Spoke nipple sizing

[GT8]

I'm re-spoking a wheel.

I've taken all of the old spokes off and got them measured.

The original nipples were an odd design - the nipple driver end is square sectioned as opposed to slotted and so I can't use my nipple driver.

I will be buying 'normal' nipples with the new spokes.

Do I buy 'normal' slotted nipples that are the same total length as the old ones (16mm) or shorter ones so that I can use spokes the same length as the original?

Thanks

[F45]

Actually a superior design to the slot head nipples and doesn't require a tool that won't fit in the rim bed holes like the 6mm hex heads. Park SW-16 is the tool that fits them. When inserting the tool into the rim, you only need to turn it 90 degrees to engage instead of 180.

To answer your question, buy 16mm nipples.

[racingcondor]

Depending on how soon you can source nipples you could also buy the tool, either Park as above or generic -

http://www.bdopcycling.com/Tools-Internal%20Spoke%20Wrench.asp

[F45]

I bought two SW16. One to keep as is, one that I cut the shank to fit in my electric drill.