Originally Posted by
fietsbob
I use a spare spoke, thread the head of the nipple on.
then thread it on the spoke., unthreading it off the spare /handle at the same time.
I got a crank looking screwdriver, made for wheel building.
it helps count turns so all nipples come up equally ..
I used to do it that way but my awl is faster.
I have a nipple driver screwdriver too but I don't trust it. I stick my thumb nail in the last spoke thread and tighten each nipple until it hits it.