Originally Posted by
John N
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.
I remember someone in the past grinding them something like the attached photo. There wasn't much of the head left, but he said they held up okay and he sometime left them in a long time.
Btw, I am pretty sure I remember seeing a tool that was made just for putting in the bend mdarnton mentions using. It did it all in one squeeze.
Sorry, not a very good picture or a very clean job on the grind.
