How do you tighten spokes on a bicycle rim?

Question

How do you tighten spokes on a bicycle rim?

Answer 1

On a standard, typical bicycle wheel, you use a tool called a spoke wrench. They cost just a few dollars and you get them at a bike shop. They fit around the spoke where it screws into a fitting at the rim (called a spoke nipple). Some newer wheels don't have nipples, and you have to remove the tire and tube and then adjust the spokes from inside the rim using a screwdriver-like tool.

That being said, it is probably a much better idea to take your wheel to a local bike shop (LBS) and have them adjust your wheel. This is called 'truing'. It costs about $10 per wheel. (LBSs often charge a few dollars more if you leave the tire and tube on, because they have to remove and re-install them.) Truing a wheel is maybe not quite an art, but it does take some practice, and you can quickly make your wheel worse than before. Remember, the spokes account for the roundness of the wheel, the lateral position of the rim, the offset of the wheel with respect to the hub (called the dish), and the overall tension of the spokes. So, unless you just like tinkering, I'd suggest letting a shop do it for you.

Finally, note that spoke nipples are sometimes seized in position, and when you try to turn them with the spoke wrench, they can be damaged making further adjustment difficult. Go easy. You can put a little penetrating oil on the point where the spoke enters the nipple, let it soak a while, and then try the adjustment.

Answer 2

With a spoke wrench. See link below. I personally like Park Tools. I have a nice little one that I take on the trails with me. They also have nicer ones with a vinyl coating to make the adjusting process more comfortable on your fingers. They cost between $7-$14.

Careful with the tightening, though. You don't want to accidentally untrue your wheel by tightening too much. The side you tighten means the rim will be pulled in that direction. If you're not comfortable with trying to true the wheel on your own, take it to a bike shop.