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Spoke Wrench?

Posted: 11:56 am Oct 09 2020
by Goat
Do any of you wheel builder types have favorite spoke wrench? (So far I am running stock rim & spokes)
Have you found that a spoke torque wrench is worth the money for maint, for someone without any wheel experience?
Ty

Re: Spoke Wrench?

Posted: 01:48 pm Oct 09 2020
by KDXGarage
If I don't have perfectly cleaned and thread chased spokes and nipples, I wouldn't get a torque wrench. Any bit of grit and rust (which almost all our wheels have) will throw a false reading.

I suggest a three-sided wrench if you can find one.

Re: Spoke Wrench?

Posted: 03:52 pm Oct 09 2020
by pumpguy
I'm happy with the Stockton spoke wrench kit I got a Cycle Gear @ $19.99. Has 8 individual jaw sizes measuring from 5.4 to 6.8 mm. All jaws are separate, kind of shaped like a crow foot socket, and thread onto the separate handle.

Edit: Just noticed it's made in China, in case that bothers anyone.

Not a torque wrench, but better than a 6" Crescent wrench I've used in the past, and better than those shorty 3 size at each end Rowe Products "spoke wrench?" which I regret buying.

Re: Spoke Wrench?

Posted: 10:03 pm Oct 09 2020
by Goat
Thanks! My local Cycle Gear shows in stock. I will have a look. I like to think I hate Chinese-made tools (so keep all my HF gear hidden at the back of the shop until I need it, when no one is looking).

Re: Spoke Wrench?

Posted: 10:57 pm Oct 09 2020
by KDXGarage

Re: Spoke Wrench?

Posted: 06:01 pm Oct 11 2020
by pumpguy
The Stockton set I wrote about above is the same concept as the Pro-circuit ones, only you get a whole set of jaws, rather than having to buy them individually.

One interesting detail, my set came with 2 jaws already assembled onto the handle. Those 2 jaws had O rings at the bottom of the threaded ends, presumably to provide resistance to loosening in use. I guess you're supposed to swap over the O ring if you're going to use a different jaw.

Usual disclaimer here. I have no connection with Cycle Gear other than a satisfied customer.

Re: Spoke Wrench?

Posted: 09:24 am Oct 14 2020
by GATOROC
Similar to the Stockton spoke wrench kit, I purchased a "high quality" Tusk version from RMATV, and it works fine for me. :grin: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/part ... ench-set-p

Re: Spoke Wrench?

Posted: 11:46 am Oct 14 2020
by pumpguy
Yes, virtually identical. Nicer handle IMO, and a bit cheaper too. Too bad they're out of stock right now.

Re: Spoke Wrench?

Posted: 03:14 pm Oct 17 2020
by Goat
Lucked out. My buddy had the DRC kit.

Re: Spoke Wrench?

Posted: 04:13 pm Oct 17 2020
by Goat
So now I know I need a 6.0 to fix the one I twisted off! Duh.

Re: Spoke Wrench?

Posted: 10:13 am Oct 19 2020
by firsthere
Most of the spokes on my older bike are frozen and only spin the spoke when tightened. At least they never come loose.

Re: Spoke Wrench?

Posted: 08:24 pm Oct 19 2020
by Goat
I did the 2 days of soaking them with WD40, and surprisingly got them all to turn. 3 of them on back, I needed to hold with vise grip. Even the one I broke snugged up pretty good before I pushed my luck hoping to find the “ting”. Should have known better.