So I'm rebuilding a wheel (swapping the hub), and the spoke nipples keep stripping! Especially when I'm working on the vertical true, I get loud pops, and the threads on the spoke nipple strip. What gives? I can think of only two possibilities:

-Is it bad to re-use nipples?
-Am I overtight? I don't think so, but I have no tensionometer. The nipples aren't THAT difficult to turn, either.

Thanks

.......

Don't reuse nipples or spokes - relacing them will mean they are worked differently, increasing chances of failure. PLUS they are really not that expensive, and it costs a lot of time to have to rebuild the wheel a second time!

Are the nipples matched to the spokes. It is possible that you are using the wrong nipples for the brand/type of spoke you are using - they can have different thread measurements/diameters - perhaps the nipples are designed for a larger diameter spoke?

Thanks Bike 13. As to the first possibility you mention, I never actually rode on the previous wheel. It was a messed-up three-speed hub, but the problem didn't become apparent until I tried to take it around the block. Do you think the spokes & nipples could be shot from one build but zero miles?

As to the second possibility, the wheel built just fine the first time.

How much do shops generally charge for wheelbuilding? I'm broke as a joke, and I'm probably not going to do it, but it'd be nice to know.

Thanks

Yep, 14 and 15 guage are different. ITs best not to reuse nipples, if the threads are stripping you might even want to replace spokes. Be sure you are properly lubricating the spoke threads. How old are these things anyways?

Generally in the 50 dollar range is the charge.

Everything is brand new, except for the hub, which is about 50 years old.

what kind of spokes are these?

durned if I know what brand. they're double-butted. the nipples came from a different place, but they built OK the first time.

ANd what are you using to lubricate the threads?

well, it was all a little bit greazy from excess motor oil I squirted into the hub...

but wait, wouldn't lubrication FACILITATE me overtightening them to the point of failure?

I reckon they were the wrong nipples in the first place, possibly with different threading - so they were bodged onto the spokes intially, crossing the threads.

If the spokes are new (only laced up, not used) then you can reuse them, but go and get some new nipples. I feel that will solve your problem.

NO, you need to lubricate the threads to achieve proper spoke tension, on the drive side of the rear wheel especially. you MIGHT be able to get away without on the non drive but i would not recommend.

I agree, 14 and 15 guage use different diameter for the nipples. Do you know what diameter your spokes are?

bring one of the spokes to a bike shop, and ask for nipples. 36 nips shouldnt be too much money. and you might get hooked up too...

If the spokes are 'not that tight' and they are stripping you are using 2.0 nipples on 1.8 spokes.
Simple mistake everyone has done it.
Just buy new nipples in the correct size.
It is not a deadly sin to build with used nipples but as so many have stated it wastes a lot of your time and is not recommended.
I would also recommend only using brass as aluminum is not as strong.
Enjoy