Buy Knurling Tools Online in Australia
Knurling Tools for CNC and Manual Lathes
Knurling tools are used on manual and CNC lathes to impress a textured pattern onto cylindrical workpiece surfaces, creating grip texture on hand-operated components such as knobs, handwheels, handles, and adjustment screws, or producing a mechanical interlock on press-fit components where the knurled surface increases pull-out and torque resistance of the joint. The knurling process displaces metal at the workpiece surface rather than cutting it away, which means the workpiece diameter increases slightly after knurling — this must be accounted for when turning to pre-knurl diameter on close-tolerance components. AIMS stocks knurling tools for manual and CNC lathe applications from professional tooling brands.
Straddle Knurling Tools
Straddle (scissor) knurling tools position two wheels above and below the workpiece simultaneously, applying equal and opposing radial forces. This balanced force application eliminates the side-loading on lathe spindle bearings that is a concern with single-side bump knurling — making straddle knurlers the preferred type for lighter lathes, longer or slender workpieces that could deflect under one-sided load, and CNC turning operations where maintaining spindle load within machine specifications is important. The opposing wheels are set to matching pitch and pattern to produce a consistent diamond or straight pattern across the full knurl width. Quick-change straddle knurling holders for standard quick-change toolposts allow fast wheel changes without removing the holder from the machine.
Bump Knurling Tools
Bump knurling tools apply a single pair of wheels to the workpiece from one side, requiring machine rigidity to handle the significant side-loading forces generated. Bump knurling is the traditional method on manual engine lathes and is appropriate for short, rigid workpieces on robust machines with well-supported spindle bearings. The tool is advanced radially into the workpiece while traversing along the axis to produce a full-length knurl. Multiple passes are often needed to achieve full pattern depth, particularly on harder materials. The mechanical simplicity of bump knurling tools makes them cost-effective and easy to set up for occasional knurling operations on existing manual lathes without dedicated toolpost accessories.
Cut Knurling
Cut knurling tools use a sharp-edged wheel to cut the pattern into the workpiece surface rather than displacing material. This produces a consistent, accurate pattern without diameter growth and is preferred for harder materials where displacement knurling is difficult, for close-tolerance workpieces where diameter increase cannot be accommodated in the drawing, and for applications requiring very fine, precise pattern geometry. Cut knurling is commonly used in CNC turning operations for production components requiring controlled, repeatable pattern depth and geometry across a batch.
For knurling tool selection, pattern specifications, or replacement wheels, contact our team.