Bicycle spoke nipple shuffler - wheel building tool

cults3d

Inspired buy the gorgeous wood version available at Wheel Fanatyk: http://www.wheelfanatyk.com/store/wheel-fanatyk-nipple-shuffler/ (if you build wheels, you will definitely want to read Ric's awesome blog, which you can find from the link above) This is a super helpful tool during the initial lacing of a bicycle wheel. Drop the nipples into the shuffler, shake it, and they'll fall into the slots with the heads pointing up. You can then use a tapered metal point (such as http://www.wheelfanatyk.com/store/pin-vise-nipple-inserter/) to pick up the spoke nipples and put them on the spokes while assembling the wheel. Demonstration of the shuffling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuL4MAij4pE (despite all the plugs for the Wheel Fanatyk site, I have no affiliation with it. I'm just a big fan of the info and the stuff he sells.) Update: Added a base which would be useful if you oil the spoke nipples before assembly. Alternatively, the small reservoir on the side could hold oil and you could dunk the spoke nipple after you grab it from the shuffler. The base isn't necessary for normal use.