Buying guide for Best shift knobs
If you love the idea of personalizing your car, you might install custom headlights and taillights or add a personalized license plate cover with accent lighting. Don’t forget about the interior of the car too. One of the most popular ways to personalize the inside is with a replacement shift knob that reflects your style. You can find these knobs for manual and automatic gear shifts.
Before you buy, you should do some research to figure out if you can replace the current shift knob at all. Some gear shifts can’t accommodate third-party knobs because the screw threads of the two items don’t match. The description of the shift knob should either mention compatibility with the make and model year of your car or include an adapter.
A good buying guide and some curated recommendations can get you started on your search for the perfect shift knob for your vehicle.
How to buy the best shift knob
Shift knob types
Stock: If you’re simply looking for a replacement shift knob because of wear or damage to the original one, check to see if the dealer or manufacturer sells a replacement. A stock knob is extremely easy to install because it is made specifically for that make and model of car. However, it might not be particularly eye-catching or unique.
If you have a manual transmission, you might want to stick with a stock shift knob because it fits your hand. It’s also probably easier to use than a novelty shift knob.
Weighted: These shift knobs are popular because they give you more control when driving a manual transmission. The added weight helps some drivers shift more smoothly for a better driving experience.
Novelty: Some people want a unique gear shift knob to improve or personalize the aesthetic of their car’s interior. You might want a knob that reflects your personality, reminds you of an inside joke, lights up, or changes colors. There are novelty knobs with odd patterns, interesting characters, eye-catching shapes, and nontraditional materials, such as liquid inside glass. However, note that an oddly shaped knob might be difficult to grip properly, which could be unsafe in an emergency situation.
Vintage: Some people want a shift knob that looks like one from a vintage vehicle. You can find replica vintage knobs or look for real ones. However, expect to pay a premium for the real thing.
Did You Know?
Other names for shift knobs include gear knobs and stick shifter knobs.
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Features to look for in shift knobs
Materials
Gear shift knobs are made of almost any hard material you can imagine.
Stainless steel and aluminum alloys are popular choices for many of these knobs. However, some people dislike using a metal knob because it can get very hot inside a car that’s in the sun for long periods. Wood and carbon fiber are popular, attractive, and comfortable choices. You can also find glass and plastic novelty knobs.
Functionality
If you drive a manual transmission vehicle, you need a very functional shift knob that fits your hand well because you’ll be using it often.
If you drive an automatic transmission car, you don’t need to use the shift knob as often, so functionality might be less of an issue. Some automatic transmission shift knobs have a push button you must press to move the lever into gear. If you’re replacing this type of knob, you must find a new knob that works the same way.
Comfort
Driving a manual transmission vehicle means using the shift knob a lot, especially in traffic. If this describes you, pay attention to how comfortable the knob feels in your hand. If the knob isn’t comfortable or has sharp angles that dig into your fingers or palm, it might not work well for you.
Vintage knobs in manual transmission vehicles display a pattern that shows drivers the lever position for each gear.
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How much do shift knobs cost?
Inexpensive
The least expensive replacement shift knobs cost $8 to $15. These are simple, unweighted designs. Some of them might claim to be “universal” fit, but they might not ship with the required adapters for certain car makes and models, so read the product description carefully.
Mid-range
These shift knobs cost $15 to $25. You can find a few weighted knobs in this range, but most of them have basic designs. For unweighted knobs, the designs are more plentiful, allowing for more personalization. You can find some knobs with licensed pop culture characters in this price range.
Expensive
These knobs cost $25 to $40, but you can pay $100 or more for a vintage gear shift knob or an extremely complex design. These knobs include replicas of popular characters, such as Star Wars characters. Some might include LED lights. You’ll find many weighted knobs in this price range as well.
Did You Know?
The eight-ball design that resembles a billiard ball is a common option for shift knobs. It traces its history back to when pool players drilled holes in billiard balls to create their own custom knobs.
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Tips
- Turn off the car. This probably goes without saying, but when you’re replacing a gear shift knob, don’t have the car running. Also, set the parking brake to guard against any unforeseen circumstances.
- Have the right tools handy. Depending on the type of shift knob you’re removing, you might need a wrench, screwdriver, Allen wrench, or pliers.
- Remove the old knob. The old knob might come off in a few different ways. It could simply turn to the left and unscrew from the gear shift. Some knobs have an extra piece like a screw or bolt that holds them in place. You might need to remove the screw first to pop off the knob. Some units have a snap ring holding the knob in place, which you can usually remove with a flathead screwdriver.
- Attach the new knob. Follow the directions to install the new knob. You might need to attach an adapter first. If the new shift knob isn’t compatible with the gear shift lever, the screw threads might not match. Don’t try to force the new knob into place. You could damage the threads on the knob and the lever.
FAQ
Q. Should I buy a universal fit shift knob?
A. This is the easiest way to find a compatible knob. It’s possible that the universal knob requires an adapter to fit your particular make and model of car. If so, the adapter should come with the knob. However, understand that even a “universal” knob might not fit your car.
Q. How much do weighted shift knobs weigh?
A. Although it has the word “weighted” in the name, this type of knob isn’t terribly heavy, typically weighing between 0.75 and 1.25 pounds.
Q. Do I have to replace the knob or can I use a cover?
A. Some people prefer using a gear shift cover, which adds some personal style without the hassle of removing the old knob and installing a new one. However, the cover might not fit tightly on your existing knob, which means you might have to remove it while driving if you have a manual transmission. A cover probably works better with an automatic transmission vehicle.
Q. How can I find the thread diameter for my car’s shift lever?
A. Start by checking the owner’s manual, which might list the diameter of the threads for the knob and lever. If not, you can use a caliper to measure the threads yourself. You then can find a replacement knob that matches that diameter.
