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View Full Version : Help! I need a spoke wrench...


lph
11-16-2009, 09:25 AM
Now this is the one part I hate about wrenching - feeling totally helpless about tiny details that I haven't stumbled across before.

I'm going to build a rear wheel. I've ordered a hub (Hope Pro 2), a rim (Mavic XC 717) and spokes (DT Comp 2.0/1.8 - according to Sheldon Brown aka 14/15 gauge). I want/need a new spoke wrench.

Park Tool sells FOUR: 80 gauge/3.23 mm, 105 gauge/3.96 mm, 80 gauge/3.3 mm and 80 gauge/3.45 mm.

Which one do I need? :confused:
Becky
11-16-2009, 10:17 AM
What size spoke nipples did you buy? That will determine which wrench you need.

I'd just buy all 4 if it were me...they're cheap and you never know when you'll need a different size for a different wheel/bike/etc.
DebW
11-16-2009, 10:18 AM
Black most likely (almost certainly).
lph
11-16-2009, 11:14 AM
That was the kicker, I couldn't find the nipple size anywhere, not even on DTs pages. 14 mm bronze, but that's the length, I assume.

Thankyou thankyou thankyou! I have indeed determined that the black one is at least the closest.
DebW
11-16-2009, 12:32 PM
That was the kicker, I couldn't find the nipple size anywhere, not even on DTs pages. 14 mm bronze, but that's the length, I assume.

Thankyou thankyou thankyou! I have indeed determined that the black one is at least the closest.

14 is the spoke gage, 2.0 mm diameter. 14/15 are 2.0 mm on the ends, 1.8 mm in the center. The nipple size isn't directly related to the spoke diameter, but I'm pretty sure that DT spoke nipples use the black Park wrench. You can buy either the standard 3-sides Park wrench or the newer 4-sides wrench which is less likely to slip or round your nipples. The 3-sided is easier to use and should be fine for a new wheel if you lubricate the spoke threads and nipple seats properly.
lunacycles
11-16-2009, 03:55 PM
I can confirm: black for both DT and Wheelsmith spokes.
aicabsolut
11-17-2009, 05:43 PM
My DT wheels came with their own spoke wrench. Does that mean that it'd otherwise be hard to find one that fits DT spokes? (I haven't had to use it)
lunacycles
11-17-2009, 07:41 PM
No. The Park Black works fine, beautifully even, on DT spokes.
(Didn't we just say that?:rolleyes:)