Drilling rims for 12g spokes.

[Dizzle Problems]

So I have some sweet drum brake hubs I'm aiming to lace up. Only issue is, they take 12 gauge spokes as opposed to the 'standard' 14 gauge. Most of what I'm seeing in hoops that will take 12g are steel. I prefer aluminum. There are some aluminum, but I'm being picky. Anyone have success in drilling out hoops to take the beefier spoke nipples?

 

[Bigcam59]

I've done it and had no problem.

 

[Dizzle Problems]

I've done it and had no problem.

Sweet. I'll try n get my hands on some 12g nipples so I can figure out the bit needed to drill.

 

[Bicycle808]

Sweet. I'll try n get my hands on some 12g nipples so I can figure out the bit needed to drill.

Standard 12g bicycle nips are 4.85mm diameter at the body, and about 7mm at the head. So, the hole needs to be smaller than 7mm but over 4.9mm...

 

[Bicycle808]

You'll want a little wiggle room for deflection; the spokes won't be coming straight out the rim unless you lave it radial, which of course would be a terrible idea on any wheel with a hub-brake.

 

[Dizzle Problems]

Awesome, thanks for the tips @Bicycle808 ! That opens up more hoop options.