Three-spoke handwheels VH21 black

Three-spoke handwheels VH21 are control handwheels in glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic for spindles, valves and actuators where the operator has to be able to apply real torque by hand. The three spokes give the fingers natural grips wherever in the turn the hand lands, and the matte black surface gives friction even with gloves. The hub has a pilot hole and the top is covered by a snap on cap in light gray thermoplastic that hides the shaft end.

The series comes in three diameters: 140, 180 and 220 mm, with heights from 44 to 62 mm. The hub diameter is 38 mm on every size, which gives plenty of material to machine in. You pick the diameter as a variant on the product page; the handwheels are supplied in packs of two to five pieces depending on size.

The pilot hole is the flexible core of the series. Instead of tying you to a finished shaft size you machine the hub out to exactly the dimension your spindle or shaft has, with the fit and the locking method the design calls for. When fitting is done the cap is snapped into place and hides both the shaft end and the mount; the result looks factory built and does not collect dirt in open holes.

The glass fiber reinforcement makes the handwheel stiff enough to transfer the torque without the spokes springing, and tough enough to take knocks and blows in an industrial environment. Thermoplastic is also kinder to the hands in cold premises; a steel handwheel in winter is no highlight, while plastic keeps a temperature the hand is happy with. The material does not rust and needs no maintenance beyond ordinary cleaning.

The choice of diameter is governed by the torque needed. A larger wheel gives a longer lever and therefore more force with the same effort by hand; the 220 mm version operates stiffer spindles and larger valves, while 140 mm is enough for feed screws and lighter settings. The rule of thumb is simple: if the operator cannot work it with one hand without straining, choose one diameter larger. The heights and the detail dimensions of the hub are shown in the manufacturer's data sheet.

In Swedish workshop industry three-spoke handwheels sit on height settings for tables and fences, on spindles in cut off and ripping equipment, on valves in process plants, on presses and on format settings in packaging machines. Three spokes instead of a smooth round wheel make a difference when the torque is high or when the hand is wet or gloved; you get a defined grip to pull on without the hand slipping.

When machining the hub the usual rules for glass fiber reinforced plastic apply: sharp tools, moderate heat and a check of the fit against the shaft before locking. If you need a key or pin locking you plan it in the same setup. A well drilled hub keeps the handwheel free from play year after year, and the cap can be taken off and put back if the shaft needs inspection.

The cap deserves a line of its own. Open hubs collect chips, dust and grease, and a visible shaft end with a lock nut looks half finished on an otherwise thorough machine. The light gray cap snaps in within a second, contrasts with the black handwheel and protects the hub at the same time; if the spindle needs inspection you lift the cap off and put it back afterward. Simple, but it is the kind of detail that separates a thorough machine from a bolted together one, and it costs neither time nor money during fitting.

Not sure which wheel diameter gives the right leverage for your spindle? We are happy to help you choose right.