I just noticed an ad for this uncoupling tool in MRR and am wondering if it would be a good device to pick up. I am trying to stay away from the between-track devices on my layout.
A shiskabob skewer is just as effective for HO scale use.
Skewers are the absolute lowest cost way to have PLENTY of uncouplin tools available. A buck or two at the grocery store gets you so many that even if half a dozen operators all drop theirs, they can just take another and you will never run out. They make good sticks for holdign up trucks to paint, too. And pine tree armatures.
Like most uncoupling devices, I’ve found they work best on actual Kadee couplers. WHen I find a pair that takes extra fiddling, if I check I end up finding at leastone fo the pair is a car I didn;t change out the ‘compatible’ couplers for real Kadees.
The Rix magnet tool also works well, as long as you stay away from open hoppers and other cars that have magnetic weights near the car ends. Kadee and Accurail have pic-type tools as well, but for the cost of one of those, you get dozens of skewers.
–Randy