MTFCA Forum

Was introduced to this heavy tool recently. It stretches (pushes) the rim inward to tighten spokes. What are pros an cons on using this? We were trying it on and old worn wheel.

Looks like a super-heavy duty wheel ruiner.
Not all ideas are good ideas.

I'm kinda with Scott here.
It may work, but it would have to be done evenly around the whole wheel to keep it true.
Or you'll be making some nice yard art.

Not good - our "local" wheel wright won't touch felloes that have been "distorted" - after that being done, each spoke must be fitted individually - not economically viable !

These work very well but whoever eventually has to respite the wheels will hate you if they do it at all.

Respoke them. Stupid auto correct. Who doesn’t know the word “respoke”?

No Steve - it's a "crimper".

Rotted and shrunken spokes can be removed fairly easy by cutting or knocking them out. The metal felloe isn’t meant to be distorted when replacing the wooden spokes. Stretching or shrinking the metal felloe isn’t supposed to happen. Not a good idea to try to do that.

I respoked, when it came time, was just in aww of early thinking.

As others have mentioned I would replace the spokes with new strong ones and save that tool for crimping new grommets in a canvas circus tent.

Interesting tool just the same. The maker must not have sold a bunch or we'd see more dimpled felloes.
Thanks for showing this.