What is the chance of failure for rusted spoke nipples?
08-17-22, 01:45 PM
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What is the chance of failure for rusted spoke nipples?
They look like a pretty solid set of nipples, I’m just concerned they have no washers. I’m in a temperate climate, and it’s stored indoors.
08-17-22, 02:37 PM
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Probably similar to just the chance of a spoke nipple failure. Though if this is more than just the surface rust I am imagining, then maybe a teeny bit more.
What are the chances of any spoke nipple failure even having disastrous consequences?
What are the chances of any spoke nipple failure even having disastrous consequences?
08-17-22, 03:20 PM
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Very few spokes made of "rustable" material, will fail from that rust. But freezing to the spokes and no longer being able to turn for truing after time...Now Al nipples do have a reputation of their heads cracking off when corroded.
I'm not sure how a washer will change water/salt exposure issues.
Will each nipple still turn free of their spoke? Have you considered placing a small drop of thin oil on each nipple? Andy
I'm not sure how a washer will change water/salt exposure issues.
Will each nipple still turn free of their spoke? Have you considered placing a small drop of thin oil on each nipple? Andy
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08-18-22, 07:51 AM
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Assuming for a second O.P. really meant "rusting:"
Sounds like really old, really cheap galvanized spokes might be a possibility. If that's the case, ride the bike around the block to see if the threads are already toast. If it passes, the wheel probably (<5% chance) won't fail on the next ride. Just keep riding it until the bike dies.
But if the galvanization is gone, and the spokes are rusting, replacing all the spokes and nipples wouldn't be a bad idea if, for whatever reason, you want to keep those wheels.
Sounds like really old, really cheap galvanized spokes might be a possibility. If that's the case, ride the bike around the block to see if the threads are already toast. If it passes, the wheel probably (<5% chance) won't fail on the next ride. Just keep riding it until the bike dies.
But if the galvanization is gone, and the spokes are rusting, replacing all the spokes and nipples wouldn't be a bad idea if, for whatever reason, you want to keep those wheels.
08-18-22, 11:36 AM
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08-18-22, 12:08 PM
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Al nipples for me are only for other people.peoples @DiabloScott - thanks for the supporting picture!
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08-18-22, 03:48 PM
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Rust, corrosion, the only real difference is one term is specific that it's iron that is being oxidized.
08-18-22, 06:54 PM
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Most nipples are brass, and won't rust (some few may be aluminum, as Andrew points out, and have their own issues), but galvanized steel spokes can rust, and this can cause the spoke to seize in the nipple. Penetrating oil may help break them loose. Failing that, an if only a couple problem spokes, cut them out and replace. If most of the spokes are seized, it's time to consider a full rebuild or replacement wheel.
Spoke nipple washers are really only required on non-eyeleted rims. Is that what you have?
Spoke nipple washers are really only required on non-eyeleted rims. Is that what you have?
08-19-22, 07:38 PM
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Wait a minute here. I have seen a bunch of steel spoke nipples and they do rust and seize to the spoke. I build with stainless steel spokes and brass nipples using a bit of oil to lubricate the parts for assembly. But that is just what I do in a build. Rusted parts is a big deal for wheels and steel spokes and steel nipples are just a rust problem waiting to be found. Smiles, MH
08-19-22, 10:48 PM
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Last edited by Polaris OBark; 08-19-22 at 10:53 PM.
