Removing a damaged spoke nipple

[cycleman]

Hi,

the nipple on one of the spokes I'am truing is slightly rusty and it won't turn when it's engaged with the spoke key (in the widest grove).

I then used a screwdriver to take it out from the top of the rim, but the area next the groves are worn and the actual spoke is almost coming through the top which makes it very difficult to turn.

If any one has any suggestions on an alternative tool I can use or anything else, I would be grateful.

The wheel I'am using is a 26" disc brake if thats relevant

 

[Ivan Ardon]

Cut the spoke out and replace it with new one (and nipple).

 

[tyred]

Probably easiest to cut the spoke but it should still be possible to remove the old nipple without damaging the spoke.

Use a small adjustable spanner, a small pipe wrench or a small pair of vice grips to grip the nipple or alternatively, get a cheap flat headed screwdriver in the correct size and cut a notch out of it to clear the spoke. This is a useful tool to make up anyway for installing new spokes or building a new wheel.

 

[PpPete]

Most decent quality nipples are nickel-coated brass (or aluminium if you really want to save the last 1/10th of a gram). If you have rusty nipples they are cheap shoot steel and should be replaced.

 

[cycleman]

Probably easiest to cut the spoke but it should still be possible to remove the old nipple without damaging the spoke.

Use a small adjustable spanner, a small pipe wrench or a small pair of vice grips to grip the nipple or alternatively, get a cheap flat headed screwdriver in the correct size and cut a notch out of it to clear the spoke. This is a useful tool to make up anyway for installing new spokes or building a new wheel.

Thanks for this I will try it. And thanks to everyone else who has replied.