Stainless or zinc nipples

[tony27]

I'm about to order a complete set of spokes from buchanans for my cz & wonder what peoples opinions are on whether to buy the kits with zinc plated nipples or stainless nipples, price difference isn't huge

http://www.buchananspokes.net/products/spoke_kits_cz_jawa.asp

[Mick D]

Your choice would depend a lot on the spokes you have Chosen tony.

I love the look of chrome, chrome plated bronze/brass nipples that is.

I reckon Stainless are great if you are a bit short an spit and polish time. When you do finally get to them stainless are easy to recover with a flat shoe lace soaked in "Brasso"

[tony27]

The kits are stainless spokes, only the nipples are different material.
I like the fact that stainless nipples won't rust etc but was a bit concerned with how stainless threads can pick up, I'm thinking if the wheel is laced with antiseize on them from the start that it shouldn't be a problem
I have been told that it's more important to check spoke tension after each meeting though with stainless spokes

[bazza]

Tony i prefer the nipples like the klub kevlar girl

[tony27]

Me too 

[Noel]

not a big fan of stainless spokes on a race bike, coat thread and out side of nipple with some sort of anti seize anti corrosion formula ,stainless, brass. and aluminium are not the best of friends galvanically

[GMC]

I wouldn’t recommend stainless spokes on stainless nipples.
This is the worst combination thread wise as stainless threads will always bind up.
It is because stainless is actually soft and the threads shear of little micro particles that will jam a thread.

Stainless spokes and plated nipples
or
Plated spokes and stainless nipples should be fine

[Montynut]

I have a few sets of stainless spoke/stainless nipple Buchanan spoke sets and have had no problems.

They come with a special anti seize grease and should not be threaded on by a driver, hand fitting only.

I think the spokes and nipples are different grades of stainless as they are slightly different colour my understanding is that this helps a lot to reduce thread galling.

Agree that normally you avoid stainless on stainless threads just like aluminium/aluminium and titanium/titanium. Basically any alloy that creates a 'skin' to protect it from corrosion. If the to parts are of differnt hardness then the problem is greatly reduced.

Thread galling is greatly increased in fasteners that heat cycle like exhausts or engine cases.