Quick spoke wrench question

[MattTuck]

I've seen spoke wrenches listed by various different sizes.

#0, #1, #2....

3.1mm, 3.2mm,....

14 gauge, 13 gauge....

Is there a simple table that shows how these sizes are related? I looked on Sheldon Brown, but didn't see anything clear (or may have missed it).

thnx.

[Mark McM]

I've seen spoke wrenches listed by various different sizes.

#0, #1, #2....

3.1mm, 3.2mm,....

14 gauge, 13 gauge....

Is there a simple table that shows how these sizes are related? I looked on Sheldon Brown, but didn't see anything clear (or may have missed it).

thnx.

Spoke nipple/wrench sizes aren't always directly connected to spoke size, it varies by manufacturer.

Park tool has some reference nipple/wrench sizes here (https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/), and Wikipedia has some reference sizes here (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoke_wrench).

[loxx0050]

I bought 2 different sized spoke wrenches. One typical for road wheel nipples and the other typical for mountain bikewheel nipples. Brand I picked up is Spokey like these:. https://www.velofred.com/index.php?cPath=45. It even has an indicator that shows tighten and loosen (the hole on one side of the wrench).

If you haven't already purchase the wheel building book by Roger Musson. It is a great resource for anybody who is interested in wheel building.

[MattTuck]

Spoke nipple/wrench sizes aren't always directly connected to spoke size, it varies by manufacturer.

Park tool has some reference nipple/wrench sizes here (https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/), and Wikipedia has some reference sizes here (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoke_wrench).

Thanks, that wiki table was helpful. If you add on the bit about not always being linked to spoke size, that is slightly confusing.

For instance, Topeak Hexus II (https://www.topeak.com/global/de/products/mini-tools/350-hexus--ii) lists 14G, 15G. While Crankbrother's F15 (https://www.crankbrothers.com/products/f15) lists #0, #1, #2, #3. While Pedros ICM 21 (https://pedros.com/products/toolsfor-the-ride/icm-21-multitool/) lists theirs as 3.23, 3.3, & 3.45

If I understand the table, the # sizing and actual mm sizing are likely to equate ALWAYS. While, the 14G/15G is the gauge of the spoke, and there MAY be a case where a nipple is not the usual size for that spoke.

[oliver1850]

3.23 mm (Park black) is the size for WS and DT. Pretty sure they use the same nipple blank for both 14 and 15 gauge spokes, then drill and tap it for either gauge.

I've used the red 3.45 mm tool on Asian made nipples. Guessing that the blue 3.96 mm tool is used on 13 g spokes. Don't know where the green 3.3 mm tool is used.

[oldpotatoe]

I bought 2 different sized spoke wrenches. One typical for road wheel nipples and the other typical for mountain bikewheel nipples. Brand I picked up is Spokey like these:. https://www.velofred.com/index.php?cPath=45. It even has an indicator that shows tighten and loosen (the hole on one side of the wrench).

If you haven't already purchase the wheel building book by Roger Musson. It is a great resource for anybody who is interested in wheel building.

Every mountain bike wheel I’ve built was with 14g nipples and 3.2mm, black Park spoke wrench. Gets Schraener(sp?) and even Jobst Brandt all good books about wheel building.

[ColonelJLloyd]

3.23 mm (Park black) is the size for WS and DT. Pretty sure they use the same nipple blank for both 14 and 15 gauge spokes, then drill and tap it for either gauge.

I've used the red 3.45 mm tool on Asian made nipples.

And Sapim. The Park tools in this size are the 40, 0 and 20.2.

Also been my experience regarding the 3.45mm nipples; I only need to use my Park 22.2 when truing a cheap wheels for someone else.

There is nothing inherently different about the nipple requirements for a MTB wheel so I don't know where that comment came from. Basically, better nips (the ones you should be using) are 3.23mm aside from some specialty nipples.

[MattTuck]

Every mountain bike wheel I’ve built was with 14g nipples and 3.2mm, black Park spoke wrench. Gets Schraener(sp?) and even Jobst Brandt all good books about wheel building.

Thanks, I should add. This is not for wheel building, but rather trying to understand what sizes the various multitools were actually capable of repairing.

[Brian Smith]

Thanks, I should add. This is not for wheel building, but rather trying to understand what sizes the various multitools were actually capable of repairing.

Like Oliver1850 mentioned above, the spoke diameter, shape, brand, material are not a definitive predictor of which spoke nipple wrench is needed. A measurement of the spoke nipple on a wheel you'd like to repair would best predict which wrench to choose, or whether the spoke nipples size falls within a multitool's fitment range.

[oliver1850]

If I recall correctly, you have two or three bikes. I'd just measure the nipples on your wheels and buy a tool for each bike, or one that fits all of them (likely). Multitool spoke wrenches are great if you need one and nothing else is available but a real spoke wrench will be much better. If I was touring I'd pack the right size spoke wrench as well as a few extra spokes. For local riding I don't bother with either.

[Louis]

Just out of curiosity, what is / are the most common road-bike spoke nipple flat sizes?

In my experience, my Park "black" (SW-0, "Sized for 0.127" (3.23mm") nipples") wrench has usually been the right one for most of my wheels, but I think I may have one or two that use a different size.

[oliver1850]

Just out of curiosity, what is / are the most common road-bike spoke nipple flat sizes?

In my experience, my Park "black" (SW-0, "Sized for 0.127" (3.23mm") nipples") wrench has usually been the right one for most of my wheels, but I think I may have one or two that use a different size.

Just a guess, but I'd say 75% or more of the wheels that Paceline regulars ride have that size nipples.

[oldpotatoe]

Just out of curiosity, what is / are the most common road-bike spoke nipple flat sizes?

In my experience, my Park "black" (SW-0, "Sized for 0.127" (3.23mm") nipples") wrench has usually been the right one for most of my wheels, but I think I may have one or two that use a different size.

14g nipple(diameter of spoke threads(2mm) and 3.23mm nipple flats(Park black spoke wrench)..also most common for 'MTB' wheels..that spokey chart with 'road' and 'mtb' nipples is wacky..I've built a 'few' MTB wheels and have never used a fatter nipple cuz it was 'MTB'..

[oldpotatoe]

Thanks, I should add. This is not for wheel building, but rather trying to understand what sizes the various multitools were actually capable of repairing.

In the shop, I just had all the wrenches on pegs and tired them all until I found one that was tight..spoke wrench heaven and hell...:eek:

[Blown Reek]

In the shop, I just had all the wrenches on pegs and tired them all until I found one that was tight..spoke wrench heaven and hell...:eek:

Out of all of those, that Spokey wrench from back in the day was my favorite.

[unterhausen]

Thanks, I should add. This is not for wheel building, but rather trying to understand what sizes the various multitools were actually capable of repairing.
I just carry a black Park spoke wrench on my rando bike. Those wrenches are small and light, and the only time I have needed a spoke wrench it was nice to have a good one. Any other bike, I would just ride it home without truing.