If the nipples are in bad shape, you'd obviously replace them. If they haven't been touched since the wheels were built, no need to replace them. (I've oiled the spoke threads on all my wheel builds since the 1960's, so getting full tension is easy. It's been very rare for me to have to true any of them even once.)

I take the opportunity to replace with sapim polyax and washer if I have enough length on the spoke, not over expensive and line up nicely. I understand why people re-use if moneys tight (I would if I could not afford it), but you can’t do it without being warned and accepting the consequence, (threadlock might would be advisable), saying that I bet there are hundreds running around with no problems across the world, just not me! I always re-use stainless spokes for myself if in good condition.

Old ones go into a bucket, they are brass and one day I will weigh them in for scrap and re-coup the price of the ones I bought when brass rates climb……well that’s the theory……

You know, it would be interesting to take say 10 new and 10 old spoke nipples and tension them on a jig with new spokes until they let go and take an aggregate reading. I do wonder how much there is in it, I just go with gut instinct, sometimes results can surprise!

https://us.gedore.com/en/products/ou...cutting-plate/

Blades are replaceable.

Recycling a bunch of old wheels at the local bike co-op, we went through about 75 rims, cutting the spokes, before the blades dulled.
Am going to try sharpening the blades with diamond files and plates.

Crimper does a very good job on cable tips.

I agree. Only once, decades ago, did I cut the spokes quick in order to save a nice 105 hub after the rim had a crack at the spoke hole. But now, I would always save the spokes. First, stainless spokes are expensive for a whole set. Second, they have tons of alternate uses, high quality, thick, stainless steel wire.

Ok quick update. Had reply from a UK dealership.

”Thanks for your email. We do not have a manual for the C3 that contains the information you need unfortunately.I think going direct to Felco will be the best way to get the answers you require”.

Credit for a reply, but it has no information, no offer to follow up and contact Felco themselves. A lot of Felco dealerships are gardening based and if I was asking for secateur advise, I think they would have it. However, if you are selling a product I expect the literature to be available from Felco and the dealer to have contact with the technical/sales department of the producer. I have repaired, demonstrated and sold quarry crushers in my past life, and those boys (and girls) make you work for a sale, you have to know everything, and if not you find out about it and get back.

America has a name for customer service, anyone know a Felco dealer who knows his products? On a lighter note, do you think customer service in the US is better? That could be amusing…..

I have several Knipex tools and have been very impressed with the overall quality.

I was just going to pull the trigger on a Knipex when I chanced upon a lightly used Felco C7 for £20. Ok that is cheap enough to try and see how it performs!

I also picked up a rather blunt Mikado cutter, Not screwed it down yet so I can try, but looking at the cutters I would be faster chewing a spoke….perhaps I can find a friend with a lathe. It was cheap and it is interesting, I will get to it eventually!


Mikado cutter

I like those replaceable cutters on the Mikado!

More bench-top cutters:
https://www.wirecutterstore.com/Benc...ters_c_15.html

They are good aren't they? Just wish they were sharp!

Can those cutters be sharpened, or are replacements available?

I expect they can be to a point (excuse the pun, lol). I can not find any information about Mikado on line especially about this cutter, so no idea of the age of them, 50s, 60’s? Maybe at a later date I can get a set made.