Sapim HM Nipple Washer
The Sapim HM nipple washer is a small shaped washer that sits between the spoke nipple and a rim without eyelets. It spreads the spoke load over a larger area of the rim and reduces friction between nipple and rim – the wheel becomes stronger and easier to tension and true.
Why use HM washers?
Stronger spoke holes. On rims without eyelets the nipple presses directly on the rim. The washer spreads the load, which according to Sapim increases rim strength.
Smoother truing. Less friction between nipple and rim means smoother tensioning and truing – and less wind-up of the spoke.
A defined nipple seat. The washer gives the nipple a clean seat instead of bare rim material.
Hidden once built. Silver finish, sitting inside the rim under the nipple head.
Where the washer sits
1 – rim bed (tyre side). 2 – inner wall. 3 – HM washer, sunk into the spoke hole under the nipple head. 4 – nipple. 5 – spoke, towards the hub. Illustration, not to scale.
One washer per nipple
Fit one washer under each nipple head when you build or re-lace the wheel – for example 32 for a 32-hole wheel.
Who is it for?
- Wheel builders. Building on double-wall rims without eyelets.
- Riders of loaded wheels. Touring, e-bike and cargo wheels with high spoke tension.
- Anyone rebuilding a wheel. Extra safety at the rim.
Specifications
| Model | Sapim HM nipple washer |
|---|---|
| Colour | Silver |
| Fits | Double-wall rims without eyelets (sunk into the spoke hole of the rim well) |
| Use | One washer per nipple, under the nipple head |
| Sold | Per piece |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need HM washers if my rim has eyelets?
No. Eyelets already reinforce the spoke holes; HM washers are meant for rims without eyelets.
How many HM washers do I need?
One washer per nipple – for example 32 for a 32-hole wheel.
Can I fit them to an existing wheel?
Yes, but the nipples have to come off, so it is usually done when the wheel is rebuilt or re-laced.
Bought from BoodaBike. BoodaBike grew out of Massive Bikes, a Budapest workshop that has been building belt-drive and hub-gear bikes since 2013. We use Sapim spokes and nipples in our own wheels, sell them per piece and you can order even when they are out of stock. Matching black Sapim CX-Ray and Sprint spokes are cut to your length in our workshop.
On a built wheel
About Sapim
Sapim is a Belgian manufacturer that has specialised in bicycle spokes and nipples since 1918. From its headquarters in Wilrijk (Antwerp) and more than six factories in Europe and Asia, the company can produce around 600 million spokes and nipples a year.
Sapim introduced the CX-Ray aero spoke and the Polyax nipple in 1995 – both are still benchmarks in wheel building today. The company also runs its own independent testing department (Cycling Parts Testing) for wheel and bicycle manufacturers.