Originally Posted by
Wallonthefloor
I have this problem and it is reassuring to read this post. I know that a bike shop would only need to turn like one spoke to fix the problem, but it would probably cost me 15 dollars for a "wheel truing" so I bought the spoke tool to do it myself but I'm honestly too scared and am never going to do it. Im not ready yet and am afraid I will mess up my wheel.
Basically, the rim is held centered between the hubs by spokes on each side pulling the same amount. If the rim has 1 section that is out of true, then the spokes in that area are either too tight on 1 side, pulling the rim, or too loose on the other side, allowing the rim to move away. Generally, spokes don't get tighter by themselves, so likely that a spoke or 2 is too loose and tightening will pull the rim back where it should be.
First step is make sure you have the right size spoke wrench. It should fit nice and tightly on the spoke nipple. Too loose and it will slip at strip the nipple, rounding off the corners and making it un-turnable.
Watch some videos, then if you have specific questions, come and ask..... But post them in the "Mechanics" forum where many experts hang out.