How Knurling Works

The Purpose of Knurling

Knurling isn’t just for looks — it’s a critical engineering feature that helps keep your handlebars stay securely clamped in place. The horizontal pattern pressed into the bar creates raised ridges that “bite” into the surface of your risers, forming a mechanical lock between the two components. When properly designed, this bite prevents any unwanted movement under load — especially during braking, acceleration, or heavy vibration. Without effective knurling, even the best risers can allow your bars to slip or rotate over time, which is why precision manufacturing and material compatibility matter so much.

Depth Matters More Than Width

There’s a common misconception that wider knurling means better grip. In reality, it’s not the width of the knurled section that determines how well your handlebars hold — it’s the depth of the knurl itself. The deeper the knurl, the more material that is pushed out into high ridges, that protrude above the smooth surface of the handlebar tube. The taller & sharper these ridges are, the stronger the mechanical lock they form. A properly cut knurl digs into the riser material and resists twisting forces far more effectively than a shallow or cosmetic knurl. At Barcraft Handlebars, every bar is precision-knurled to achieve sharp, tall ridges for maximum grip without compromising the structural integrity of the bar.

The Importance of Compatible Materials

For the knurling to perform its job, it needs something it can “bite” into. That’s why riser material is just as important as the knurl design. Soft, malleable metals — like CNC-machined billet aluminium — deform slightly under pressure, allowing the knurl ridges to embed and lock firmly in place. Hard-chromed die-cast risers, on the other hand, resist this deformation, leading to poor grip and potential slippage. When matched correctly, a well-cut knurl and quality billet riser create a secure, vibration-resistant connection you can trust.

Knurling may seem like a small detail, but it’s one of the most important safety and performance features in your handlebar setup. With Barcraft Handlebars, every element — from the precision-cut knurl to the choice of compatible materials — is engineered for control, confidence, and lasting durability.

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