Knurled Design – What is it in Vaping Devices?

Definition

Knurled Design refers to the diamond- or cross-hatched texture that is machined or rolled onto the surface of metal vape parts—most commonly seen on Kennedy RDA caps, Kayfun tanks, 510 drip tips, and battery tube mods. The tiny ridges give your fingers extra grip when twisting off a tight top-cap, adjusting airflow, or unscrewing a 22 mm atomiser from a mod. Because vaping hardware is often polished and can become slick with e-liquid residue, a knurled finish is a practical, tool-free way to improve torque and handling without adding bulk. For beginners, it simply means “the grippy bit”; for advanced builders, it is a functional aesthetic that prevents slippage while rebuilding on a Wire“>Kanthal WireCoil Jig”>coil jig.

Technical Details

Knurling is produced by pressing two hardened steel wheels (with opposing 30° or 45° tooth angles) against an aluminium, stainless-steel, or brass work-piece spinning in a lathe. Standard vape knurls use a 0.5–1.0 mm pitch (distance between peaks) and a depth of 0.05–0.15 mm, giving a tactile but pocket-friendly texture. Three main patterns dominate the vape market: straight (linear ridges), diagonal (30° helix), and diamond (cross-hatch). Diamond is the most common because it provides omni-directional grip regardless of hand orientation. High-end manufacturers often combine knurling with deep-engraved logos to maintain branding visibility. Some squonk mods add micro-knurling inside the battery cap to reduce the chance of arcing when swapping 18650/21700 cells.

Usage & Tips

• Cleaning: Use a soft toothbrush and warm soapy water to remove lint that collects between ridges; dry thoroughly to prevent oxidation on copper or brass.
• Over-tightening: Knurling gives leverage—snug is enough; excessive force can deform O-rings or strip 510 threads.
• Heat dissipation: The extra surface area helps dissipate heat on hot RDAs, but allow a 30-second cool-down before re-dripping.
• Aesthetics: Match your Kit: brushed knurling pairs well with matte finishes, while polished knurling complements mirror SS tanks.
• Travel: Knurled caps are easier to undo with cold or sweaty hands—handy on Australian summer road trips.

History & Context

Knurling migrated from 19th-century firearm grips to 2012’s cloud-chasing scene when the original Kennedy RDA adopted an aggressive diamond knurl on its competition cap. The texture quickly became a hallmark of “Made in the USA” quality, influencing Chinese manufacturers who now laser-cut knurling even on budget Kick modules.