How to Locate and Tighten Loose Bicycle Spokes
THINGS YOU’LL NEED
A spoke wrench
- Purchase a spoke wrench. They can be found at any bicycle repair shop, or discount stores like Target or Kmart. While it is possible to tighten the spokes with an adjustable wrench or pliers, it is not recommended. Most spoke wrenches work for all of the popular spoke sizes.
- Identify loose spokes by squeezing two of the spokes together at a time. There should not be more than 1/4″ of play on any single spoke. If a spoke is badly bent, it can be removed and straightened by unscrewing it at the top with the spoke wrench and removing it through the hub.
- Tighten all the loose spokes with the spoke wrench, using the appropriate sized slot. There is no need to overtighten. As a rule of thumb, tighten them until they give good resistance, and then tighten one more quarter turn. Each spoke should not have more than 1/8″ of travel when squeezed in the middle.
TIPS & WARNINGS
If you use pliers or an adjustable wrench, be careful—it may strip the spoke ends.