Aluminium nipples make wheels light, but are sensitive because the soft material is quickly twisted round, especially with inaccurately manufactured nipple clamps. The "Spoke Wrench" from P&K Lie for just under 13 euros, on the other hand, contributes to the long-term preservation of value. If you thread the spoke through the narrow slot, the tool grips the nipple at three corners and encloses the square very flat. The contact surface is six millimetres high, thus utilising the entire surface of the nipple so that the torque is applied gently - the aluminium nipples remain intact and the anodised surfaces look good. The handle of the spanner, which is available in several bright anodised colours, is stiff and gives a good feel for the resulting spoke tension.
Reference/Info: P&K Lie GmbH; phone 040/431747-39, www.pklie.de
Price: 12,90 Euro
PLUS: Precisely manufactured; guides well; protects the aluminium nipples when tensioning the spokes
Photo: Dirk Zedler
