Are you guys punching your spokes heads (jbends) when wheelebuilding?
DT Swiss has a dedicated tool for punching spoke heads which apparently helps with setting them during the building process. I've heard different opinions on this – some people claim that this helps with building more robust wheels – spokes are set right away and are not "wandering" in first period after being build thus you don't need to correct tension, while other claim that hubs are not designed to be punched from side and this can lead to flange damage.
What's your opinion – punch or not?
by reflectiveivishak
5 Comments
yes, punch J-bend spoke heads into place. i just use a flat headed centre punch as that’s what i already had.
It’s absolutely worthwhile.
I’m surprised to see that in the modern era, I have mostly seen spoke head punching referred to as an antiquated process from the days of Campy Record high flange hubs and sewups.
I would think quality spokes and hubs with proper countersunk holes in the flange should not need more than pre-stressing by grasping the spokes at mid-span periodically while tensioning. This should seat the spoke enough without incurring any risk to the hub flange.
EDIT: [Relevant Ric Hjertberg](https://wheelfanatyk.com/blogs/blog/honing-the-craft-pt-1)
I’ve built over 1000 wheels of every variety you can imagine.
I have only found punching the heads to be useful when using spoke head washers, to help shape the washer. And even then, probably not totally necessary.
(And I only use spoke head washers on steel flanges, or flanges with otherwise damaged or oversized spoke holes. So very rarely.)
I find a much more valuable practice for all builds with j-bend spokes is to set the spoke path / angle as outlined here: [https://wheelfanatyk.com/blogs/blog/wheel-building-tip-no-14-set-the-spoke-path](https://wheelfanatyk.com/blogs/blog/wheel-building-tip-no-14-set-the-spoke-path)
This process mates the spoke to the hub flange on both sides, and also is a highly effective de-stressing technique. I prefer to use a wooden drumstick for ergonomics and lack of abrasion on the spokes.
Is not doing this why my wheel builds always make a little noise when I first ride them? It goes away after literally a few rotations of the wheel, but I always hear a spoke or two make a tiny creaking/popping sound when they first take my weight.