[Solved] Does anyone have a knob? Spec me a knob...

Feek

Feek

Feek

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Just over a month ago I broke my right arm badly and have had surgery. I still have very limited movement in my right arm but when I asked the consultant today, he said that providing I'm comfortable, I can drive short distances.

With my right arm sitting in my lap, I'm comfortable. Therefore I need a knob for the steering wheel that I can use with my left arm, just to get me out and about and stop me going stir crazy.

I've searched and there seem to be many different types available.

So, does anyone have a knob mounted to their steering wheel and can recommend one?

Also, where on the wheel should it be mounted? My natural feeling is that it should go sort of bottom left side so my left arm can hold it comfortably at rest and then it be in a convenient place to turn.

I'm expecting ridicule for this but if anyone has any valuable input, then I'm very keen to hear it.

Thank you.
 
I can't offer any help on the knob itself, but have you asked your insurer if they would cover you to drive with a car modified for handicapped use?
 
Already dealt with. They don't consider a knob a modification and they don't consider me a handicapped driver but thanks for your concern.
 
We had to find one for my dad when he had issues with one of his hands.

We wasted money on Amazon/Ebay junk, basically the pitfalls we found
1. The small mounting type (just a basic 2-3cm hoop) will not only be unstable on the wheel, but also will damage it.
2. The knob needs to be as large as possible and preferably have either a nice bearing or high quality bushing, some of them had no bearing/bushing and just showed immediate signs of play/wear.

Just find a local disability shop, they will help!
the type we ended up with looked more like this: https://www.jeffgosling.co.uk/products/steering-aids
That didn't mark the steering wheel,mounted securely and is still going after 2 years!
 
Feek said:
Already dealt with. They don't consider a knob a modification and they don't consider me a handicapped driver but thanks for your concern.
Click to expand...

When I broke my humerus I avoided driving for about 10 weeks. I was capable earlier but scared about the insurance myself. How did you deal with it?

It seemed like no one wanted to tell me I was allowed to drive, I guess a Dr didn't wanna put his name to it.

If you crash I'd have expected most insurances companies to try and worm their way out of it.

Glad youre on the mend though.
 
Hedge said:
How did you deal with it?
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I phoned them up and told them that I'd broken my humerus and haven't been driving since but the consultant has told me I could drive if I'm comfortable. I said I'd like to fit a knob to the steering wheel to help me.
They asked how long it's been. I told them and they said that DVLA need notifying if a broken bone causes one to stop driving for more than three months. It's not been three months so DVLA don't care and neither do the insurance company. They told me that fitting a knob doesn't count as a vehicle modification.

Easy.
 
Feek said:
I phoned them up and told them that I'd broken my humerus and haven't been driving since but the consultant has told me I could drive if I'm comfortable. I said I'd like to fit a knob to the steering wheel to help me.
They asked how long it's been. I told them and they said that DVLA need notifying if a broken bone causes one to stop driving for more than three months. It's not been three months so DVLA don't care and neither do the insurance company. They told me that fitting a knob doesn't count as a vehicle modification.

Easy.
Click to expand...

Fair enough. Guess I was just too much of a pussy and overthinking it when I did mine.

Have you gave driving a go yet? Strength soon comes back but initially turning the wheel was more difficult than I'd imagined.
 
Hedge said:
Have you gave driving a go yet? Strength soon comes back but initially turning the wheel was more difficult than I'd imagined.
Click to expand...
Not yet, no. It’s only been two weeks since I had the surgery and I don’t have anywhere near enough movement yet. That’s why I need a knob so I can turn the wheel with my left arm.
 
Demon said:
Just find a local disability shop, they will help!
Click to expand...

Just popped into the local one, gave them twenty quid and this happened.

tebixMS.jpeg
 
I took a quick drive out yesterday afternoon and my hand sits naturally on the wheel for normal driving, It just dropped to the knob when taking corners or parking when I needed that extra little bit of manoeuvrability.
I didn’t even need to think about it, it just happened.

It’s all good, man.
 
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