Originally Posted by
rootboy
So, what is with the tiny washers, kcOyef? Were they necessary, or just for a bit of added security?
Nice wheels.
Usually they are not necessary if the spoke fits perfectly I just built a set on some Velo Orange PBP's and the spokes are so tight I didn't need the washer on one hub but needed them on the other.
Mechanically they relieve wear in the spoke hole on the flange so as the spoke tightens it crushes the Brass washer this also adds a bearing surface that the spoke as it moves up and down left and right in X-Y-Z co-ordinates a place to land and bang around without ovalizing the Spoke holes in the flange see?
A friend of mine has a set of Campagnolo hubs from the 50's with over 100,000 miles on them so they have spoke washers and he wont build any wheels without them another friend (both of these guys are master wheel builders riders racers work in a shop professionals) only puts them in when needed.
And the the best reasons of all I see them as Beautiful.