It’s necessary to remove the rim tape to gain access to the spoke nipples.

Rim tape comes in two forms: adhesive, or a stretchable band. Adhesive tape is likely to require replacement once removed. The tape shown here is the stretchable type.

Locate the nipple of the broken spoke. Be sure not to allow the nipple to fall inside the rim, which typically has twin walls and a hollow chamber, in which it will rattle.

Attempting to free a nipple from inside a wheel rim by shaking it back through the spoke hole can be a long and arduous process.