How to tighten spokes?

Spoke tension

Spokes and nipples should be considered “fasteners”, like any nut and bolt. Generally, spokes should be as tight as the wheel allows. Too low of spoke tension tends to decrease spoke life by increasing the cycles of stress a wheel sees every time it rotates under the rider. Too high of tension may damage the rim or hub by pulling too much. The rim may develop cracks where the nipple exits the rim, or the hub flange may crack.

Spoke tension is best measured with a spoke tension meter (also called a tensiometer). It is possible to some degree to “feel” the tension by squeezing crossing or parallel spokes. The squeezing technique can be quite deceiving and inconsistent.

The spoke tension meter allows the user to determine both relative spoke tension between spokes and the tension force of each spoke. Spokes should be fairly close in relative tension and fully tight.

The tool gives a reading of deflection of the spoke. Broadly speaking spokes should be between 80 Kilograms force and as high as 230 Kilograms force.

NOTE: There are some models of wheels where the nipple is located at the hub. These wheels true the same as conventional wheels. Tightening a spoke will draw the rim toward the hub flange side where it connects. The treading of the spokes and nipples is still a right-hand thread, and nipples tighten clockwise as seen for the orientation of the nipple. If the wheel has flat spokes, it is often necessary to hold the spoke flat close to the nipple with an adjustable wrench to keep the spoke from twisting.