The Endless Possibilities of Knurling

The Endless Possibilities of Knurling

Even if you haven’t heard of the term knurling before, we’re sure that you would have seen a knurled object before. Have you ever noticed fancy decorative lines on metal pieces? Wrenches, hammers, and other common hand tools come with a knurled grip. The purpose of the knurled grip is to prevent slippage while using these tools.

These lines are created by a manufacturing finishing process known as knurling. Knurling helps to create any combination of vertical, horizontal, or crisscrossing lines on the surface of a workpiece. Knurling can be done either using a machine like a lathe or by hand using the right tools. 

How does knurling work?

Knurling doesn’t add any material. Rather, it creates a rough texture by removing or cutting away some of the material. Knurling tools have a specific pattern. This can be either horizontal, vertical, or a combination of both. When the knurling tool is pressed against the workpiece, the pattern on the tool is replicated on the workpiece.

Knurling tools have a “V-shaped” tooth. It’s created by displacing the material on the workpiece. When the knurling tool is pressed against the surface of the rotating workpiece, it creates the required pattern.

Knurling tools can produce the following patterns:

  • Straight – horizontal or vertical lines
  • Diagonal lines
  • Diamond patterns

Applications of Knurling

Knurling has a huge range of applications in daily use. It’s primarily used for:

  • Decorative purposes
  • Serration surfaces that are keyed or locked together in unit assemblies
  • To improve the grip of hand tools

Consumers love having a textured finish rather than a smooth finish. This is one of the main reasons why knurling is used on a product, to enhance its aesthetics. It creates an attractive pattern on the surface of the workpiece.

Besides aesthetics, knurling is also used for other practical purposes like improved grip. Hand tools like hammers, wrenches often have a knurled handle to improve stability and performance while using it. Here’s an example. Consider a hammer with a smooth handle. The smooth surface is prone to slipping easily, leading to accidents. On the other hand, consider a hammer with a textured handle. The knurled handle protects against slippage, helping users have a steady grip.

Hand Vs Machine Knurling

Knurling can be done either by machine or hand. Hand knurling uses a rolling roll that creates the desired pattern on the workpiece. Machine knurling uses a lathe to cut the desired pattern on the workpiece.

Hand knurling is the most basic knurling process and doesn’t require large machines. It can be completed with a simple roller tool. Hand knurling creates the patterns primarily uses pressure. When the worker runs the knurling tool across the surface of the workpiece, it creates a textural indention on the object. Machine knurling, on the other hand, creates the texture by chipping away a small portion of the material of the workpiece.