What is a Knurling Tool?
A knurling tool is used in conjunction with a lathe to emboss the ends of metal tubes and shafts. The embossed grooves may act as hand grips for the user or better traction for rubber or plastic covers. The knurling tool itself consists of multiple rotary cutters which are held against the metal shaft as it turns on the lathe at a relatively slow speed (500 rpm on average). Turning is a method by which cylindrical pieces of metal or wood are spun in place by a variable-speed electric motor. As the piece spins, various cutting tools can be placed against it to remove material or cut shapes. A knurling tool falls somewhere between an engraver and an embosser. There are generally three shapes generated by most knurling tools – straight lines, diagonal lines and a diamond pattern. Knurling tools do come in a variety of sizes and cutting designs, depending on the purpose of the piece. The diamond pattern is most common with hand grips because it creates the most traction between a user’s ha
