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+--- Thread: Coupler Spring tool - need ideas (/showthread.php?tid=9608)
Coupler Spring tool - need ideas - TMo - 07-01-2022
Occasionally a Kadee coupler will lose it's spring. You're left with a coupler that at random points lets go of the car ahead of it and if you aren't paying attention, you have a train to reconnect.
I have spare springs, but either I mess them up trying to get them to seat on the coupler spring posts, or they go flying off into Never-Never land. They are small and are like wet fish on the end of a hook. Has to be a tool for insertion, but I haven't seen one. Any luck?
RE: Coupler Spring tool - need ideas - doctorwayne - 07-01-2022
The easiest way to replace the spring is to use the #7 X-Acto blade (with the handle, of course) and gently slip it into the spring, close to one end, where the coils are close together.
You then place the opposite end of the spring onto one of the nubs (on the coupler shank or on the knuckle) then gently compress the spring, and align it to the other nub, and gently slide the blade from the spring.
Wayne
RE: Coupler Spring tool - need ideas - TMo - 07-01-2022
Thanks Wayne! I've tried using small screwdrivers the same way, but the uniform geometry usually meant the spring would slide up the blade of the screwdriver. Having the variable width is probably what makes that work well. I have a couple to practice on today - thanks for the tip.
RE: Coupler Spring tool - need ideas - TMo - 07-01-2022
Used Wayne's suggestion with a coupler that I'd removed this morning. The blade (I used a #11, #7 would have worked better) into the end of the spring certainly gives you a lot of control to guide the empty end over the plastic lug of the coupler. I found that getting the spring on the coupler shank first allowed me to maneuver the blade and the knuckle at the same time to fit the spring on the knuckle end. Thanks for the tip!
RE: Coupler Spring tool - need ideas - tompm - 07-01-2022
Todd
Kadee has a spring pic tool.
https://www.kadee.com/shop-by-category/tools-and-accessories/241-dual-tool-manual-uncoupling-tool-built-in-spring-pic
It has saved me many springs.
RE: Coupler Spring tool - need ideas - jim currie - 07-01-2022
like Wayne i use a #7 blade but t dip the tip in (just the tip) Vaseline seems to stay on better and makes the blade easer to pull out.
Jim
RE: Coupler Spring tool - need ideas - BR60103 - 07-01-2022
One tip that was published half a century ago:
Slide the spring onto a length (6" or more) of thread. When it jumps off the knife blade, it won't go anywhere.
Danger: when yur wife finds out you can do this, you will get a permanent job threading sewing needles.
Oh, take the thread out before running the car.
RE: Coupler Spring tool - need ideas - TMo - 07-02-2022
The tips just keep getting better and better! And I KNEW there had to be a tool. Thanks, Tom!
RE: Coupler Spring tool - need ideas - ngauger - 07-02-2022
I've had a few Aristo G scale springs go to never-never land. I'll have to remember to try this next time
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