they said she has in some of the comments i seen in her other videos she made etc.
@@Warren1814 I used one many years ago and enjoyed having it, but I heard they were illegal so I haven’t looked into them for years. Now I can’t find any law against them here.
Hello, I am in the process of getting a service dog. I found the perfect dog that I want to adopt and I plan on owner training. However, I cannot afford the costs of the adoption and starting supplies as well as vet bills. I plan on getting a job to pay for all the costs of food and such once I get my dog, however I am unable to get a job without the assistance of a service dog (I even had to stop going to high school because of my disability). I created a gofundme a week ago but so far, no luck. I was just wondering if you knew a way that I could get the money or if there are organizations that can help me. Thank you and I love you and your videos.
