how do you keep from scratching black nipples

[goodmojo]

when building a wheel with black brass nipples how do you keep from scratching them with the spoke wrench when you have a lot of tension?

[shiggy]

when building a wheel with black brass nipples how do you keep from scratching them with the spoke wrench when you have a lot of tension?

Never had a problem with that.

Use the proper size wrench.

[One Pivot]

Same. Ive reused colored nipples 3 or 4 times before they start looking rough, tensioned up to 125kgf.

[mopartodd]

Don't bite them so hard.

[mjduct]

hit them with a can of black krylon when your done =]

[92gli]

Pretend it's a mountain bike and not a show car ?

[BShow]

Use a sharpie.

[wschruba]

A good spoke wrench, like Shiggy said, is still the easiest way, in the long run.

[goodmojo]

Pretend it's a mountain bike and not a show car ?

Im trying to build the wheels for sale so the nipples pretty much need to be perfect.

[goodmojo]

Never had a problem with that.

Use the proper size wrench.

Im using the park wrenches, are there any that are better? As for sizing, how do you match the sizing with the nipple? If it is just by feel, then I think the fit is fine.

for a 14 gauge nipple, what size spoke wrench would you use?

[forkboy]

Pretend it's a mountain bike and not a show car ?

What's the harm in wanting something you invest time and energy in, to look good?

If the holes are drilled through the rim (not UST) - I usually build using a modified screwdriver on the back of the nipple.

And Park wrenches are OK, but not the best... I like my Spokey.

DT Swiss Spokey Nipple Wrench > Accessories > Tools > Spoke Wrenches | Jenson USA Online Bike Shop

[92gli]

What's the harm in wanting something you invest time and energy in, to look good?

Because its a tool that works in dirt and rocks and mud.

But he said they're for resale, so fine. Me, I wouldn't care if a little of the black coating was rubbed off on my new nipples. As long as the wheels are straight and tensioned properly.

[forkboy]

Because its a tool that works in dirt and rocks and mud.

Even if I was doing it for personal use, I'd still try and do it right.

[GhisalloWheels]

Here is my favorite wrench.

Park Tool Co. » SW-20 : Master Spoke Wrench : Wheel & Spoke

[shiggy]

Im using the park wrenches, are there any that are better? As for sizing, how do you match the sizing with the nipple? If it is just by feel, then I think the fit is fine.

for a 14 gauge nipple, what size spoke wrench would you use?

Generally, most DT, Wheelsmith, and Sapim nipples use a Park black wrench. There is NO slop when the wrench is on the nipple.

I use only Park standard or 4-sided.

[eurotrash666]

The Spokey or Park wrenches that are broached at 45 degrees instead of square mark the nips a lot less. It's also a matter of touch. Easy on with the wrench, turn, and easy off. Slow down.

And if it's just the black nipples are causing trouble, have you considered dating Asian?

[wschruba]

Try the 4 sided wrenches that park makes (again, like Shiggy said) if you are concerned about marking. They cost a bit more, but do provide a more secure connection.

[One Pivot]

Anti seize and a 2 sided wrench scuffs much much less than oil and a 4 sided wrench. I only build with a park 2 sided wrench now, the 4 sided one drives me nuts.

Nothing wrong with wanting a decent looking build, regardless if its for you or for sale... a normal spoke wrench should build a clean unscuffed set of alloy nipple wheels without issue. Using anti seize on the threads will make it even more surefire and smooth.

[jochribs]

Moisturize your calloused hands?