Kadee springs

[Anonymous]

Has anyone had to replace a Kadee #5 coupler spring using regular tools. I can't seem to find any info or any close-up pics of the area. I also find it interesting that they supply extra springs. any help would be much appreciated. Thanks Frank

[DavidDankert]

Kadee makes a tool called spring pick, also you can use a hobby knife to insert the spring. You just have to be carefull in doing this.
Dave

[Anonymous]

Go to www.kadee.com and scroll down to product #80-249 & click.
Scroll down to 235 and click for the Sprink Pic.

Sometimes when I install, I put the parts and my hands in a BIG box so they don't fly out

[BR60103]

Try this. Take some fine thread -- a foot or two -- and thread it through the spring. Then use your knife or spring pic to install the spring. Take the thread out carefully. If your spring goes jumping, it won't go far and you can see the thread.
I think the record for a spring jumping is over 15 feet.
--David

[ronsmith]

Frank,
I use an exato knife and also dip one end of spring in instant glue, which will assure it
will stay on coupler.
Ron

[Anonymous]

How would using a big ziplock type clear bag work. You could work in it and not lose the spring. I always have extra springs on hand because they always go flying and then they are lost forever. Mike Dickinson

[BRAKIE]

I use a trimmed down tooth pick.I trim the narrow part of the tooth pick until the spring can slide on easily.Then I just slide the spring onto the coupler..I have use this method for years.

[Anonymous]

I agree with Ron. Whenever I install Kadee couplers, I put a drop of ACC on each end of the spring. Just be careful not to get too much of it on the coupler. If that happens, you might as well toss the whole coupler in the trash. Use a toothpick or something to get just a drop.
Todd C.

[dknelson]

I have used tiny bits of walthers goo in the way Todd describes
Actually with careful work either the knife blade technique or the Kadee pic tool work pretty well. The first few times are frustrating but once you have done it a few times it is not too bad. NOW -- how many of you have installed Kadee #4s with THEIR spring? Or #7s? Talk about fun (?).
Dave Nelson

[mondotrains]

Just one more point. When using either the Kadee tool, an X-Acto knife blade or even a toothpick to install the spring, I've found that the trick is to be sure to insert the tool close to one end of the spring and then place the other end of the spring against the little "pin" on the knuckle coupler. Then I pu***he tool towards the "mounted" end of the spring causing it to shorten and then let it SLOWLY expand again and attach itself to the other "pin" on the coupler. It sounds tricky but I rarely lose a spring, especially when I use the Kadee tool which holds the spring more securely.

Hope this helps!
Mondo

[CP5415]

I use the end of a small flat bladed screwdriver. I stick the blade into one end of the spring, I then move it to the solid portion on the coupler,GENTLY push it into the shaft & then slowly work it into the the other side.
For me this works amazingly well & no special tools to buy.

Gordon

[tomwatkins]

The little drop of ACC is one of the best tips I've come across in a while! I'd never even considered it.
Thanks,
Tom Watkins

[dknelson]

I use the knife blade technique sometimes with a TINY droplet of Goo on one end. I also do my work under a lighted magnifier.
The spring on a #5 is one thing. Sometime try Kadee #4s etc and those springs. Crikee! Still -- what a great product Kadee makes.
Dave Nelson

[orsonroy]

I do the same thing Gordon does. Just grab a small screwdriver, poke it into the spring near one end, and add it to the coupler. With a little practice, I can now add a spring in a second or two. It's no big deal, and no fancy tools or glues are required.