Tornado Star Grip Knob D55 K63211770

This is the yellow star grip knob Tacony uses across more than one machine. The dealer record gives it a real published size — a 55mm turning knob — which is why we can name it by dimension rather than by position. On the Tornado Tempest it is the knob that clamps the push handle at working height.

What the Star Grip Knob D55 Does

A star grip is a hand-tightened clamp. The lobed shape lets an operator apply real torque with bare or gloved hands and no tool, which is the whole point on a machine where the handle height is adjusted routinely. When the knob is doing its job, the handle stays exactly where it was set through a full shift.

Where It Sits on the Machine

On the Tornado Tempest, two are fitted at the push handle pivots on the handle and frame diagram, working over the handle washers and the M8 x 25 saucer head screws.

Compatible Models for the Star Grip Knob D55

• Tornado Tempest Wide-Area Cordless Carpet Vacuum Sweeper — Model TV400-W26-U
• Tornado BR 16/3 16 inch Automatic Scrubber — catalogue number 99406

When to Replace It

Replace a knob whose internal thread has stripped, whose lobes have broken off, or that will no longer hold the handle at height however hard it is turned. Stripped threads are the common failure — they come from cross-threading during a hurried adjustment. Replace both sides together so the clamping force is even.

Fitting Notes

Start the thread by hand and make sure it is running square before applying any force. Hand tight is the design intent; a star grip is not meant to be finished with pliers, and doing so is what strips the thread in the first place. Check the handle holds its set height without creeping before the machine goes back to work.

Twin City Vacuum has been selling and servicing Tornado equipment since 1956. Browse the full Tornado Tempest parts range, or see the Tornado Tempest TV400-W26-U machine. Manufacturer information is at tornadovac.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which machines does this star grip fit?

Tacony lists K63211770 against two machines: the Tornado Tempest TV400-W26-U carpet sweeper and the Tornado BR 16/3 16 inch automatic scrubber, catalogue number 99406. That is the full list from Tacony’s own where-used records.

My handle slips down even with the knob tight. What is wrong?

Check the knob thread first — a partly stripped thread will feel tight while holding almost nothing. Then check the handle washers and the bracket pivot holes for wear. Slipping is usually a worn clamping stack rather than a single failed part, so it is worth inspecting all of it while the handle is apart.

How do I order the Star Grip Knob D55 (part# K63211770) or get help?

Order the Star Grip Knob D55 right here on this page, or call Twin City Vacuum at 763-535-0770 and give us part number K63211770. We have been a Tornado dealer since 1956, we stock Tempest parts, and we can confirm the part against your machine before it ships. You can also visit the store at 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428.

Questions? Call us at 763-535-0770 or visit us at 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428.