Originally Posted by
onbike 1939
Forgive the digression, but does anyone suffer from cramp in the hands when building? This is a real problem for me as I've grown older, and it limits the time I can spend with a spoke key.
I don't get cramps, but can gt sore fingertips using the wrong key on a tight rear wheel. In your shoes, I'd suspect that the choice of key shape would be equally important. Otherwise, taking a break and flexing the hand at natural places, (ie. between full laps of adding tension) might make the difference for you.
If I had my druthers, I'd give up on spoke wrenches, and use hex head nipples exclusively, turning them with a nut driver at first, then with a T-wrench as they go tighter.