Problems With Tight Rail Joiners

[malcolmrimmer]

I am finally ready to lay track. I have joined together 4 switches and glued them in place - so far so good. Now I am trying to connect lengths of flex track to the switches. The rail joiners are so tight I cannot connect the track. After a mighty struggle I got one piece on, but the flex track was totally bent out of shape and the ties were a mess.
I am using Walthers code 83 track, switches and joiners.
Any Advice?

[dwRavenstar]

Either spread them slightly with a flat tool and then crimp back to tight before soldering or check the end of the flextrack for burrs that are hanging you up. A light filing eliminates the burrs and the problem (hopefully). Running into the same situation today and most cases it's a rough end on the flex track that's the villain.

Dave (dwRavenstar)

[gmpullman]

Malcolm...
I'm using the same code 83 and I made a little tool just to solve the problem you're talking about.
Take a dull #11 Exacto blade and use a Dremel grinding wheel to smooth off the cutting edge. Then make a contour on the pointy end that is just about the width of the base of the code 83 rail. make the straight, parallel part about 5/16" long. It takes a little trial and error. When you have the contour right, sort of looks more like a bayonnet... you slide the joiner onto the blade. That slightly spreads the joiner... turn the joiner 180 and do the other end. Now, keeping the joiner on the blade use it as an insertion tool (so the joiner doesn't puncture your thumb) and push it onto the end of the rail. Of course, careful filing with a nice, sharp 6" mill file is crucial to success as well.
I've made 2 or 3 of these joiner tools and I can't live without them!
Let me know how you make out!
Ed

[gmpullman]

You want a "step" on the blade to keep the joiner from shoving too far up onto the blade.
Kind of reminds me of those old single edge razor plade injectors from way back..
No more crushed joiners and bleeding fingers!

[malcolmrimmer]

Thanks, Ed, I will try this and let you know how I do. Malcolm