Originally Posted by
WizardOfBoz
This is what I use. The working nipple just threads onto the few remaining threads. (BTW, this is not my idea - can't recall where I saw this - one of the wheelbuildling books?). This gives good purchase. Easy to twirl the eccentrically bent spoke down. Easy to remove the tool and move onto the next one. Commercially, hard to beat the old VAR version of a Yankee Screwdriver, with a spoke tip (screwdriver with a nub) on the end.
That's exactly what I've been using. The problem I've had is sometimes the nipple would rather stay on the tool when I start backing it out rather than staying threaded onto the spoke. Doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's a great way to drop the nipple into the rim, and when you've already got half a dozen spokes laced, retriev
ng it is a major PIA