A while back someone said they had a broken kadee spiker, If so I would like to aquire it. Got a pal that may be able to fix. Wish you could still buy them (not on ebay). Maybe someone should try and reproduce them!
Drop an email to Sam the Answer Man at Kadee, I’ve heard several other peole have been trying to talk them into another production run of the spiker. If you’re into hand laying the track, they’re fantastic, but maybe that level of modelling has gone by the wayside.
The story I have heard is possible ’ product libility’ lawsuits. The spiker can really launch those wire spikes! Kadee has sold ‘parts’ for a number of years, and one could assemble their own spiker - But I understand the supply of parts is now missing some critical pieces.
A friend bought one back in the late 60’s - He had to be real careful with the force adjustment or it could crush the Campbell ‘profile’ ties…
Jim
I sent him a email as I would like to have one when I start my layout which I will be handlaying the track.
-Smoke
I have had two in my possession over the years. One was non adjustable while the one I still have is adjustable. The spiker works by cutting a small section out of the middle of a narrow staple. It’s this cutout section thats the basis for the liability. That sliver can very easily go into an eye, or the skin and cause problems.
Neither one of mine worked as well as hoped. Sometimes it would drive the spikes in perfect and other times would drive them in too well, kinking the rail. Most problems I had was related to jamming. Last but not least the cutterhead is worn out and will not cut the staples properly.
FWIW if you want to handlay, stick to and old tried and true method, line a pair of needlenose pliers.
There are many better ways to handlay but the spiker produces a kinda caricature like why use weston fiqures when others are more real!!!