How to loosen ksyrium helium bladed spoke nipples?

[alanmclean]

Hi

I need to replace a couple of spokes on my (?2006) ksyriums. They are the anniversaire version with one red spoke and black/red hubs.

When I turn the nipple the whole spoke twists despite holding it with the mavic slotted tool. I've soaked the nipples in penetrating oil but no joy. Any tricks to do this neatly?

Alan

[madmole]

Very quick blast with heat to the nipple. Nothing extreme, but it will make it expand and crack the loctite/corrosion holding it

[monty dog]

Yes - a hot air heat gun will soften the Loctite which generally goes soft around 90 degrees.

[SL58]

I usually use electric induction tool that runs current trough metal parts, heating them.
Torch and hot air gun might not be safe around carbon rims etc.

[madmole]

I use a small lighter fuel soldering iron that also has a fine blow torch nozzle, very controllable

[alanmclean]

Thanks

I will try heat. The spokes will be scrapped anyway.

Alan

[stella-azzurra]

If you are going to scrap the spokes why not just cut them and remove them.
Then remove the nipple separately.

[alanmclean]

Thanks
Cutting the spokes is a point of no return! Also I may wish to true the wheel.

Regards

Alan

[stella-azzurra]

You just said you were going to scrap the spokes and you would have to true the wheel anyway when ever you loosen, tighten or remove a spoke. What am I missing here?

[alanmclean]

Hi, no conspiracy, just prevarication!

It's one thing to talk of scraping spokes but it is another to do it! I can ride on the wheel although it is wobbly. But once I've taken a hacksaw then no riding until spokes replaced.

Also I may need to adjust other spokes after replacing the damaged ones and need to know how to free up the nipple/spoke. Looks like heat is the key.

Thanks for all the advice.

Alan