Rapid Spoke Nipple Removal Tool

Like most biking enthusiasts we have ended up with lots of random parts and pieces of bikes over the years. This afternoon we decided that it was time to do something with several of the spare wheels that we have accumulated. Unfortunately, none of our current (and likely future) bikes are compatible with the wheels we have. So in order to make use of our nice Chris King hubs we needed to unlace the rims from the hubs. As I dove into this project, I was thinking to myself – there has to be a better (faster) way!

Now, they do make these really cool nipple driver tools (like this Park tool) which I don’t own – but even that seemed like too much work for the simple process of removing all the spokes. So I decided to take matters into my own hands and present to you: The Rapid Spoke Nipple Removal Tool! Designed for use in a drill / screw gun!

Steps to making this tool

1. Find an old flat head bit you aren’t using. I like this dual use phillips / flat bit because it has a nice long shank that makes it easier to get down into the rim recess to reach the nipple.
2. Put the flat head bit into a vice
3. Use a rotary grinder (dremel tool or equivalent) and grind it down to get the desired shape (see images below)
4. Put the new bit in your cordless screw gun and away you go.
5. Thats it!

I have to say it made things go a lot easier. But I would caution anyone reading this that you should not use this tool if you have any intention of reusing the nipples. Its fast, but it can chew up the nipples pretty good. And if you have any intention of reusing the rims, then you should take extra care (more care than I did) to not damage the rims