cyclezen

Hi,
I've been reminded by recent thread in 'General' forum, that I need to replace an on-bike carry emergency spoke wrench.
I haven't bought a spoke wrench in years... and generally just default to a Park Tools (which was the one which 'wandered" off recently... LOL)
a Red #2 seems to cover me for most all my wheelsets...
However, now that I need a replacement - on-bike for emergency use - I was thinkin maybe something else which might have an assortment of sizes ??? (for emergency aid for other riders)
Anyone care to recommend something other than Park Tools #2 ? My saddlebag is already quite full, so size matters AND, of course, my inner weightweenie is always buggin me... LOL!
Key is that it works, fits properly and doesn't destroy nipples...
All suggestions appreciated...
Ride On
Yuri

Rolla

I carry something like this.

pdlamb

I have a seat pouch on each bike, so I load each with the Park spoke wrench that fits the bikes' wheel (black or red). Inexpensive, good quality, easy to use. And it's been 5-10 years since I needed a spoke wrench on the road, so it must be working!

(Or I'm over-packed.)

cyclezen

yeah, was thinking about simlar, but I've seen some which were total crap - perfect for ruining/rounding a nipple...
...was hoping for a specific 'brand' rec... but, yeah I guess I could take a wheel to the LBS and just do a 'check'...
Thx
Yuri

dedhed

https://www.parktool.com/en-us/produ...-wrench-sw-7-2

KerryIrons

I just filed a notch in my house key that is the right size for my spoke nipples. I've used it several times and it works a treat.

BCRider

I'm impressed that it worked. Keys are brass. But of course this is a case of tightening a newly found loose nipple. So brass would certainly get it tight enough to finish a ride provided there's no big jumps (MTB). Or to fit an emergency spoke well enough to limp home.

At least two of my little seat pack multi tools that live in with the spare inner tube and tire levers have notches for the spoke nipples. I'd call out the brands but mine are all at least 18 years old and likely not made any longer. I'm sure there are current small multi tools for cycling with spoke notches.

alcjphil

I have the older version of that spoke wrench. Very good quality and you have 3 choices that will give you a perfect fit on the spoke nipple. You can also use a bit of black, red, or green paint on each of the openings to make sure you use the right size for the wheel you are truing.

BCDrums

Yuri,

It strikes me as odd that you want to carry a spoke wrench. Truing a wheel is something that I think of as being done at home base, and not in the field. It implies, to me, installing a new spoke on the road for some catastrophic problem. Or perhaps you are a tourist who might be out for multiple days?

I went across the country and brought a couple of extra spokes, and a spoke wrench that fit them. Never needed them, but I used (and continue to use) 36 spoke wheels, they never go out of true.

All best!

kaos joe

I always carry FiberFix emergency kevlar spokes (and yes I've used them). Each one comes with one of these. It's about an inch long. But the suggestion of filing a notch in a key is genius.

cyclezen

At times, over the years, I have had spokes 'break' while out riding (even had one break once with bike in the garage). And even on 36x, the wheel can go out of true enough to not work well with the calipers open... old school 36x rims were NOT what we're riding on these days.. LOL!
Recently (about 4 yrs ago) I broke a spoke on a low spoke count wheel (20x rear). I'm not hard on wheels, but sometimes they do break.
the wheel would not revolve thru the open calipers... if I didn't have a spoke wrench, I'd either be walkin or makin the call of shame... either is a desperation option.
I have come across others who have had 'wheel' issues - so figuring having a multi-sized emergency wrench might be handier than just my #2 Park Tools...
...done a few multi-day tours... but not a focus. still, in 58 yrs of riding, there isn;t much which hasn't happened - other than my demise... hopefully today, will not be that day...
Ride On
Yuri
EDIT: if the break is at the hub, I unscrew the broken spoke and toss (into suitable garbage can), if at the nipple and I can;t get the spoke out, it's wrapped around an adjacent pr...

Polaris OBark

My Peaty's valve caps have a spoke wrench and a -- wait for it -- core tool.



(Mine aren't in Rasta. It never even occurred to me they could be used as roach clips.)

cyclezen

prolly a good roach clip, but doesn't look as though it'd have a decent grip on spoke nipple...
not sure if it's worth the effort, to make something which has multi-use, spoke wrench and some other functions... need to think about it...
Thx
Ride On
Yuri

cyclezen

... I don;t carry a house key... , but brilliant !
... but McGivering something would be a fun project - when I can find some time.... don;t need a bottle opener... tire 'irons' are plastic... filing a notch into the cell phone is prolly not a good idea.. LOL! I need some teeth, like "jaws' in the Bond film 'Spy WHo Love Me"... LOL!
hmmm
Munch On
Yuri

Polaris OBark

The one with the slot is (only) a spoke wrench. I tested it, and it works fine. So does the non-slotted one, for valve cores.

KerryIrons

And spoke nipples are brass (or aluminum) so this is not an issue. I'm not talking about rebuilding a wheel after a major failure. I've had spokes loosen and helped others who had a spoke break. I've used it many times. Not my idea but I can't remember where I first saw it. I've been doing this for literally decades.

ClydeClydeson

I find the 'spoke wrench' built into most multi tools to be inadequate and are more likely to round off the spoke nipple flats. Best idea is to get the correct Park tool wrench for the bike and leave it in a dedicated tool kit for that bike with the correct size tube and an allen key set. If you are already loaded to the point that a park spoke wrench is going to break your back then I guarantee you can remove or optimize some other item you are carrying to make room for a spoke key.

Above represents advice for an ideal world.
Below is IMO an acceptable compromise.

I have had good luck with the round multi-size spoke wrenches, which are also very small, and have the added advantages of (a) fitting the spokes on almost any wheel so you can help others or even replace a damaged wheel without worry about tool compatibility, and (ii) they are dirt cheap - like half the price of the park single size key for a new multi-sized spoke key.... Supercycle Bike Round Spoke Wrench | Canadian Tire … (not that the Park ones are terribly expensive)

bktourer1

I carry the first model of the Topeak Alien. Has 2 diff.spoke keys

Troul 

I've modified the jaws of my small grab/snip pliers. They worked great for the particular size I cut it for, but since then, things changed & those pliers have gotten legs. I might do it to another tool for the current ride, but I really can't think of the last time I needed such a tool in an emergency. Usually if I need to address spoke tension, it's during a "test" ride & I end up bringing everything & the kitchen sink.

Rdmonster69

My Park I-Beam has a spoke wrench built into the on board tire lever. Haven't had to use it but it looks legit.

m.c. 

I have a crank brothers multi tool, it has a small chain tool on it that has spoke wrenches built into it for different sizes.

tcs

Spokey.

The Alpha&Omega.

From Klickfix or Rixen&Kaul.

Tawraste666

Lezyne do a tiny 3 way one which I have. It weighs next to nothing and is fairly resistant to rust.
However, since discovering urior wrenches I am very reluctant to use a wrench that does not grip on four sides of the nipple. It is so much more superior.
I am also impressed with the door key modification, and now plan to mimic the urior design in the end of the key, or a dedicated piece of stainless steel that could perhaps be shaped to covertly fit somewhere on the bike.

tcs

Four side grip: also Spokey and Park's SW-40 and SW-42

tFUnK

My crank bros multi tool has slots for spoke wrenching (as well as a chain breaker). Nothing you'd want to do serious mechanic work with, but they should be adequate for getting you home during those emergencies.