I have some cars with Kadee couples where the trip pin rotates freely in the "shaft" or "back" of the knuckle it is supposed to open. Is there any way to fix this? I thought of putting a drop of supper glue on the trip pin, but am afraid that it would just make the whole coupler a solid dummy.
If the trip pins are loose you need to replace the coupler. The pins have a knurled end to hold it firmly in the knuckle. If the pin is loose means the interior of the knuckle is damaged. I wouldn't advise trying to glue the pins.
Sam Clarke R&D Kadee Quality Products
I would say if your using some type of uncoupling device, the pin is probably supposed to be in a certain position for operation.
You better check that out first.
Mike.
My You Tube
Old.ProfessorI have some cars with Kadee couples where the trip pin rotates freely in the "shaft" or "back" of the knuckle it is supposed to open. Is there any way to fix this?
SROC99If the trip pins are loose you need to replace the coupler. The pins have a knurled end to hold it firmly in the knuckle. If the pin is loose means the interior of the knuckle is damaged.
Sam is the man... replace the coupler. I have never had this happen to me.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Some people just cut those off. If you use magnetic uncoupling, and are going to replace them, the "whisker" couplers from Kadee work better than #5, especially with delayed uncoupling. Dan
SeeYou190Sam is the man... replace the coupler. I have never had this happen to me. -Kevin
I've never had it happen to a Kadee product, either. I wonder if the OP has an inferior coupler and mis-identified it as a Kadee?
Good Luck, Ed
gmpullmanI've never had it happen to a Kadee product, either. I wonder if the OP has an inferior coupler and mis-identified it as a Kadee?
I don't think so, Ed, as I've had a few Kadees with that issue. In most cases, the trip pin was not properly seated, and pushing down on it where the cleft-end of it protrudes though the head of the coupler usually solves the problem.
I've been using Kadees since my first HO layout in the mid-'50s...K-type couplers, with mechanical remote uncoupling - in those days, we din use no steenkin' magnets.
Wayne
Depends on the Kadee. It's not uncommon with the 714 used on narrowgauge. It's an older design with two halves. Made of plastic, the pin presses into one half. I have had these start turning on ocassion when I didn't accurately press the pin into the hole right and wallowed out a larger then necessary hole.
However, if it's standard gauge HO, then a lot of the cheaper plastic couplers are prone to developing a similar problam like the 714. Replace with better.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
KD says to replace it. Therefore you have nothing to lose by adjust it to the right angle, pressing down like Dr Wayne said, then applying a small drop of CA.
Worthless now, at worst worthless after trying. Good luck.
davidmurrayKD says to replace it. Therefore you have nothing to lose by adjust it to the right angle, pressing down like Dr Wayne said, then applying a small drop of CA.
Just to clarify things, all I do is press it down - no ca is applied. If it works loose again, it gets replaced.
doctorwayne davidmurray KD says to replace it. Therefore you have nothing to lose by adjust it to the right angle, pressing down like Dr Wayne said, then applying a small drop of CA. Just to clarify things, all I do is press it down - no ca is applied. If it works loose again, it gets replaced. Wayne
davidmurray KD says to replace it. Therefore you have nothing to lose by adjust it to the right angle, pressing down like Dr Wayne said, then applying a small drop of CA.
If it works loose again, perhaps give the top end of the arm a strong crimp? Just enough to widen the head a bit, then push it back in.
Additionally, I don't see why adding a drop of gel superglue would be a bad thing. Apply it carefully where you want it with a toothpick. Not much danger of it dripping into the works and if you're worried about that you can always flip it upside down while it dries.
If it works you're good to go, if not you can always replace it at that point. I certainly wouldn't replace a loose KD (assuming other methods don't work) without trying glue.
If anyone has any loose-arm KD's they don't want to glue, I'll pay for the stamp to mail them here....
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Dr Wayne:
I did not intend to imply that you suggested glue. My most humble apologies.
Not a problem at all, Dave. The only reason I mentioned it is the likelihood of the ca ending up where it shouldn't be, gumming up the works.
doctorwayne Not a problem at all, Dave. The only reason I mentioned it is the likelihood of the ca ending up where it shouldn't be, gumming up the works. Wayne
That's the problem with CA you have to apply it sparingly or it ends up all over.
I use Micro-Mark medium CA a lot usually by dripping a drop in a small cup and applying with a tooth pick.
Joe Staten Island West