You might remember the sound of the spinning wheel clicker if you’ve ever spun a prize wheel at a school fair, office party, or carnival booth. The click, click, click, as the wheel slows down, building tension. You keep your eyes glued to the last sliver of color. The thing that goes along with that suspenseful soundtrack is the spinning wheel clicker.
It’s that small plastic flap that is actually placed at the top of the wheel. On its own, it resembles a simple black box with a red blade. Out of context, it can be hard to recognize. Yet when it’s back in context at the top of a spinning wheel, it delivers the familiar clicks of chance and excitement.
The spinning wheel clicker is fitted with a flexible plastic blade. This blade flicks against evenly spaced pegs around the outer rim of the wheel. As the wheel continues to spin, the blade flexes and snaps, back over each peg, creating the ticking sound. The faster the wheel spins the quicker the clicks. As it slows down from the spin, the sound of the clicks gets more stretched out. It resembles the sound of a drum roll, creating anticipation as it slows down.
Long before digital raffles and touch-screen games came along, physical prize wheels were a real draw. They created real engagement. The spinning wheel clicker was an integral part of the experience. From a basic spin, it created moments of suspense. Kids were on the edge of their seats. Adults looked forward to the simple charm of the clicking and spinning. This occurred at trade shows, company picnics, and game nights.