spoke removal

[imported_n/a]

POG, I used the search engine here for some info but couldn't quite find the answer to my question. I need to remove spokes from 4 wheels, some with a little rust at nipple, others fine, so I can make up at least 1 set front & rear. Question - what's the best way to remove stuck nipples? Right tools? Lube? I realize I'll probably will ruin a few that are too far gone (stuck) but am willing to give it a go! Thx,

cheeterman

[Kip Kern]

Cheeterman, I have a plastic 55 gal drum split vertically.  It lays on it's side in a wooden frame I constructed.  I have it about 1/3 full of old parts washer solvent, WD-40, sweat and who knows.  I then place 4-6 wheels in it at a time and rotate them every day for about a week, the wheels fit perfect and rotate easily.  After soaking/rotating, remove them one at a time and use a good spoke wrench to break the nipples free.  once all nipples are free, I use a battery drill to remove the nipples all the way. There you have it!

[imported_n/a]

Hi Kip, thx for the speedy reply! I suppose I can easily rig up a "soaker", good idea by the way! My problem has also been finding a spoke wrench that fits snuggly enough to avoid stripping the tight ones. Also, as you know, the spokes tend to twist when turning a tight/stuck nipple. Any suggestion on how to hold on to the spoke (tool/technique) with one hand while turning the nipple with the other? Thanks as always for you wisdom!

chris

[thrownchain]

I build alot of wheels and I got my spoke wrenches from Buchanans. I use a small set of vice grips to hold spokes. Depending on how bad your spokes are, sometimes a little heat from a propane torch will help, but I'll have to try the soak routine. Most times though people are in a hurry and don't want to wait a week while I disassemble their wheel. But for personal use, soaking might be the way to go. Thanks for the tip.

[imported_n/a]

Thanks guys, now it's out to the garage! Have a great weekend!!

chris h.

[Rocket]

The best way I have found is using a propane torch and heating the nipples.  They will usually come loose right away, if not, heat them again until they do.  Very few nipples get ruined doing it this way.
Rocket

[thrownchain]

You still need a proper sized wrench, a small cresent won't work.

[Larry Perkins]

The best way in my opinion is to go after them with a good pair of industrial sidecutters like we used in the siding business.  You then have to install good ones, though.  LOL!

Larry P

[Rain Man]

Buchanans Spokes and Rims, Azusa, Cal. 626-969-4655
 check out their web site !!

Raymond
 Down East Pentons

[linglewn]

I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but I use "Fabulous Blaster, PB Penetrating Catalyst" (as seen on TV product) on all rusty and hard to loosen items. I used it on the last wheels that I disassembled with very rusty nipples with good results. It works in minutes rather than weeks. Good luck.

Nelson Lingle

[firstturn]

I believe in PB Blaster and I second the motion with Larry, but Larry has been gone so long from Texas that he has forgot they are called bolt cutters.

Ron Carbaugh

[lksseven]

I'm also sold on PB Blaster.  I use a good spoke wrench to loosen all the nipples on a wheel that I can, then I squirt PB Blaster in the edge of the nipples that are stuck.  I test these stubborn ones everyday, loosening the ones that will, and squirting again the ones that are still stuck.  After a few days, they're all unstock, and I then get on with complete removal of all spokes.





Larry Seale
I choose to ride

[Rocket]

Ron
I thought you Texan's called a bolt cutter a master key!
Rod

[firstturn]

Rocket,
  It is in Texas, and it is legal...until  ___ ___ ______.  I think you can fill in the blanks;).

Ron Carbaugh