Topic: How do you clean crusty spokes?

[sparty]

I have three to four spokes on each wheel that are a bit crusty/rusted.  I'd like to clean them, any recommendations?  Solvent, cleaning pads, steel wool, etc.?

Sparty

[putnaja1]

I'd use a vibration polisher, like the gun reloader people use to polish their brass shell casings.. 

http://www.berrysmfg.com/categories/50-0.php

[aptech77]

Scotch Bright and Flitz.

[Jugghead]

I read about using a wide shoelace impregnated with some abrasive/polishing compound. It sounded practical to me.
Wrap the lace around said spoke and alternately pull each free end, viola!

[techy5025]

Don't be too aggressive....or....you will remove the plating and....you will
be very unhappy....because....they will RUST.  Don't ask me how I know. 

Jim

[sparty]

Don't be too aggressive....or....you will remove the plating and....you will
be very unhappy....because....they will RUST.  Don't ask me how I know. 

Jim

Well, a few of mine are already rusted, any solutions?

Sparty

[techy5025]

Yes...buy new spokes. 

Jim

[Tim.]

On this topic - is it accepted practice to replace spokes one at a time?  I'd think doing one wouldn't cause too much grief, but is there a limit?  Could one respoke an entire wheel one spoke at a time, in an extreme example?

[techy5025]

Replyed in the other thread but...again..

The spokes that go through from the outside and exit the inside of the hub cannot be
removed without removing the outter ones first.  That's why you put all the innee's in and
then the outtee's when you relace. Go look at your wheel and you will see.  Wink

Jim

[Jonesy]

J & P Cycles offers spoke cleaning string (similar to the shoelace with mild abrasive) on a roll.