Originally Posted by
mrrabbit
If you are going to keep or re-use the rim - or build up a new rim - NEVER NEVER NEVER - us a power driver that exceeds 180 rpm. An rpm closer to 130 is preferred. Using a high speed driver causes a "heat flash" at the rim seat due to the seat+nipple friction that you've just ramped up rpm-wise.
With a flathead bit, going more than about 120RPM is a good way to end up chewing up the rim when the bit slips out anyway. Still, even 75RPM is a lot faster than turning the nipples by hand.