How I Made A Spoke Nipple Driver For No Money (many photos inside)

from Rookie’s keyboard

Hello, friends

Another day, another post.

In today’s edition, I will show you how I made a very simple and practically free spoke nipple driver.

First, let’s explain why you may need one of those.

A nipple driver is an instrument that helps you thread nipples onto spokes.

It makes wheel lacing and spoke replacement easier, especially in the case of double-wall rims (it’s very easy to lose a nipple between the walls of a rim).

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find one where I lived. Bike shops aren’t selling them as most people aren’t doing their own wheel repairs.

So, I had to make one. It works well.


You will need:

  • A spoke with intact threads
  • A nipple
  • A spoke wrench (optional but recommended)
  • Bike cable and housing cutters (optional)
  • Pliers (optional)
  • Electrical Tape (optional)

Step 1: Shaping

First, you have to shape the spoke/nipple driver.

I went with a shape that mimics Klein’s speed screwdriver (67100) which allows you to easily rotate it via wrist motion.

You can make a schema with the approximate length of each segment before bending the spoke.

The threaded section of the spoke is the starting point.

One of the best tools for the job is a multi-size spoke wrench as it makes for the perfect bending jig.

Bend 1

Mark the length of the first section. Put the spoke between two parallel entrances on the spoke wrench as shown above.

The mark should align with the end of the wrench.

Bend the spoke.

The first bend

Mark the length of the second section and put the spoke into the wrench as shown in the image below.

The bend goes “away from the threaded part”.

Bend 2

Step 2: Make the spoke “flat”

It’s possible for the spoke to bend laterally during step 1.

Straighten it so that all segments are in one plane.

Step 3: Cut The Spoke

Many tools (e.g., a hacksaw, standard pliers, bolt cutters…etc.) will get the job done.

But if you have bike cable cutter (you should), you can use them too. They work very well for this task.

Step 4: Thread A Nipple Onto The Spoke

Thread a nipple onto the spoke until 2-3mm of the spoke’s thread are showing.

The wider part of the nipple should be facing out.

Step 4: Make a Handle

Wrap electrical tape around the handle section to increase its diameter.

You can also make a hook at the end for a lanyard.

The tool is ready.

Instructions How To Use The Driver

1. Twist the nipple that you want to install until it touches the nipple on the tool.

2. Screw the nipple onto the spoke that you’re installing. When the tool bottoms out (reaches its maximum travel), turn it in the opposite direction.

At one point, the threaded parts of the two spokes will meet. When that happens, it’s time to reverse the tool.


How does it work?

When the nipple on the tool reaches the nipple that’s being installed, the two heads tighten against each other and become one. That connections allow the tool to grab the nipple and screw it onto the spoke.

Additional Tips

You can apply super glue or thread-locker on the tool’s threads to prevent the nipple from unwinding.

You can also put heat shrink wrap on the handle to give it a more complete look.

Until next time,

Rookie


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