🔧 Park Tool SW-14.5 Spoke Wrench for Shimano Wheel Systems Review

Bought a bike with Shimano wheels that needed this special wrench to align the wheels. It worked and was there when the bike was sold. Otherwise I didn't need it

Parking tools are great, but it would be wrong not to mention which Shimano wheels the wrench fits. This does not work with my Dura-ace 7900 C-50 or C-35 wheels. The right tool for them is #4 Blue Park, which reads 3.96mm. (The spoke itself is matched to a 4.00mm mic.) I assume Shimano made at least 5 custom nipple sizes for their spokes. Another discussion.

This wrench fits Shimano Dura Ace WH-7850-SL (scandium rim with 6-way male threaded nipple on rim) BUT a bit loose around 1 /. 10 mm, giving about 20 degrees of play. Not ideal, but works in a pinch. The actual size of this key is 4.4 and 3.75 (you can see the stamp on the picture). The title currently says 4.3, which is wrong. Partner tool - Park SW-14, it fits perfectly. Flat nipples are ideally 4.3mm.

It's strange that such a simple tool can be so much fun, but that's the case with this wrench . After using several Shimano brand wrenches which broke and fell apart almost immediately, it was a pleasure to use this much higher quality tool that gives you the leverage you need to make multiple adjustments when doing a full wheel. Great tool.

I worked as a bicycle mechanic in the mid-90s. Heck, I miss those days being my own boss, and doing warranty repairs at a discounted rate of $30 an hour in my 20s was stupid. Plus 30 minutes to put on the necklace? I did it in 5 minutes, so many days I was billing over $100 an hour. Anyway, enough talking about the glory day. Then I invested in all of Park Tool's equipment. Repair stands, wheel alignment stands, wrenches, freewheel and crank tools. Money well spent and it all paid off in a few…