All, I have a wheel with corroded alu nipples - is there any way of removing them? The spoke seems a bit long so i can't just use a screwdriver from the outside of the rim. 🙁
If I have no choice but to cut the spoke can someone confirm my measurements - its an XT hub on an XC717 disc wheel - I get 260/262 for the spoke length depending on which side.
One final question - where's cheapest for buying spokes?
Manys thanks!
cut! what will you do with ****ed ones anyway?
http://www.cyclebasket.com/m9b0s454p0/Components_/Spokes_-_Stainless_Steel_Double_Butted_-_Silver_ are cheap, 20p each
you can save them but it takes work - need to destroy each nipple.
Make sure that the nipple end of the spoke is facing away from you when you cut them. If the wheel is still under tension, they will be like crossbow bolts.
cut! what will you do with **** ones anyway?
Thats what I thought but the spoke looks ok it's just that the alu nipples are 6 years old and I live by the sea.
Al - whats the best way to destroy the nipple - I've removed all that I can see (well it fell apart) but can't get to the rest.
Spokes are fine to reuse, but you'll never get those nipples off!!
well given that they are old and a lot of work to get out, and you have to rebuild anyway, i'd just buy a new set for a few quid. if you want to match exactly, cut all but one on each side , move the hub and mash off the nipple when it's in the clear, then you can take them out and measure them accurately
Reckon this'll be a similar issue to a Alu seatpost in a steel frame~ something to do with electrolytic potential or similar if my brain is working... anyway, you could try soaking all the nipples in Coca-Cola or phosphoric acid if you want to keep the rim, or caustic soda, or ammonia if the rim is history~ be a right fart mind, so probs best cutting and replacing.
I would cut and replace I doubt you will save every spoke tbh and it will take ages destructively removing each nipple but not harming the spoke thread.
Here's a useful spoke calculator with a database of rims and hubs: http://lenni.info/edd/
Cut the spokes using the wire cutter on the side of a pair of pliers. And leave the rim tape on so that the spoke ends don't arc across the room and blind the cat.
Thanks all - it's not all of the nipples that need replacing but I'm pretty sure I'll open a can of worms when i come to replace the ones that are shot.
Thanks for the link Jeff - are they the cheapest for black spokes too?