Park SW-18 Internal Nipple Spoke Wrench - 5.5 mm Hex
An essential tool for truing wheels with hard-to-reach internal spoke nipples, the SW-18 is sized for 5.5 mm hex socket nipples.
The SW-18 is one of the tools that actually lives on our bench in Georgia. Park Tool design and manufacture it in Minnesota; ProWheelBuilder is an independent wheel builder in Georgia and a Park stockist, not the manufacturer.
What it does
A spoke 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.
Which size is this one?
You are looking at the 5.5mm hex. Sizes in this range are close together and a near-fit is not a fit — it rounds the flats and turns a ten-minute job into a rebuild. Measure the part before ordering, or ask us.
Specifications
| Model | SW-18 |
|---|---|
| Park name | Internal Nipple Spoke Wrench - 5.5 mm Hex |
| Type | Spoke wrench |
| Size | 5.5mm hex |
| Brand | Park Tool |
About this listing
This is the SW-18 on its own. Tools ship by themselves rather than being built into anything, so it goes out the same day where we can.
How we use it at ProWheelBuilder
We are a wheel shop before we are a tool shop. The Park tools we list are the ones that earn a place on our own bench, not a catalog we resell sight unseen. If you are not sure the SW-18 is what your job needs, say so before you order — a quick question costs nothing and the wrong tool costs twice.
There is a reason the blue handles are everywhere: Park document their repair procedures publicly and build the tools to match, so the instructions stay valid for years.
Park Tool's videos
Warranty
Park's warranty. Most Park Tool products carry a limited lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship. Pumps, stools, torque wrenches, electronic tools, motors and power supplies are covered for one year. Normal wear, misuse and damage from improper use are excluded.
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.
SW-18 questions
Do you ship tools on their own?
Yes — tools go out separately. Only rims, hubs, spokes and nipples get built into a wheel before shipping.
Is this the right one for my wheels?
Tell us what you are working on and we will tell you straight. A spoke wrench has to fit the part exactly; the wrong size does damage rather than work.
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.
