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Track Pin Problem
Hedley models HO and asks:
“I was given a box with various pins and nails, but I’m finding the track pins I’m using bend all the time…well, not all the time, but a lot. Is there a recommended supplier or brand I should use?”
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See the thread on using small track screws, saves alot of hasle.
Hedley,
Use small track screws as suggested.
Track screws are adjustable, removable and are slightly more expensive but there are so many advantages over pins.
Sounds like a better solution than pins. Thanks to all.
Please can we get some more information on this:
1) What brand and type of track pins are they ?
2) What tool are you using to drive them in ?
3) What kind of baseboard are you trying to drive them into ?
If the baseboard is too hard, it will help to drill holes for them in advance, with a drill just a shade smaller than the nail.
I find that if I don’t predrill a small hole in the tie (sleeper) and don’t use a pusher I get more bent pins than otherwise, no matter which brand.
Egads. Just use caulk. You don’t mention if you’re laying your own, or what kind of track. If it’s the usual flex, such as Atlas, ME or PECO then use caulk. Lot’s of videos on YouTube. Basically, you use a putty knife, spread DAP Alex (my recommendation) very lightly along the roadbed and weigh the track with cans overnight. If you need to – you can pry it up with a putty knife. If you want it permanent, then use LocTite PL 300. But a very thin layer of caulk is all that is necessary. The only time I ever used nails/spikes was when hand laying. Nailing or screwing down track in the middle of a tie, looks hokey! Clear caulk will dry invisible.