Tightening anodized nipples

Dopeman
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Dopeman
I built up a set of wheels for a crf250 the other day with red anodized nipples,
at first the color could stand every tightening but as it got harder along the way the color started to wear off pretty easy, and it looked like shit at the end,
does anyone know a way to tight the nipples without damaging the color ?
how do the pro's at Dubya or Faster do it ?

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BobPA
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BobPA 10/19/2018 11:35am
10/19/2018 11:35am Edited Date/Time 10/19/2018 11:36am
If you have the tires off you can tighten them from the back side, most use a 5mm allen key, or an 8mm socket head. I have done it numerous times using my Pro Circuit spoke wrench...Just make sure you have the correct size head for the nipples you are tightening. They vary by only 0.1mm, so you can get away with using one or two sizes larger...but, if you want the nipples to stay nice you have to measure, and then buy the correct size.
aedwards07
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aedwards07 10/19/2018 12:20pm
10/19/2018 12:20pm
I have a set of faster USA wheels with stx rims and red nipples. I am not sure what kind of spokes they use but they loosen up every few rides. Use a spoke torque wrench as well. The anodizing on the nipple looks like crap after a year. I’m planning on redoing them and seeing if they have a upgraded spoke with non colored nipples as well.
Dopeman
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Dopeman 10/19/2018 1:25pm
10/19/2018 1:25pm
i know how to tight them i wanted to know if you have some methods to tight them without hurting the anodize on them... i thought of putting some rubber between the wrench and the nipple or something of that kind
but i think ill tightening them from above like Bob said.
kb228
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kb228 10/19/2018 3:13pm
10/19/2018 3:13pm
Perfectly sized spoke wrench or use the allen part under the rim strap. Anodized nipples are going to be trashed eventually anyways. Basically x2 of what everyone else said.

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murph783
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murph783 10/21/2018 9:28am
10/21/2018 9:28am
I’ve sized up the spoke wrench and put a strip of tape inside it on customer stuff, but as far as my own it’s more hassle than it’s worth. Just make sure you’re using the right size wrench and everything is clean-shouldn’t mark anything

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