Replacement Spoke won't tighten

[grellboy]

Trying to replace a broken spoke. Spoke has gone through the hub, nipple in place, there is not a problem with the threading because I've taken it and tried it. Seems like it is just a mm too short to make the initial contact to begin screwing in. Any ideas anyone?

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Have you threaded it through the other spokes correctly and is it definitely the same length as the other spokes.

 

[rogerzilla]

The photo is blurred but it looks as if it's too short, assuming it's straight - all the thread is exposed.

 

[grellboy]

Bloke in LBS took old (snapped!) one as a guide, but look at pic below to judge for yourselves.

 

[alicat]

Are you definitely tightening it the right way? DAMHIKT

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Are you using a screw driver to do the initial tightening?

 

[grellboy]

Are you definitely tightening it the right way? DAMHIKT

Pretty sure. Righty tighty n all!

 

[grellboy]

Are you using a screw driver to do the initial tightening?

Yeah. It definitely turns, just not making that "grab".

 

[grellboy]

On reflection (no pun intended!) It's probably not long enough is it? Just in comparison to other spokes, they have no thread exposed at all and this one would still have plenty I reckon, if it ever did screw in.

 

[grellboy]

It's hard to be precise, but I held the base of the spoke close to spot of another on the hub and then took this pic of the rim ends for comparison. Seems to be clearly shorter, but surely 700c spokes are all standard length aren't they? Or am I missing something?

 

[alicat]

Seems to be clearly shorter, but surely 700c spokes are all standard length aren't they? Or am I missing something?

700c spokes are not all the same length. The depth and width of the rim and hub all affect the length that you need. Put your measurements into a spoke length calculator then go back to your LBS and tell him what you need or buy one and a couple of spares from SJS.

 

[grellboy]

700c spokes are not all the same length. The depth and width of the rim and hub all affect the length that you need. Put your measurements into a spoke length calculator then go back to your LBS and tell him what you need or buy one and a couple of spares from SJS.

Who knew that getting the correct length of spoke actually helps? All sorted, thanks everyone.