Originally Posted by
Devotee
No, the spokes are not too short, some spokes extend fraction of a millimeter beyond the nipple end, but they are generally even.
Given a spoke of "correct" length with 9mm of thread, a nipple with 10mm of thread will cause the spoke to bind 1mm before the spoke reaches the end of the nipple, yes? In this case, a shorter thread of say 8.5mm would be preferable. Is that reasoning correct?
The DT Swiss 12mm nipple has a thread of 8.55mm and their 14mm nipple has a thread of 9.75mm. The 12mm nipple is fine, but the 14mm would bottom out/bind on my 9mm threaded spoke 0.75mm before the spoke end reaches the end of the nipple.
Yes, you've nailed it. But you can't have it two ways.
If a spoke is short enough to show thread beyond the nipple, it's obviously short of the head by 2-4mm or more, respectively depending on the nipple length.
If I may, I'll assume that the wheel has some spokes that reach the tops of nipples, and some that are short. If so, you might use appropriate nipples alternatingly, though it might look off.
Or, you might buy the 14mm nipples and a 2mm drill bit or reamer. Then by hand, deepen the counterbore for those shorter spokes.
I used to do this from time to time by putting a power drill or Dremel in a vise, and hand feeding nipples. It takes some touch, but then goes very fast. If you don't have a power drill, you can use a pin vise.
Note, reamers will offer better control with power, and twist drills are easier with a pin vise.