needleroller

Needleroller is a term that may refer to several tools or components across different industries. The exact meaning depends on the context.

In construction, a needle roller (also called a needling roller) is a hand tool used to texture or puncture surfaces such as plaster, joint compound, or wallpaper adhesives. The tool typically consists of a handle and a rotating head embedded with slender needles. Rolling the device over a surface creates microchannels and helps consolidate material, reduce air pockets, and improve adhesion for subsequent coatings or finishes. Needle rollers come in various needle lengths and spacings, and some models are designed for wet or dry applications.

In mechanical engineering, a needle roller bearing refers to a type of bearing that uses several small, cylindrical needles as rolling elements. The design provides a high load-carrying capacity in a compact form factor, making needle rollers common in automotive transmissions, gearboxes, and other machinery where space is limited. Needle bearings require precise machining and lubrication and are typically used in radial positions.

Usage note: "Needleroller" as a single word is less common in technical literature; manufacturers may brand specific products as "Needleroller" or refer to them as needle rollers or needle bearings.

See also: needle roller bearing; needle roller; needling.