These are some tools which I use for wheelbuilding. I’m very picky about my tools and I either make or modify many of them to make them more efficient to use.
These two adapters allow me to build 15mm and 20mm thru-axle hubs in my Park stand – I made both of these.
This syringe-looking tool is for installing nipples into deep section carbon rims without dropping them – this is another tool I made. There are a few threads on the end of the ‘needle’ which thread into the back of the nipple so you can guide it into the rim. The handle rotates on a teflon bearing in the palm of the hand which makes it easy to thread the nipples.
This T-shaped tool is for building with 3/16″ internal spoke nipples and I’ve ground down the head so that it fits into rims with small spoke holes like the old Lew rims. I also have a couple of nut-drivers and a Campagnolo tool which is similar but quite a bit shorter so not as useful in deeper rims, and the tools diameter is much larger which interferes with the rim so I use this Grammo tool the most.
Finally here are my DT Swiss spoke key and bladed spoke holder. You can see the wear marks on the brass spoke holder from many wheels of use!! I’ve shortened the spoke holder so that it holds closer to the end of the spoke to prevent twisting and chamfered the outside of the tool to make it quicker to engage the spoke. I also use a Park spoke key which clamps on 3 sides of the nipple compared to the DT which clamps on 4 sides. The Park is easier to use but for some wheels with alloy nipples and higher tension the 4-sided DT prevents damage to the nipple.