DT Swiss Spokey Pro Red 3.25mm Four Sided Nipple Wrench
The 3.25mm Spokey Pro, cut four-sided. A four-sided wrench grips all four flats of the nipple rather than two, which spreads the load and is the single biggest thing you can do to stop rounding a nipple on a wheel that is already at tension.
What it does
A nipple wrench that fits properly is the cheapest insurance in wheelbuilding. A loose fit rounds the nipple, and a rounded nipple on a tensioned wheel means cutting the spoke out and rebuilding that section of the wheel.
Size is not a preference here, it is a measurement. A 3.25mm wrench on a 3.45mm nipple will turn it a few times and then round it off, and the damage is not visible until the wrench stops biting. Measure, or match the nipple to the wrench by trying the fit before applying any force.
What DT Swiss is unusual for is supporting what it sold. Hubs from several generations back are still serviceable with parts you can order, which is the context for a tool like this: it exists so a hub can be kept rather than replaced.
Fit and compatibility
For 3.25mm nipples. DT's wrenches are color-coded by size, which is quicker than reading the stamping under bench light.
How we use it at ProWheelBuilder
Every wheel we build is tensioned with wrenches that match the nipple exactly. We keep separate wrenches for separate nipple heads rather than forcing one to do everything, because the cost of a rounded nipple is measured in rebuild time, not in tools.
ProWheelBuilder is an independent wheel builder in Georgia. DT Swiss designs and manufactures this; we use it, we stock it, and we are happy to say whether it is the one you need before you buy it.
Warranty
DT Swiss's warranty. DT Swiss covers its products against material and manufacturing defects for 24 months from purchase, excluding wear parts such as bearings and tubeless tape. Carbon rims and carbon wheels bought new since 1 January 2020 carry an extended guarantee to the first owner against defects in material and workmanship, and DT Swiss runs a paid crash-replacement scheme on carbon wheels for up to ten years from purchase.
ProWheelBuilder. Our own one-year warranty is a wheel warranty - it covers wheels we build, not tools or accessories. This item is covered by its manufacturer, as set out above.
Full terms are on our Policies & Warranty page.
DT Swiss Spokey Pro 3.25mm nipple wrench questions
Why four-sided rather than three?
It grips all four flats, so the load per flat is lower and the nipple is far less likely to round. On a wheel at full tension that matters.
How do I know my nipples are 3.25mm?
Try the fit before you put any force through it - the correct wrench engages with almost no play. If it rocks at all, it is the wrong size.
Is ProWheelBuilder the manufacturer of the DT Swiss Spokey Pro Red 3.25mm Four Sided Nipple Wrench?
DT Swiss makes it. ProWheelBuilder builds wheels in Georgia and is a customer of theirs, not the manufacturer.
Not sure? Text or leave a voicemail on 470-253-0929 or email info@prowheelbuilder.com — you will be talking to the people who build the wheels.
