HOW TO REMOVE TRACK PINS FROM TUBULAR TRACK?

[Jim Hornaday]

Thanks everyone for the help!!

[lionelsoni]

I spread the rail with a screwdriver, push the tip of the pin down (toward the ground) to disengage it from the indentation, then reshape the rail.  You can use long-nosed pliers or special pliers made for the job.

I use a pair of pincers that I inherited from my father.  The jaws fit the web of O27 track perfectly, and one of the handles ends in a screwdriver blade.  He bought them in Japan when we lived there in 1952, so there's a bit of nostalgia every time I use them.

[sir james I]

They used hollow pins longer than 2 years so if your 027 track has brown ties be aware that the pins might be hollow.

[ADCX Rob]

sir james I

Postwar pins are solid and you can pull them with pliers. BUT  from 1970 and beyond the pins are hollow...

The rolled pins only lasted about 18 months-2 years 1970-1972 on O-27 track only, then MPC went back to solid pins... they have been solid ever since. 

If you have to pull a hollow/rolled pin, just toss it and replace it with a regular solid pin when you place/re-place it.

[sir james I]

Postwar pins are solid and you can pull them with pliers. BUT  from 1970 and beyond the pins are hollow so a little more care is needed. Penny's suggestion is valid. Pry open the rail.

[Penny Trains]

If they're really stuck tight, try prying the bottom of the rail open a bit with a flat screwdriver while you pull with the pliers.  You can tighten the rail back up with needlenose pliers.

[ADCX Rob]

Use diagonal pliers or linemans pliers to grip the pin with the cutting edge, and use the folded webbing as a fulcrum to extract the pin straight out. You want to keep wiggling to a minimum to preserve the rail profile.

[Jim Hornaday]

So, how does one go about removing the track pins from tubular track? best way? Best tools?

Thanks!