I bought the Kadee pin-bender a couple of years ago, but haven't used it yet. That's because I get the coupler height correct, first.
It can be a LOT of work. But there's also a great benefit: trains stay coupled unless they're on really bad track. So, when that happens, the track is at fault, and must be fixed.
But no pin bending. And no "track picking".
So, as much as you can tolerate, I urge you to get the coupler height as close as possible to correct. First. Before using that Kadee tool.
But. Going back to the first question about cutting the coupler pins off. I just started doing that about two weeks ago, after resisting mightily for a VERY long time.
Why now?
Because I was just putting Kadees on an Athearn BN SD45 (after raising the coupler height to the proper height of .039" centerline). I'm looking at the front of the engine, where there's a snow plow. And a Kadee. And I'm thinking "I can't run this engine at the rear of a consist." Then I also think:
I haven't used a magnetic uncoupler in at least 15 years--not since I tested my two new concealed Kadee electromagnetic ramps. Well, new 15 years ago.
Also, I've been installing Sergents on all my unit (coal and intermodal) trains--no pins there.
So, in a fit, I cut the pin off the SD45. Which actually fixes nothing, since it's the car that mates TO it that needs the pin cut off. That's why I'm bringing my diagonal cutters to my train-running this weekend.
Oh, yeah. I picked up a pack of those wood skewers everyone says work like "a slick pig" (or whatever). They DO. Wow.
Ed
I'm sold. I have been adjusting pins using 2 pliers together, needlenose and another, but that tends to stress the assembly and coupler box. Just ordered one.
https://kadee.com/htmbord/page237.htm
https://www.micromark.com/Trip-Pin-Bending-Plier-HO-and-O-Scale
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Kadee-Coupler-Trip-Pin-Pliers-237/332730470774?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Is the coupler mounting box secure? If the coupler mounting box is loose or the cover not tight then the coupler will sag and the trip pin will hit the track.
At the cars the right height, are they couplers the correct height above the rails?
When bending the trip pin I find using bending pliers, I use the the second shoulder, much easier to bend them then the first shoulder.
Something is bad wrong if the trip pin is hitting the ties.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
bearman I am using Kadee couplers and I have the gauge, but I question the gauge insofar as the trip pin is concerned.
I am using Kadee couplers and I have the gauge, but I question the gauge insofar as the trip pin is concerned.
Roll the car SLOWLY up to the gauge, the trip pin should NOT strike the slightly rounded leading edge of the shelf, it should be at or slightly above it, and clear or barely rest on the shelf after the car is coupled to the guage.
The couplers should have minimal vertical play in the coupler box.
This product has been working perfectly for 60 plus years, one simply needs to understand and master its installation and operational requirements.
Sheldon
Bear "It's all about having fun."
bearman Does anyone just snip them off the couplers? I have noticed that a lot of my derailments are because the trip pin bumps up against the ties, especially in a tournout or it interferes with the other trip pin when it is being coupled. I have the Kadee trip pin pliers but it doesnt always work. Any suggestions?
Does anyone just snip them off the couplers? I have noticed that a lot of my derailments are because the trip pin bumps up against the ties, especially in a tournout or it interferes with the other trip pin when it is being coupled. I have the Kadee trip pin pliers but it doesnt always work. Any suggestions?
Are you using REAL Kadee couplers or the cheap knock off junk that comes with most equipment?
All my equipments has REAL Kadee couplers, no problems. No problem to adjust trip pins, no problems with saggy couplers, no derailments, no false uncoupling.
You do get exactly what you pay for........
I change them out before any piece of equipment ever see the rails of my layout.....
Properly installed KADEE couplers work perfectly, the cheap copies, not so much.....
Kadee makes a guage so you know that the coupler height and trip pin height are correct.
https://kadee.com/htmbord/page205.htm
Beats me, Ja Bear. I try to be somewhat gentle when I bend the trip pin. Maybe I should be more aggressive.
bearman. I have the Kadee trip pin pliers but it doesnt always work.
Why???
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Yup,just go to Micro Mark and buy the # 80600 trip bending plier . Should fix the problem.
Patrick
Fear an Ignorant Man more than a Lion- Turkish proverb
Modeling an ficticious HO scale intergrated Scrap Yard & Steel Mill Melt Shop.
Southland Industrial Railway or S.I.R for short. Enterchanging with Norfolk Southern.