Spoke Key Size!?!?
 

I have some Easton Aero wheels (bladed spokes) and want to true them. The readings I'm getting from the digital vernier caliper on the nipple flats are in between 3.38 - 3.45mm. Which size spoke key should I get? It seems that some manufacturers spoke keys don't have much difference between sizes, at least nothing hugely different. I don't want to buy one that's too tight just as I don't want to buy one that is too loose.

TIA

What's a digital vernier caliper?

Seriously? :)

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=375183

There are only three sizes of spoke nipples.
spoke wrenches don't cost much so you may as wel get the whole set.
A less expensive solution would be wrench that can accomodate all three sizes.

I've found that the variation among same size keys to be greater than I'm willing to accept. Over the years I've accumulated a few spoke wrenches very close in size, and I simply select the one that works best. When starting I use a slightly sloppier key because it's faster, but I finish with the tightest fitting key, especially for the tight right rear spokes to reduce the chances rounding off the nipple.

Yes, I may buy one of the ones that accommodates all sizes. Thanks :thumb:

Agreed, FB. A friend of mine mentioned a similar thing as you with different tolerances between same size spoke keys.

Yes. Seriously. I've got a couple of pairs of dial calipers. I've got a couple of pairs of digital calipers. I may even have an old, cheap vernier caliper lying around somewhere. But I've never heard of a digital vernier caliper, and I was wondering if it was something new that I had missed. Your pic looks a whole lot like a digital caliper to me; I don't see the vernier scale.

I stand corrected, in some way, it seems.

The Digital Vernier Caliper

The site mentions 'Digital Vernier Caliper' a lot, (clickable link at the bottom of the page) yet makes a point of the fact that this is the incorrect name, as you have said, it's a Digital Caliper. Hence, the confusion :) Hats off to you, sir!

Most of those are cheaply made and will "spread" when under heavier resistance.

I'd suggest stopping by your LBS and seeing what size of their wrench will fit. Buy the new one hanging on the wall.
It'll probably still be cheaper than buying online when you add S&H AND you support local business.

I may just do that. Thanks, Bill.

Park?, collect all 3 black red and green handle colored.

And be prepared to buy a spare wrench when you get Wheelmaster nipples and file the slot to fit them. (but Wheelsmith are standard-sized and much better quality overall)

There are also some odd sized spoke nipples, aero wheels, low spoke count etc.

I've gone with a multi-size spoke key. I can practice on my old wheels (truing virgin) and then, when I get the hang of it, look into truing the Easton wheels. If the spoke key proves to be of decent quality, I'll use that, if not I'll buy a few from the Park range.

Thanks for all the replies, folks!

I highly recommend so-called "4 sided" spoke wrenches. These are much less likely to round off a nipple. Park makes them in a number of sizes as do a few other companies:

Park Tool Co. » SW-42 : Four-Sided Spoke Wrench : Wheel & Spoke

+1
Spokey also makes really nice inexpensive spoke wrenches that are "4-sided".

The OP may find that a special sized wrench will be needed for his aero wheels. I have a 15 year old set of Cosmic Carbones that require a special socket wrench available only from Mavic.

Will look into it. Thanks, Looigi.

I'll take a look at the Spokey. Regards the 'special socket wrench', I'll let you know, Al :)

If the nipple flats are exposed with the tire mounted on the wheel you won't need a socket.

I don't like my Park 4-sided wrench since it takes so much more effort to seat.

With properly lubricated threads and nipple sockets (I like anti-seize) I've had no problems except for the couple of aluminum nipples I made trapezoidal with a road-side repair in the dark with an incompletely seated wrench, even after over a decade of use or with 120-130kgf rear drive side tensions.

With idiot built wheels I've had to fall back on vise-grips for disassembly; although at that point you're better off with new $0.13 nipples than trying to make things work.