Nipple Won't Thread On Spoke?
07-13-14, 04:17 PM
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Nipple Won't Thread On Spoke?
I have some DT Revolution spokes, and some alloy nipples. The nipples will not thread on the spokes. It acts as though the spoke threads are larger than the nipple threads. But surely this cannot be? I've never heard of more than one standard bicycle spoke thread. What am I missing?
Oh, I'm having the same problem with these spokes and a random brass nipple.
Oh, I'm having the same problem with these spokes and a random brass nipple.
07-13-14, 04:38 PM
#3
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Maybe you have a 15 ga. nipple and a 14 ga. spoke?
I use both size nipples/spokes.
https://www.amazon.com/DT-Swiss-Spoke.../dp/B000AOC48M
I use both size nipples/spokes.
https://www.amazon.com/DT-Swiss-Spoke.../dp/B000AOC48M
07-13-14, 04:42 PM
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07-13-14, 05:03 PM
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Thanks. The spokes are these:
Universal Cycles -- DT Revolution Spokes - Silver
DT Revolution Spokes - Silver
2.0-1.5-2.0 stainless steel butted spokes
How can I tell what nipples I need, both brass and alloy?
In the past, Ive simply gone to the bike shop (Universal has a retail store near me), specified my desired spoke, and asked for nipples as well. They choose the nipples and it has always simply worked. That is what happened this time, but the nipples don't work . . .
Universal Cycles -- DT Revolution Spokes - Silver
DT Revolution Spokes - Silver
2.0-1.5-2.0 stainless steel butted spokes
How can I tell what nipples I need, both brass and alloy?
In the past, Ive simply gone to the bike shop (Universal has a retail store near me), specified my desired spoke, and asked for nipples as well. They choose the nipples and it has always simply worked. That is what happened this time, but the nipples don't work . . .
07-13-14, 05:09 PM
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The (now) global standard thread is a UNS-2 56tpi thread for 14g or 2mm nipples. 15g spokes use the same 56tpi, with the nominal diameter reduced to 1.8mm. It's easy to confuse the two, since the outside dimensions of the nipple will be the same (for the same brand).
However there are more than just 14 and 15g (1.8 & 2mm) spokes, and there are more different threads, though the others such as French are rare these days and not likely your issue.
It's very easy to mix up 15g and 14g nipples, and that's the most likely issue, but not the only possibility.
However there are more than just 14 and 15g (1.8 & 2mm) spokes, and there are more different threads, though the others such as French are rare these days and not likely your issue.
It's very easy to mix up 15g and 14g nipples, and that's the most likely issue, but not the only possibility.
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07-13-14, 05:33 PM
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That would be my guess too. I once worked in a shop in which somebody intermixed the two sizes of spoke nipples in the same container. I never figured out who did it so he may still be out there.
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07-13-14, 07:51 PM
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Let me ask it this way. When I go online to Universal, Colorado Cyclist and other online places, and look at DT Revolutions, I can't see any clear (to me) indication if the spokes I'm looking at have 14 or 15 gauge threads. Same for any other spokes I look at.
I'm now specifically looking for a Revolution, or similarly light/thin spoke, with 15 gauge threads. Because I'm trying to repair a broken spoke on a wheel, and don't want to have one spoke/nipple with threads of a gauge unlike all the others.
What should I look for in the specs?
I'm now specifically looking for a Revolution, or similarly light/thin spoke, with 15 gauge threads. Because I'm trying to repair a broken spoke on a wheel, and don't want to have one spoke/nipple with threads of a gauge unlike all the others.
What should I look for in the specs?
07-13-14, 08:06 PM
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Let me ask it this way. When I go online to Universal, Colorado Cyclist and other online places, and look at DT Revolutions, I can't see any clear (to me) indication if the spokes I'm looking at have 14 or 15 gauge threads. Same for any other spokes I look at.
I'm now specifically looking for a Revolution, or similarly light/thin spoke, with 15 gauge threads. Because I'm trying to repair a broken spoke on a wheel, and don't want to have one spoke/nipple with threads of a gauge unlike all the others.
What should I look for in the specs?
I'm now specifically looking for a Revolution, or similarly light/thin spoke, with 15 gauge threads. Because I'm trying to repair a broken spoke on a wheel, and don't want to have one spoke/nipple with threads of a gauge unlike all the others.
What should I look for in the specs?
You can't have a 15g thread and a DT revolution both. DT Revolution spokes are 2.0/1.5/2.0 DB or 14g. If you need a 15g spoke, whether DB or plain gauge you have to ask for that.
BTW- if you only need a single spoke or two, I have plenty of Wheelsmith 15g DB spokes. Let me know the length and I'll sell you whatever you need, with minimum postage added (1st. class about $2-3.00).
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WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
“Never argue with an idiot. He will only bring you down to his level and beat you with experience.”, George Carlin
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
Last edited by FBinNY; 07-13-14 at 08:48 PM.
07-13-14, 08:08 PM
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One thing it could be is some of the "locking nipples" feel like they run out of thread very quickly and with a thin gauge spoke like the Revolutions it is tough to overcome the locking compound. I would just take the spoke to a bike shop and have them match up a nipple for you, since you are only replacing a single broken spoke they probably will not even charge you for the nipple.
Also since you have had a spoke break, it would not be a bad idea to double check spoke tensions to make sure they are up to specs and even. If you break a second spoke start planning on either a new wheel or a rebuild at least.
Also since you have had a spoke break, it would not be a bad idea to double check spoke tensions to make sure they are up to specs and even. If you break a second spoke start planning on either a new wheel or a rebuild at least.
07-13-14, 09:56 PM
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Thanks, guys. I live 2 miles from Universal so I will go by there and pick up a single spoke.
Initially I thought it was a self-locking thing in the nipple but no, thread (diameter) is definitely wrong.
(I realize the backstory here is confusing. I bought 36 spokes/nipples from Universal, discovered the spokes wouldn't thread into the nipples. I now understand the spokes are 14 ga and the nipples 15 ga. Then I broke a spoke on another wheel yesterday and tried to expediently borrow one of the 36 new spokes to repair it, and looks like I need a single 15 ga double butted spoke.)
Initially I thought it was a self-locking thing in the nipple but no, thread (diameter) is definitely wrong.
(I realize the backstory here is confusing. I bought 36 spokes/nipples from Universal, discovered the spokes wouldn't thread into the nipples. I now understand the spokes are 14 ga and the nipples 15 ga. Then I broke a spoke on another wheel yesterday and tried to expediently borrow one of the 36 new spokes to repair it, and looks like I need a single 15 ga double butted spoke.)
Last edited by jyl; 07-14-14 at 08:35 AM.
07-14-14, 09:16 AM
#14
Really Old Senior Member
Let me ask it this way. When I go online to Universal, Colorado Cyclist and other online places, and look at DT Revolutions, I can't see any clear (to me) indication if the spokes I'm looking at have 14 or 15 gauge threads. Same for any other spokes I look at.
I'm now specifically looking for a Revolution, or similarly light/thin spoke, with 15 gauge threads. Because I'm trying to repair a broken spoke on a wheel, and don't want to have one spoke/nipple with threads of a gauge unlike all the others.
What should I look for in the specs?
I'm now specifically looking for a Revolution, or similarly light/thin spoke, with 15 gauge threads. Because I'm trying to repair a broken spoke on a wheel, and don't want to have one spoke/nipple with threads of a gauge unlike all the others.
What should I look for in the specs?
07-14-14, 11:03 AM
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I told you not to mess with aluminum nipples! 
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07-14-14, 12:05 PM
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If it hasn't been said already, bigger gauge is a smaller spoke/nipple. From Sheldon Brown:
U.S./British 13 gauge is 2.3 mm
U.S./British 14 gauge is 2.0 mm
U.S./British 15 gauge is 1.8 mm
U.S./British 16 gauge is 1.6 mm
U.S./British 17 gauge is 1.4 mm
Kinda like shotguns, 12 gauge is bigger than 20 gauge. And sheet metal, where 16 gauge is thinner than 12 gauge. etc..
U.S./British 13 gauge is 2.3 mm
U.S./British 14 gauge is 2.0 mm
U.S./British 15 gauge is 1.8 mm
U.S./British 16 gauge is 1.6 mm
U.S./British 17 gauge is 1.4 mm
Kinda like shotguns, 12 gauge is bigger than 20 gauge. And sheet metal, where 16 gauge is thinner than 12 gauge. etc..
