Adjustable handles offer a convenient way to fasten and unfasten machinery components. As the name suggests, they are designed for “adjustment” applications. You can turn an adjustable handle to adjust a machinery component. Not all adjustable handles are the same, however. They are available in several types, three of the most common being teardrop, ball and button head. What’s the difference between teardrop, ball and button head adjustable handles exactly?
What Is a Teardrop Adjustable Handle?
A teardrop adjustable handle is defined by its teardrop-shaped tip. Like all adjustable handles, it features a narrow bar that you can grip to fine-tune the machinery component to which it’s connected. This handle, though, is shaped like a teardrop at the tip. As shown in the adjacent photo, teardrop adjustable handles have a long handle that forms the shape of a teardrop at the tip. You can grip this handle, followed by turning it to adjust a machinery component.
What Is a Ball Adjustable Handle?
Another common type of adjustable handle is ball. Ball adjustable handles are characterized by their use of a ball-shaped tip. Like all adjustable handles, they feature a long lever-like bar that you can grip to adjust a machinery component. The tip of this handle, though, is shaped like a ball. It has a round globe-like ball that’s designed for gripping. With a ball adjustable handle, you can grip the ball-shaped tip to adjust a machinery component. It offers an ergonomic design that’s easy and natural to use.
What Is a Button Head Adjustable Handle?
There are also button head adjustable handles. A button head adjustable handle lives up to its namesake by featuring a button on the head. It still has a handle. At the base of the handle, however, is a button. Button head adjustable handles are typically used for quick-release applications. In other words, they work in conjunction with a quick-release pin. Pressing the button at the base of a button head adjustable handle will remove the quick-release pin.
Choosing the right adjustable handle is important. While they come in many different materials and styles, most of them fall under one of three categories: teardrop, ball and button head. Teardrop adjustable handles have a teardrop-shaped tip, whereas ball adjustable handles have a ball-shaped tip. Finally, button head adjustable handles have a button at the base that you can press to remove a quick-release pin.