I have Kadee coupolers and a plastic kadee uncoupler (yellow) with a point on one end and a spade tip onthe other. How is it supposed to work on the Kadee couplers on my cars? The pointy end does nothing, the spady end doesn’t seem to do anything either. Looking fo a tip or two on how to use this thing,
Thanks
Mr. Mick
You stick the spade end between the two couplers and twist.
The pointy end works the same way: insert between couplers and twist. I have several that I made with a 4" length of dowel and half a grocery store bamboo skewer.
Make sure that your cars are gently pushed together so that there is “slack” in the couplers before inserting the uncoupling stick.
Joe
I haven’t used the Kadee coupler pick, but I have used the wooden skewer method. There is definitely a learning curve. I have watched “experienced” folks make it look easy. I’m still on the other end of the curve, not too far from the start. The proper slack, mentioned above, is definitely a big part of success.
Good luck,
Richard
AccuRail also makes an uncoupling pick that works better than Kadee’s.
We rub pencil lead graphite onto the tips of bamboo skewers to make them easier to insert into the couplers.
Another “tool” that works is a sharp #2 pencil. This was recommended by Andy Sperandeo a while ago and it works as well as a skewer.
Joe
I always liked this one:
http://www.rixproducts.com/6280014.htm
No skill to learn, no precision required.
And no use at all on anything but straight track.
I still have 2 around somewhere, but never use them. For me, skewers work much better.
OK, with a little practise, I am able to see how the spade-y end of the skewer works, ( slacken cars…insert spde btwn couplers…clockwise twist…repeat as necessary) I will also practise with the pointy end; and I do recall seeing pictures of the MR staff with pencils in hand separating cars. Thanks for all the suggestions. The rest is up to me, obviously.