handwheels

A handwheel is a circular control component attached to a shaft and operated by hand to adjust the position or setting of a mechanism. Handwheels are common on machine tools, valves, and laboratory equipment, where precise manual control of rotation or linear travel is required.

Most handwheels have a central hub that mounts onto a shaft, a rim or ring grip, and often spokes. They may be solid disks or open-spoked patterns. Some include a bore with a setscrew, others use adapters or clamps to fit different shaft sizes.

Calibrated handwheels include engraved graduations around the rim or a separate dial to indicate rotational angle or linear position when used with a leadscrew or micrometer screw. Graduations enable repeatable positioning and measurement without external scales.

Handwheels vary in size and mass, from small precision wheels on instrument machines to large, heavy wheels on industrial equipment. They are typically made of cast iron, steel, aluminum, or engineered plastics, with finishes that resist wear and corrosion.

Mounting usually involves a bored hub and set screws, keys, or clamping collars to secure the wheel to a shaft. Operation relies on a comfortable grip and proper alignment to prevent slipping and to preserve spindle life.

Applications include manual control of slide feeds, valve actuation, and clamping mechanisms. Proper maintenance—keeping the rim clean, checking tightness, and replacing worn wheels—helps maintain accuracy and avoids damage to the shaft and attached components.