Topic: zinc vs stainless spoke nipples??

[chippyfive50]

I am ordering some aluminium rims cand stainless spokes, what differences are there between using the ssteel nipples or the zinc ones???

[theunrulychef]

Zinc is a plating, which can wear or scratch off exposing the steel underneath (magnetic).  Stainless is solid anti-corrosive all the way through, but is usually more expensive, heavier, and more difficult to manufacture (generally non magnetic - different stainless alloys).

If you're going with stainless spokes, I would think it would be best to use SS nipples as well to remove any weak links in the corrosive properties of your new wheels. 

Hope this helps,
-Jay in Philly

[chippyfive50]

I suppose what i was trying to ask was if there is any possibility of the ss nipples reacting with the aluminium rims??

[Bob Wessner]

It may depend on the type of SS you are referring to. I have read in the past that 18-8 Stainless steel has no reaction with aluminum.

[TwoTired]

I suppose what i was trying to ask was if there is any possibility of the ss nipples reacting with the aluminium rims??

I'd say so.  Particularly if you are going to wash the bike with clorinated water. 
However, Bob hit the nail on the head, as the composition of the steel and aluminum alloys determine if it is anodic or cathodic.  The link below has a scale on which the alloy or metal falls and a pretty good explanation of what issues there are and how it all occurs.

As a guess though, if you can't find out the alloy type, zinc and cad plated hardware against the aluminum is the safest bet if you can determine that the assembly process won't remove the plating.

www.mcnallyinstitute.com/04-html/4-1.html

Cheers,

[Hop on a Honda]

I'll agree with 'twotired' some good points.
I have just rebuilt a OEM DID 19inch rim with SS spokes and nipples There great to look at and wash just as good as new.
My advice ot 2$ worth is to spray the inside of the rim with "clear lacquer" maybe use a synthetic washer 'Hard' on say 1mm thick which will settle in the nipple before the insertion. The washer's material has to be the the new stuff that will wear out steel or else they will wear out then the spokes will be loose. have a look at the local Dirt chook chasers shop they may have them Beds ring a bell.
Thats the only way of reducing corrosion between the rim and the nipple that I know of.
SS would be another advantage, has less ferris metal to make electrolis.
Dave

[Clyde]

I have been using SS spokes for some time in both alloy rims and chromed rims. I really cannot say there has been any signs of galvanic corrosion on the alloy rims.
I sold a K2 with alloy rims and SS spokes last year after having owned it for 8 years. The rear tyre had been changed twice and a puncture (at Philip Island) repaired so I had an opportunity to have a look at the rear rim three times and the front wheel once. Still looked as good as it was when I put it together
I have despoked several alloy wheels with zinc plated spokes that have long lost their zinc plating and there has been some corrosion on the aluminun, but generally the main effect has been on the spokes.
I have used both SS and chrome plated brass nipples and can see no difference. I would not use zinc as the zinc will quickly disappear due to galvanic corroion betwen the SS and mild steel, leaving a fast rusting mild steel nipple
Either way it is best to use a anti seize compound to prevent the SS galling. This is ssential if you are using SS nipples and reputable firms like Buchanan's usually supply a small sample enought to do the wheel

[chippyfive50]

thanks for all the insight!!  i am ordering the ss nipples and spokes with the  exel aluminium  2.15 rims.....

[cappy]

Yo Chippy,

Git on wit it!!!!  I'll have your discs by Friday.  Bearings by Friday.  I think you need start polishing some hubs?  Give me a call.

Used some neverseize on the SS nipples where they touch the alloy and you'll be fine.  Big gulps huhh!, Welp See ya, later.

G.