How to avoid damaging spoke nipples when wheel building

Question

I have just successfully built two wheels.
The final step of the process was perfecting the true and the dish.
I used a spoke key for this, and this resulted in unwanted scuffing and nicks on the (brass) spoke nipples.
Is there any way I could have avoided this?

JoeK · Accepted Answer

Using a high quality spoke key that engages on 4 sides (and fits properly) usually avoids this problem, even with coloured alu nipples.

Kaz · Answer

When building or trueing a wheel, you have the tire off. You can turn the nipples from their head side. Notice how their heads are slotted for a flathead screwdriver? That tool will work, until the spoke protrudes through the nipple. A modified screwdriver can then be used to turn the nipple: a flathead with a notch in the middle of its working edge to accommodate the bit of excess spoke.
Check out this tool.

How to avoid damaging spoke nipples when wheel building

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