I've decided to stick with a combination of K-Line SuperSnap track and new or refurbished Lionel track. Mostly extra length K-Line straight and curves from Lionel in a variety of radius. Would the track pliers be a helpful tool to have?
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For tinplate track, sure. There's a lot of them on eBay right now for around $14 including shipping.
I don't want to appear cheap but I don't really see the point of these pliers. A standard pair of needle nose pliers will work fine. Stick a track pin in the offending rail and with the pliers held parallel to the rail squeeze the rail down around the pin. Either pull the pin or leave it in depending. If you are really looking for tight use an 027 pin and carefully squeeze it.
Convenience Bill. When I was using tubular track, the pliers just made the job go faster. You could also tighten the joints while the track was together, much harder with needle nose pliers.
"You could also tighten the joints while the track was together" Besides the repairing part is it then useful to go around the track and crimp each connection? I do plan on soldering the connections with wire once set.
The pliers are not necessary, but the convince is well worth it when dealing with tubular track.