Some of the most commonly needed and used items in daily life are taken so much for granted, you probably don’t even see them when in use: handles and knobs. These small but powerful aids to work and recreation are pivotal to operating a huge array of necessary tools and machines. Many technological advances have been made in order to manufacture a surprising variety of knobs and handles, from clamp knobs and metric knobs to shift handles and medical equipment handles, and much more.

Although today’s knobs and handles are frequently manufactured from metal, they are usually typically made from plastic, for many reasons. Plastic is lightweight, strong, durable, and resistant to heat, impact and corrosion. This makes it an ideal material to fulfill the varied demands of handle and knob manufacture.

One of the primary needs plastic fulfills is that of ergonomics. Musculoskeletal injuries from such things as repetitious use can be greatly reduced by properly engineered tools and controls, and handles and knobs play a key role in this. Repetitive gripping motions account for one of the primary causes for these injuries. Ergonomics research has proven that when controls such as handles are larger, softer, and better-contoured, fewer usage injuries occur. Plastic control knobs and plastic handles make this possible.

Another important facet of plastic knobs and handles manufactureis the need for specialty knobs and custom designed handles. Many different industries and applications have very specific, particular needs when it comes to their tools and controls. For example, some industries require knobs with inlays or unique customized messages. Medical equipment handles and knobs must meet strict standards for reliability and low torque. Specialty knobs for furniture manufacturers have to match and work with a wide selection of choices in color . Knobs and handles for the lawn and garden business have to provide durability in extreme weather conditions while matching a variety of equipment from mowers to tillers to snow blowers and more. All of these requirements are met because of the technology involved in the development and design of handles and knobs on the market today .

The next time you see or use a knob or handle, stop and think about how many functions it fulfills . If it turns, it’s probably low torque, meaning you don’t have to apply much force to operate it. If it’s colored, it might have been custom designed to match a very specific color palette. If it’s a plastic knob or handle, you know it’s durable and resistant to damage from impact, as well as heat and corrosion. There isn’t a challenge posed by an application or industry that can’t be met with a custom designed handle or knob. Truly today’s knobs and handles have more to them than meets the eye!