Assisting people with disabilities with their mobility needs.

Hey everyone, for this week’s blog post, we’re going to talk all about spinner knobs! Did you see what we did to the title up there? ?

First and foremost, what are spinner knobs?

Spinner knobs, or steering aid or a brodie knob (as some other people call it), are by definition a knob that attaches to the steering wheel of an automobile or other vehicle or equipment with a steering wheel. You see them on forklifts all the time.

But nowadays, spinner knobs are not a one-size-fits-all type of vehicle modification. With the ever-growing technology, the use of spinner knobs differs from person to person depending on their need.


Shapes and styles

Gone are the days where the spinner knobs only have one style and shape. Nowadays, spinner knobs come in different varieties. Take for example these spinner knobs that Brad talks about in the video below:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B1cyZDpgsxO/

Using indicators

The next question we have is, can you reach your indicators while using the spinner knob? Well lucky for you, we can add a few modifications (like an indicator extension) so you can use your indicators with your fingertips. Though this may take a bit of time and effort as demonstrated by Brad in the video below:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B1dGQ7QgbXG/

Electronic Spinner Knobs

Now, this is our favourite. Newer models of spinner knobs now have included different functionalities so you can drive with ease. Talk about accessibility! But with the recent law changes regarding indication at roundabouts, these styles of spinner knobs ensure that you can meet the law ? These electronic spinner knobs can have functions to turn on your indicators, but can also have functions to use your wipers, and even turn on your headlights to high beam! Brad demonstrates this in the video below:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B1fM0Z3Afw4/

What about using hand controls with a spinner knob?

One of Brad’s pet peeves is not using the correct type of hand controls based on a person’s need. There’s a really important consideration whether you use right-handed or left-handed hand control, especially with the road undulation. Watch as Brad explains further on this:

https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsOccupationalTherapy/videos/2397634613605364/?t=176

What can you do to make steering easier when using a spinner knob?

Do you want to know how to make the steering lighter or easier? Always check your tyre pressure! Do you struggle how to do it? Darryl from our local Tyrepower store teaches us how to do it in this video below:

https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsOccupationalTherapy/videos/436916877171681/?t=7

And also, try to think about cruise control as well. Cruise control, for those that don’t know what it is, is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. Cruise control is vital to be able to rest your hand and shoulders. Brad shows us how we can use the cruise control to our advantage while driving in the video below:

https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsOccupationalTherapy/videos/2338864969713910/?t=54

Wow, did that help?

So, who says spinner knobs are boring? They’re pretty cool to us! ? We’ve already helped loads of people install and use their spinner knobs in their vehicles correctly and they’re all very happy with it! If you or you know someone who may benefit from the use of a spinner knob, or you want to see if there is a way to make using your spinner knob easier – we’ll be glad to help you out find the best fit for you! Email us on admin@williamsot.com or give us a call on 0466592891 and we’ll get in touch with you ASAP ?