Why such a relic in your toolbox? Sentimental? No sir, this is a true sleeper. "Sleeper," an overlooked tool that comes out of hiding rarely but when it does, it saves the day. Look like a hero, it's easy.
The SW-10 was born when nipple sizes were hard to predict and an adjustable wrench was more practical. Today it will make you a legend if you whip it out when a nipple is frozen stiff and won't turn. It might be corrosion, lack of lube, overtightening, or the the nipple flats might be deformed. None of this deters SW-10.
Put it on the distressed nipple (with a little light oil if available) and turn carefully. 9 times out of 10, the nipple will rotate. What a difference if you want to replace this buggered nipple, because it's probably a spoke from the rear wheel's drive side. If you can't remove the damaged nipple you'll have no choice but to cut the spoke, which means removing the cassette. A 2 minute task or a 20 minute job? Your choice.
If you're a team mechanic, then you need a few aces in your bag. Carrying this little devil around the globe will make cosmic sense the day you smile and think "we've been waiting for this moment."
Trust me, it brings karma and, can't you hear the cheers and gasps when you work a wheel miracle? Bless the Hawkins for keeping it in production.
Why such a relic in your toolbox? Sentimental? No sir, this is a true sleeper. "Sleeper," an overlooked tool that comes out of hiding rarely but when it does, it saves the day. Look like a hero, it's easy.
The SW-10 was born when nipple sizes were hard to predict and an adjustable wrench was more practical. Today it will make you a legend if you whip it out when a nipple is frozen stiff and won't turn. It might be corrosion, lack of lube, overtightening, or the the nipple flats might be deformed. None of this deters SW-10.
Put it on the distressed nipple (with a little light oil if available) and turn carefully. 9 times out of 10, the nipple will rotate. What a difference if you want to replace this buggered nipple, because it's probably a spoke from the rear wheel's drive side. If you can't remove the damaged nipple you'll have no choice but to cut the spoke, which means removing the cassette. A 2 minute task or a 20 minute job? Your choice.
If you're a team mechanic, then you need a few aces in your bag. Carrying this little devil around the globe will make cosmic sense the day you smile and think "we've been waiting for this moment."
Trust me, it brings karma and, can't you hear the cheers and gasps when you work a wheel miracle? Bless the Hawkins for keeping it in production.