Posts
215
Joined
10/2/2017
Location
Harrison, TN
US
I recently purchased a bike that has a set of Kite hubs with black spokes and red nipples and really scratched black rims. I’m replacing the rims but I’m trying to save some money and get the black and red off the nipples. It’s in bad shape also. Any suggestions on how to go about that? I’ve read that easy off would work but some people say it’ll leave them black I just want them back to the original aluminum color.
The reason i say that is because im 99% sure youre going to have seized nipples. The only way to get them off is with bolt cutters. You can try heat but ive never had luck with it.
Also the look of new spokes and nipples is way better than a stripped look after removing the color.
Try Aircraft stripper on the spokes. I have never tried to remove powder with stripper, but this is your best bet if you do not want to disturb the substrate.
If the nips are powdered see above.
If they are anodized, and if the spokes are being bullish with the stripper, use fine media in a blasting cabinet. Then use a brass wheel on the nipples to regain the stock finish. Either use the wheel on the spokes, or a fine steel wool. You can use the fine steel wool on the nips too. Although if they are spline drive it would be a PITA, hence the wheel method.
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