Knurl Pattern – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A knurl pattern is the diamond-shaped or straight-ribbed texture machined onto the outside of metal vape components—most commonly 510 drip tips, modbattery caps, RDA top caps and tank bases. By creating hundreds of tiny raised ridges, the pattern gives fingers extra purchase, making threaded parts easier to unscrew or adjust even with sweaty hands or in cold weather. Beyond grip, the knurled surface hides minor scratches and fingerprints, keeping hardware looking newer for longer while adding a classic mechanical aesthetic that many Australian vapers associate with high-end devices.

Technical Details

Knurling is produced on a lathe using hardened steel wheels that press the pattern into aluminium, stainless steel or brass. Common specs in vaping are:

• Coarse diamond: 20–30 teeth per inch (TPI) for heavy-duty parts like 21700 tube mod caps
• Fine diamond: 40–50 TPI for slim 22 mm atomisers, giving a satin feel without snagging pockets
• Straight knurl: parallel lines, often used on airflow control rings to indicate rotation direction

Depth is typically 0.05–0.15 mm; deeper cuts provide more grip but can trap e-liquid residue. Manufacturers sometimes combine knurl with anodising or sand-blasting to create dual-tone finishes that highlight the ridges. Tolerances must be tight—if the cap wall is under 1 mm thick, over-knurling can warp the thread and cause cross-threading on the 510 connector.

Usage & Tips

• Cleaning: Use a soft toothbrush dipped in warm soapy water to remove lint caught between ridges; dry thoroughly to prevent battery contact corrosion.
• Re-threading: If a knurled top-cap sticks, grip the textured area with a silicone jar opener rather than pliers to avoid flattening the pattern.
• Hybrid safety: On mechanical tubes, ensure the knurled section is on the negativeend cap only; a knurled positive pin can arc through trouser fabric if the switch locks.
• DIY modifications: Wrapping a thin strip of 400-grit sandpaper around the part and rotating slowly can refresh worn knurl, restoring grip without machining tools.

History & Context

Knurling migrated from 19th-century camera lenses and scientific instruments to vaping in 2010 when Australian modders like the “Scubabatdan” team hand-reefed brass Kayfun bases to stop them rolling off café tables. As CNC workshops prolifered in Sydney and Melbourne, diamond knurl became a visual shorthand for “authentic, locally-made hardware,” distinguishing high-end devices from smooth, mass-imported clones flooding the early market.