A nipple inserter is critical for lacing wheels. BSC Tools makes the best. It comes in two versions—14G, for 2mm diameter spokes and 13G, for the 2.3mm spokes often found on ebikes.
This is an improvement over the Pin Vise Nipple Inserter we sold for years, discontinued (2026) because:
The pin vise on which it's based was declining in quality and becoming harder to source (off-center so pins wobble when turned).
Each pin was manually ground which became unaffordable.
BSC's model is an immediate improvement. The pin grabs nipples every time and the bearing is glossy smooth. As with all BSC tools, the quality is fabulous. A piece of functional jewelry. This doesn't happen by chance. Every makes decides how exquisitely to execute a design. You buy a Nipple Inserter for life. You'll be glad to own the best.
Background
Evolution of nipple inserters (credit where due):
Sharpened spoke set in a nipple—a crude device made by wheel builders to pick up and insert nipples. Cheap and adequate function.
Pencil-like rod with a bent wire—push into a nipple so it can be picked up. These are still sold today by Var, Cyclus, and Unior. Once you use a fine inserter, they'll become obsolete in your work.
Brett Fleming's Mulfinger—machined stainless with precise shape means every nipple is easily managed.
A bearing on the end—improved ergonomics and speed, such as the Inserter we sold for years.
BSC's evolved Nipple Inserter—jewel-like machining, long enough to be easily handled, and a bearing for speed. The best of the mulfinger and our recent pin vise inserter.
Wonder about the pin angle? The ubiquitous Morse Taper from machine tools is a 3º included angle. We use 2º, as it engages a nipple bore, not a matching internal taper.
