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Kadee Coupler Trip Pins
Warren asks:
“I don’t use magnetic uncouplers so want to know the best way or tool to clip off or bend the trip pins so they can’t snag on grade crossings. I would like to hear what others have done please.”
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10 Responses to Kadee Coupler Trip Pins
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I would not cut off the trip pins as they simulate the air hoses between cars. There are needle nose pliers that have a groove in the lower jaw that can be used to safely bend them to clear any obstruction between the rails.
Although I still use the magnetic properties of the trip pins, to cut the trip pin off, I would use a pair of sharp wire cutters to cut the pin as close to the top end as I can get it. Then, as metal file will smooth the sharp end.
Good luck!!
I purchased a Kadee Tools No. 237 Coupler Trip Pin Pliers when I purchased kadee couplers to fit to my Bachmann rolling stock. You are able to adjust the trip pin with these pliers. Can purchase from your local hobby shop.
I’ve done this a couple of ways. You can just use a pair of wire cutters and clip the pin off, or use a couple of pairs of needle nose pliers, one to hold the pin securely and the other to bend the pin gently until it gets to where you want it.
I would NOT recommend cutting the trip pins off.
If they snag, then might want to look using spacers to elevate or lower the couplings. I agree with everyone else about clipping them.
I guess I am a contrarian because I use wire cutters to remove all the trip pins. Since doing so, “on my layout”, I very seldom have any derailments. Especially with longer rolling stock. “On my layout, which has 22” curves as the widest and a few less than that, I found when I clipped the pins on troublesome rolling stock that my problems were usually solved. After that, I removed all the pins because they really don’t serve any useful purpose on “my layout”. As far as appearing to look like air hoses, I don’t think they do a very good job of it. Not compared to the problems they can cause. And I’m not talking about low pins because I used the Kadee Trip Pin Pliers to bend my pins and still had problems. I found most of the time the problems were on curves where the pins can actually touch each other. YMMV because my layout isn’t yours, but if you are having issues, I would take note of where it happens on the layout, which rolling stock has an issue, where in the train the rolling stock is positioned, make sure the rolling stock meets NMRA standards, and then try cutting the pins on one or two pieces of rolling stock. I also found that when I run trains, I don’t pay any attention to the pins and therefore don’t miss them. As I said earlier, YMMV. Happy railroading! Glenn
If need be use finger or toe nail clippers, there quick and easy to use.
They are hard wire, you will damage your nail clippers.
If the trip pins are correctly set (1/16″ above the rails), they will always clear everything else. (Nothing on the track should protrude above the rails.)
And if the day comes that you decide you want to use magnetic uncouplers, you will regret cutting off the trip pins !