Complete Guide to Security Lobe Knobs: Features, Benefits, and Installation Tips

Industrial knobs are an essential part of many machines. They allow workers to manually control or adjust a machine. When you turn an industrial knob, it will engage the machine to which it’s connected. While all industrial knobs support manual controls and adjustments, however, they are available in different styles, such as security lobe.

What Are Security Lobe Knobs?

Security lobe knobs are industrial knobs that feature a keyed locking mechanism. Also known as safety lobe knobs, they are designed to prevent unauthorized removal or tampering.

How Security Lobe Knobs Work

Like most other industrial knobs, security lobe knobs can be tightened by hand. Turning a security lobe knob clockwise will tighten it while simultaneously applying a clamping force. Turning it counterclockwise, on the other hand, will loosen the knob while releasing the clamping force.

While they look like normal industrial knobs, security lobe knobs feature a unique internal design that sets them apart. They incorporate a keyed locking mechanism that typically allows hand-tightening but restricts loosening and removal without a key. You can only loosen and remove a security lobe knob by inserting a key into the keyhole found on the top. The key will

Common Parts of a Security Lobe Knob

All security lobe knobs have a star-shaped or “lobed” gripping surface. It typically consists of five or six equally spaced points. Lobed surfaces such as these are comfortable and easy to grip, making them a popular choice for security lobe knobs and other industrial knobs.

While most other industrial knobs have a flat and smooth gripping surface, though, security lobe knobs feature a keyhole. It’s a small hole found on the top of the knob’s gripping surface.

Security lobe knobs also have a threaded rod or a threaded hole for mounting. Those with a threaded rod are designed for use with machines with a threaded hole. Security lobe knobs with a threaded hole for mounting are designed for use with machines with a threaded rod.

Benefits of Security Lobe Knobs

Security lobe knobs are commonly used in applications where safety and security are paramount. They allow for easy tightening — simply by turning the knob clockwise. Most types of security lobe knobs, though, can only be unscrewed with a key.

Attempting to turn a security lobe knob counterclockwise without the appropriate key will result in it spinning freely. The knob won’t engage the threaded connection, so you won’t be able to remove it. This keyed locking mechanism prevents unintentional loosening and deliberate tampering.