Question about tightening rear wheel

chriskmee

Active Member
Hello everyone, quick question regarding my rear wheel skewer tightness. I am used to dealing with quick release levers, so I just want to make sure I am understanding how this system works. Here is what it looks like:
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So on one end we have a standard hex key with "max 6Nm" on it, and on the other we have whatever you call that thing. My question is, to tighten this correctly, do I just use the hex key, the hex key and my hand holding the other end, or the hex and some kind of wrench on the other side? I currently just bring a bike multi-tool and tools to change a tire while riding, do I need to add a wrench to that list?

Thanks
 
You only need the correct size hex key to tighten the skewer. You may need to hold the other end with your fingers until it starts to bite into the dropout.
 
You only need the correct size hex key to tighten the skewer. You may need to hold the other end with your fingers until it starts to bite into the dropout.

It never fully bites in, it will start rotating with the hex end. When it starts rotating with the hex end does that mean it's tight? Or is it not working correctly?
 
If you take it out of the wheel you can see how it is supposed to work. The opposite end has a cap that bites against the dropout, and the skewer fits into the cap. Notice how that end of the skewer has a knurled edge; that is supposed to bite into the cap.
 
Thanks, I did make some progress, I found an end piece from a rim I had laying around, and it was a different enough shape that it was able sit closer to the cogs. Once I tightened it down it grabbed like you described and let me tighten the rim. The other end piece never grabbed and just kept spinning.

I'm guessing this means either it has always been this way and I never noticed, or something came out of adjustment. Either way I need to take it back to the shop and have them adjust it.

Thanks for the help
 
And now the original cap is grabbing... I don't know what I did to fix this now... I hate it when things just seem to fix themselves and you don't know why.
 
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