Does the Metal Kadee Centering Spring have to go above the coupler?

[SeeYou190]

I installed them all upside down for years, until I found out I was doing it wrong.

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They all worked just fine with the spring installed incorrectly. I would not sweat it if you have some that are wrong.

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-Kevin

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[BRAKIE]

hon30critter

As was said, the spring does seem to work when reversed but I would question why you would do that when Kadee has specified that the spring should only be installed on top of the coupler.

Dave, Before I converted to KDs in 66/67 we had a highly respected local "Master Modeler"( not NMRA type)  come to the Columbus HO club to teach us how to "correctly" install KD #5s.

I never notice all of my centering springs was installed upside down until 1977 when my wife made a observation while watching me assemble BB car kits..

She ask me in innocent voice: "Honey, why are you putting that brass thingy in upside down?" 

I foolessly stated it wasn't upside down..

Some where modelers was happy and cheerful  but,there was no joy at my work bench that day -----she showed me the instructions.

[hon30critter]

Hi Harrison,

If you look at the spring you will see that the two sides are different. My understanding is that the spring is designed to allow the coupler to move more easily in one direction to facilitate uncoupling. As was said, the spring does seem to work when reversed but I would question why you would do that when Kadee has specified that the spring should only be installed on top of the coupler. I know it may make the couplers easier to assemble, but if you are having trouble putting them together Kadee has a jig that holds the coupler while you assemble it.

https://www.kadee.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=424

The easier solution is to buy Kadee #148 couplers. They have the centering spring built right in. They are much easier to work with. I don't use the #5s anymore, just #148s. There are versions with underset and overset shanks if you need them.

https://www.kadee.com/advanced_search_result.htm?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=0&keyword=%23148

Dave

[BigDaddy]

I have done so, when I didn't know any better.  It works fine.  Glueing the coupler box does not work, when that spring eventually wears out.  DAMHIK

[Harrison]

I just realized that in all the kit instructions, the metal spring goes in above the coupler. Does this effect the operation, or could I reverse it?