027 track

[charpen88]

How can I remove connector pins so I can reverse my O 27 curve track?  Thanks

[chadw]

Pry the pins out with diagonal cutters.  Grip the pin high in the cutters and pry them out against the rail flange.  Just be careful not to sqeeze to hard or you will cut the pin.  Put the pin in the other end of the rail with pliers and crimp the rail tight on the pin Only light pressure is needed too much will crush the pin.

[Anonymous]

I do it the same way Chadw recommends.  Works like a charm, and doesn't harm either the rail or the pin if you're careful.

[rlplionel]

 If you don't have diagonal cutters, the pins will also come out by pulling on them with regular pliers. Pliers will usually remove the pins on older track without using too much brute force. New track is a different story and will require greater effort to remove the pins.

[dave_hartmann]

I've used the pliers method but it's important to get a good grip on the rail as you pull the pin.  If you only grip the ties you will pull the rail right through the ties.  I found that wearing a leather work glove on the hand holding the rail makes it much easier to grip and is easier on your hands.

Dave
http://www.ogaugewatch.com

[waltrapp]

The newer track with the crimps is pretty darn hard to remove pins from.  I tried the 'leverage' method listed above but I must be doing something wrong since I don't have the success that those 2 seem to enjoy.  It works great for me on older track but not the new stuff.

What I do is pry the track apart a little bit with a screwdriver from underneath.  This makes it easy to remove the pin but leaves the hole way too big.  I then use long-nosed pliers to tighten the hole back up, many times making the hole undersized.  I tap a pin back in to get it to size again but since the pin isn't crimped in it's easy to pull back out.

- walt

[charpen88]

Walt,

Great advice. That is exactly what I did and it sure made the chore easier.  Thanks

Charles