[golden boy]

Getting ready to build a new wheelset and I ran my spoke length calculations. The numbers came in at a range from 271.6mm to 271.9mm. Great, so I can use 272mm spokes across the board. Here's my dilemma: I dug around my stuff, and I found a set of 273mm spokes, used but in good condition. I'm tempted to use them, really tempted. Just 1mm longer than the ideal length.

Sure, I won't get maximum thread engagement, but is an extra mm enough to matter? And please, let's not turn this into a debate on whether or not to reuse spokes. That's my decision, I assume all risk.

 

[meschenbruch]

I reckon you can, either put a washer under the nipples to increase the erd or use a different type of nipple like the DT Swiss squorx that also effectively increase the erd I believe

 

[TylerVernon]

If the unthreaded portion of the spoke pushes into the nipple threads, ime aluminum nipples work better because the aluminum folds over. Brass doesn't deform and the threaded interface will be greatly weakened as opposed to just being slightly weakened.

 

[dan l]

The threads will have more engagement if the spoke is longer.

 

[gonzo]

Getting ready to build a new wheelset and I ran my spoke length calculations. The numbers came in at a range from 271.6mm to 271.9mm. Great, so I can use 272mm spokes across the board. Here's my dilemma: I dug around my stuff, and I found a set of 273mm spokes, used but in good condition. I'm tempted to use them, really tempted. Just 1mm longer than the ideal length.

Sure, I won't get maximum thread engagement, but is an extra mm enough to matter? And please, let's not turn this into a debate on whether or not to reuse spokes. That's my decision, I assume all risk.

I would use the 272mm, as long as:

• when tighten them you don't bottom out with nipple
• the spoke pokes out against the rim tape.

 

[Shark]

I'd try it.
Worst case they are too long and you need to order the correct length and rebuild it.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

 

[eri]

The threads on spokes are longer than they need to be, it’s the nipple that determines thread engagement. if you can get wheel tight you’re not losing thread engagement.

spoke will poke out bottom of nipple by a mm. Can’t use a screwdriver past that point, so what. If your rims are deep enough the spoke tip won’t hit anything, then there’s no problem.

An extra mm has been fine for my mtb rims but isn’t on some older road rims.

My local bike non profit let’s me disassemble wheels with trashed rims and keep the spokes, then I can can cut them shorter and pay $0.25 to have them add more threads with their spoke cutter. I’ve no qualms at all reusing modern branded spokes. Good butted spokes are crazy expensive now. Won’t reuse nipples though…

 

[golden boy]

If the unthreaded portion of the spoke pushes into the nipple threads, ime aluminum nipples work better because the aluminum folds over. Brass doesn't deform and the threaded interface will be greatly weakened as opposed to just being slightly weakened.

Great reply. I hadn’t thought of that. Having the threads bottom out would be bad indeed!

 

[golden boy]

I'd try it.
Worst case they are too long and you need to order the correct length and rebuild it.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

Good point. It’s worth a try. Will save me at least $50 if they work.