Sapim Nipple - Size of head

caadybrompton

Wondered if any of the wheelbuilders of the forum or for that matter any one know the size of the head on Sapim nipple.

My 3T wheel broke a nipple a while ago and still trying to get it sorted. Not under warranty , so waiting to hear back form i-ride to send back to Italy.
In the meantime . failing that , I'm wondering if it's possible just to rebuild the wheel with new brass nipples instead of the original alu ones. Although the holes in the rim seem quite wide. 7mm ? - That's the measurement across the top of the current nipple.
The original nipples seem to be some kind of unique nipples with a torque head screw that are exclusive to 3T, or at least so it seems.


Many thanks in advance for any advice.

ugo.santalucia

Nipple heads are around 5 mm so they won't hold in a 7 mm hole, however, as a temporary repair, you can fit a washer or better two washers and the nipple, provided you can fit the washer from the tyre side of the rim... is that side drilled at all?

The joy of proprietary parts, huh?

caadybrompton

Thanks Ugo!
Yes I did think of washers , but not sure if that was a possible fix.

I've uploaded some photos so you can see what is going on in more detail.
If you get a chance and could take a look , that would be much appreciated.
http://oi58.tinypic.com/33ub9t1.jpg
http://oi57.tinypic.com/qpoxs6.jpg
http://oi59.tinypic.com/2dayozk.jpg
http://oi60.tinypic.com/302qlts.jpg
http://oi61.tinypic.com/rwjk7d.jpg
http://oi60.tinypic.com/2num91x.jpg
http://oi60.tinypic.com/dxbhh2.jpg


In theory, could one re-build the whole wheel using washers and new brass nipples as a alternative ?
Would the spoke have to be slightly longer to compensate for the washer/s - Currently 294mm ?
I'm asking this in case they don't want to fix the wheel because it's out of warranty.
I did say I'm happy to pay them to do it , but it also may end up costing more than a re-build.
Although to be fair to 3T , they did come back to me straight away and have been helpful.
So we'll see.

Yes! - propriety parts and aluminium nipples your forum posts and your blog entries are looking all too true :P

ugo.santalucia

Where do you live? I've got several types of nipples and washers... it's a case of trying what fits... If you are local, pop around and we'll find something that works.
As for a rebuild.... if it ain't broke don't fix it... eventually they will fail, but repairs are very cheap if you learn how to do it yourself

caadybrompton

Thanks Ugo, that would be really helpful!

I'm in Farringdon , so not too far from your end of town.
Let me know what works for you and I'll pop over.

ugo.santalucia

caadybrompton wrote:

Thanks Ugo, that would be really helpful!

I'm in Farringdon , so not too far from your end of town.
Let me know what works for you and I'll pop over.

Drop me a line...