What Knob Will Fit on My Gear?

Updated Jan 2025

Hey! Will this knob fit on my pedal / modular synth / whatever? 

It's a question we get asked all the time! If you've ever thought about swapping knobs on a pedal, amp, guitar, eurorack module or other noise machine, grab a pair of calipers and read on.

The quick-and-dirty Love My Switches 3-step program to figure out what knob to buy:

1. What kind of potentiometer shaft does your piece of gear have? Remove the offending knob and find out!

2. Do we have a knob that is an exact fit for that potentiometer shaft? All of our knobs indicate shaft size (1/4" or 6.0mm) and style (smooth or knurled).

3. If yes, what are you waiting for? Buy that knob! If no, then let's see if we can find you a "close enough" fit that functions well and looks awesome. 

4. If no or the knob you want is for a different kind of shaft, then we might be able to make it work with an adapter.

Keep reading for some basic information on sizes and styles of potentiometer shafts, how to measure shaft diameters of potentiometers and knobs, and "close enough" tips that can help you make a decision on whether a particular knob will fit on your piece of gear.

Potentiometer Sizes and Styles

There are three main types of potentiometer shafts in our audio world: smooth shaft, 18T split/knurled shaft, and D shaft. The knob you use will depend on the shaft style. (If you don't have one of these you're going to have to research. We suggesting asking on one of the many DIY electronics forums out there.)

Smooth Shaft

A smooth shaft potentiometer features—you guessed it—a smooth shaft. This type of pot fits smooth shaft knobs, which slide onto the shaft and then are fastened by tightening a set screw against the shaft. Larger and/or heftier knobs may use two or more set screws for added security. 

Within the audio industry, you'll find that most smooth shaft pots measure 1/4" (6.35mm). You'll also see 6.0mm, but it's less popular.

Get "close enough": What happens if a 1/4" knob goes on a 6.0mm pot? 

For best fit, use a Potentiometer Adapter. These smooth brass sleeves slide onto the pot shaft, converting a 6.0mm pot into 1/4".

You often can use a smooth shaft 1/4" knob on a 6.0mm pot, whether smooth or knurled shaft. (Some people report a slight wobble off-axis when the knob is turned, but it's pretty negligible for most builders. It depends on how particular the personality of the user is.)

18T Split/Knurled Shaft

The "18T" in this potentiometer refers to the number of "teeth" around the shaft. Each one helps to grip the inside of a 18T or 36T knurled shaft knob, which features corresponding teeth.

The diameter of the 18T knurled shaft pot is usually 6.0mm.

Get "close enough": Can I use a smooth shaft knob on a knurled shaft pot?

Yep! Most 1/4" knobs fit will securely on a 6.0mm knurled shaft pot. Again, a Potentiometer Adapter can be your friend here. Slide on the adapter and voila!—a perfect fit for your 1/4" knob.

D Shaft

D shaft potentiometers (also called "flatted" potentiometers) bear resemblance to their name: The shaft forms a "D" shape, with one flat edge. 

There are many sizes of D shafts; the most common size measures 6mm x 4.5mm. For best fit use a D shaft knob on a D shaft pot.

Get "close enough": Expect some trial and error.

Some 6.0mm knurled shaft knobs will fit tightly on D shaft potentiometers. This seems to vary by potentiometer and finding a fit is more of an art than a science.

A smooth shaft knob can be retrofit, using a shim (a cut to size chop stick can work), to fit a D shaft pot. Additionally, 1/4" knobs with long set screws should still work—as long as the set screw is long enough. 

We've had luck using . . . wait for it . . . a Potentiometer Adapter. For the long-term, use your shim-making skills to shore up the space within the adapter to make sure that the adapter stays firm if there is any pressure from the set screw on that area.

Note: There are 1/4" (6.35mm) D shaft potentiometers out there. Usually a 1/4" knob will fit just fine without an adapter on these--provided the "blank space" of the D is located on the same side of the knob as the indicator. All of our knobs have the set screw on the opposite side of the indicator. This means you would be fastening the set screw against the rounded side of the pot for best fit.

How to Measure

The best way to measure the diameter of a potentiometer shaft, or the inside diameter of a knob, is by using a digital caliper. This genius invention allows for quick, precise measurements in inches or millimeters along a sliding rule. Wikipedia has a nice explanation of all the parts and how to use them. You can pick up an inexpensive pair at most any hardware store or online shopping site like eBay or Amazon.

Tips:

You usually want to stick to the same size OD (outer diameter) as your original knob. Go bigger and you risk bumping other knobs when you turn them or covering up any numbers or letters on the control panel. If you go too small you risk revealing something under your original knob the product designer didn't want you to see. As always your best bet is to measure.

Measuring with out calipers: Really calipers are great. You should get some. You'll use them all the time. But if you still don't want to get some look up a coin size chart for your country and you can usually get pretty close by comparing your knobs to what's in your piggy bank.

Thanks for actually reading this whole thing. If you see an error or something that needs more explanation please let us know. Contact us