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manually uncoupling kadee, again ?

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  • Member since
    September 2014
  • From: 10,430’ (3,179 m)
  • 2,311 posts
Posted by jjdamnit on Sunday, March 4, 2018 3:42 PM

Hello all,

SeeYou190
Rix used to make a really useful tool with two magnets that could be set on the outside of the cars like a portable uncoupler. It was pretty slick.

You mean like this: https://www.walthers.com/rix-sticker-magnetic-uncoupling-tool?ref=1?

Hope this helps.

"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"

  • Member since
    September 2014
  • From: 10,430’ (3,179 m)
  • 2,311 posts
Posted by jjdamnit on Sunday, March 4, 2018 3:40 PM

...

"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"

  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: OH
  • 17,574 posts
Posted by BRAKIE on Sunday, March 4, 2018 3:22 PM

Guys,Sorry,but,I shudder at the idea of sticking anything between today's high detailed cars..I'm even thinking about not changing out the couplers on my latest Atlas Master Line cars because of the details.

For me and my layout it's magnets for hands off uncoupling.Its bad enough placing and removing these cars in my plastic plant boxes.

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Sunday, March 4, 2018 3:05 PM

Rix used to make a really useful tool with two magnets that could be set on the outside of the cars like a portable uncoupler. It was pretty slick.

.

It won't work if you are cutting off the trip pins.

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada
  • 252 posts
Posted by CNR378 on Sunday, March 4, 2018 2:10 PM

I've never filed the end of the skewer, just use it right out of the package.

Always works best with free moving couplers. They should be prepared and installed as per the instructions that come with the kadees.

Peter

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Hilliard, Ohio
  • 1,139 posts
Posted by chatanuga on Sunday, March 4, 2018 1:59 PM

I've found that having a little slack in the couplers helps too.  If I run into difficulties, I can just use the skewer to pull the coupler pin to the side, which is what I do with my passenger cars.

Kevin

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Sunday, March 4, 2018 1:30 PM

I use the skewer,  never really paid attention to how or what.  It just works.  It works the best on a straight section.  I'll have to go try it, and report back.

Mike.

EDIT:  I do use my hand to take up the slack, so that the pick goes in between the hands of the couple, give a slight nudge to one side, and they easily come apart.

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Sunday, March 4, 2018 1:15 PM

gregc
i'm using a skewer, thin stick.   I've filed an end flat and narrow.

Have you tried the Kadee "Spring Pic Dual Tool #241?

https://kadee.com/htmbord/page241.htm

Seems to work for me although I do keep a few skinny skewers around, too.

Good Luck, Ed

  • Member since
    July 2009
  • From: lavale, md
  • 4,678 posts
manually uncoupling kadee, again ?
Posted by gregc on Sunday, March 4, 2018 12:59 PM

i didn't see a clear explanation of how to uncouple kadee couplers with a skewer in other threads, so i'll ask again.    If someone can point me to a good post, great

sometimes i insert the skewer, give it a little twist, the cars uncouple and move apart.   Most times, it's not that easy.   Can't figure out what i'm doing when it works.

 

i'm using a skewer, thin stick.   I've filed an end flat and narrow.

i assume the skewer should be inserted between the 2 movable parts of the coupled, the middle of the 3 spaces when 2 couplers are coupled.

i've seen a video where someone soldered a small blade to a piece of rail to do uncoupling.   Makes me wonder if my skewer is still too thick.   But I've also seen someone with a relatively blunt skewer push it into the couplers and they come apart

i also wonder of some of the motion should not only be a twist, but also move to the side to push one of the couplers away from one another.   Maybe nothing more than a push to the side?

of course all of this is a little hard to see in the small unlit space between the cars so there may be some "feel" to it.

greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading

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