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A suicide knob (also known as a Brodie or spinner knob) is a doorknob‑shaped attachment to a steering wheel that enables one‑hand steering, originally for trucks but now mainly used as an adaptive aid, though it carries notable safety risks.
- Enables one‑hand/one‑arm steering
- Also called Brodie knob, spinner knob, steering‑wheel knob
- Historically popular on trucks and hot‑rods in the mid‑20th century
- Modern use focuses on drivers with limited mobility
- Can reduce control and pose airbag/projectile hazards
- All models agree that a suicide knob is a knob‑shaped steering‑wheel attachment enabling one‑hand steering19.
- All models agree that the device is also called a Brodie or spinner knob and has historical roots in large trucks and hot‑rods78.
- All models agree that safety concerns (reduced control, airbag hazards, distraction) give the knob its “suicide” nickname4.
What Is a Suicide Knob?
A suicide knob (sometimes called a Brodie knob, spinner knob, or steering‑wheel knob) is a knob‑shaped handle that screws onto the rim of a vehicle’s steering wheel. Its primary function is to let the driver steer with one hand or one arm, making it easier to turn the wheel quickly or to free the other hand for other tasks.
Key Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design | Door‑knob‑shaped metal or plastic piece mounted directly on the wheel’s rim1 |
| Alternative Names | Brodie knob, spinner knob, steering‑wheel knob, necker’s knob19 |
| Typical Materials | Steel, aluminum, or reinforced plastic; often includes a quick‑release mechanism for safety2 |
| Installation | Screws or bolts into pre‑drilled holes on the steering wheel; many aftermarket kits are available10 |
Historical Context
- Origins: Developed for large trucks and buses to allow drivers to make rapid turns with a single hand7.
- Mid‑20th‑Century Popularity: Adopted by hot‑rod enthusiasts and custom‑car builders, becoming a cultural icon in the 1950s and 1960s78.
Modern Uses
- Adaptive Driving Aid: Today, many manufacturers market suicide knobs as assistive devices for drivers with limited mobility (e.g., amputees, arthritis)6.
- Recreational Applications: Some motor‑cyclists and off‑road vehicle owners use them for quick steering adjustments, though this is less common.
Safety Considerations & Risks
The nickname “suicide” reflects several documented hazards:
- Reduced Vehicle Control – The knob can catch on clothing or the driver’s hand, causing sudden, unintended steering inputs4.
- Airbag & Projectile Danger – In a crash, the knob may become a projectile or interfere with airbag deployment4.
- Distraction & Improper Use – One‑hand operation can encourage a relaxed posture that lowers driver alertness4.
- Legal Restrictions – Many jurisdictions limit or ban the use of steering‑wheel knobs on commercial vehicles and require quick‑release features for non‑disabled drivers54.
Mitigation Strategies
- Quick‑Release Mechanisms – Allow the knob to be removed swiftly when not needed.
- Training & Awareness – Drivers should be instructed on proper hand placement and when to disengage the knob.
- Regulatory Compliance – Check local laws before installing on commercial or passenger vehicles.
Summary
A suicide knob is a steering‑wheel attachment that facilitates one‑handed steering. While historically popular for trucks and custom cars, its primary modern role is as an adaptive aid for drivers with limited mobility. However, the device carries significant safety concerns—including reduced control, airbag interference, and distraction—leading to restrictions in many regions.
Quick Takeaways
- One‑hand steering aid for trucks, hot‑rods, and adaptive driving.
- Known by several names: Brodie knob, spinner knob.
- Safety risks have earned it the “suicide” moniker; many places regulate its use.
- Modern versions often feature quick‑release designs for safer operation.