Do 805 kadee couplers come assembled? I am having a heck of a time putting these things together because of the tiny springs and parts. Any help would be appreciated.
Dave
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If you are referring to the coupler itself, the only thing you need to do, sometimes, is to install the small spring on the side of the knuckle. The tip of an Xacto blade seems to work pretty well for me.
It's primarily the spring that goes in the coupler pocket, it seems I just can't keep my hand steady enough to get it to stay in place. I know this is a simple procedure but for me it is not. That's why i was wondering if there is a complete assembly of the coupler and pocket ready to install on the car.
One thing I do is move the coupler so that it is touching one side of the coupler box, i.e. diagonal in the box. That seems to give you all the room possible to get the spring in. I can then usually get the spring in with out a tool.
It's one of those things that once you develop a method, the rest are easier. Which isn't to say that I haven't ordered extra springs, they're hard to find after they take off.
Originally Posted by david1:
It's primarily the spring that goes in the coupler pocket, it seems I just can't keep my hand steady enough to get it to stay in place. I know this is a simple procedure but for me it is not. That's why i was wondering if there is a complete assembly of the coupler and pocket ready to install on the car.
Surprising, but that maneuver really isn't THAT simple! The "trick" that I developed is to push the coupler all the way to the rear of the box, insert the spring with a pair of VERY pointed tweezers, then push down on the spring while sliding the box cover in place. Seems to work for my old, fat fingers, and believe me, I have done a LOT of Kadee up-grades for my own stuff, and for my friend's stuff!
This is the thing to get:
http://www.micromark.com/spring-grabber,7636.html
It's also really helpful in taking apart MTH trucks and getting the springs back in.
Mike
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Here's an old trick to corrall those little springs. Take about 6" of sewing thread (don't use black) and stick one end in your mouth, wetting it. Hold down the spring with a #11 Xacto blade. Thread the thread through the center of the spring coils and tie the ends together. Now, if it takes off, you will be able to spot it on the flor, workbench, etc.
Simply cut the thread and gentley pull it out after its installed.
Thanks guys, got some good ideas.
Dave
Dave,
How many do you have to assemble? If you want to send them to me I will assemble them and return them to you.
Malcolm
