Originally Posted by
mdarnton
I have read of a dodge that I have not tried: buy an extra-long spoke for this job. On the spot put a 90 degree-plus bend in it where you would need it to be, then just 2mm later, where the head would be (the width of needlenose pliers tips?) put another 90 to direct it back to straight. Threading this into place can be done without removing the freewheel and apparently it does the job.
I'd be interested in hearing if anyone has actually done this...
Way back in the 80s, we used to file part of the spoke head that was closest to the nipple (hard to describe but I tried). This basically allowed the same thing as what you are describing but it was the correct length. It was an emergency spoke for sure and would only last a hundred miles maybe depending on the weight of the rider, gear, etc. But you did not have to carry the tools. I have never needed to do it but have seen it done a half dozen times or so.