How do you fix couplers?

This solution may not be for you, but quite a number of 3-Rail modelers have been up-grading to Kadee  2-Rail type couplers. That STAY coupled, do NOT have to be bashed together, and provide much closer coupling of rolling stock. I, and many other 3-Rail SCALE modelers began up-grading to Kadee couplers about 10 or more years ago.

Santa fe!! I take the spring off  the coupler and bend them up or you can put a little rubber band around coupler. 

For broken couplers I use JBWeld and styrene, if it won't stay shut, same as I used 50 years ago, dental braces rubber bands. Neat to do and works.

Rod

Thanks for the responses so far. 

Follow up question........for the missing couplers, where is a good resource to buy them?

Will they still uncouple with an uncouple track?

I've so far only had locomotive couplers break, and I can order new ones from Lionel or MTH, depending of the locomotive.

Small black plastic ties work for me.

If its a lobster claw I use super glue to close it until I can find a replacement.

Which manufacture's couplers are you trying to replace?

Superglue.....hmmm.  That might work for the one that broke off and some of the tank cars that won't stay closed.  I will give it a try.

Not sure of the brand of coupler, I will get it out tonight and take a look right after spending some quality time on the lawn mower. 

That sounds like a good option.  Can I also pick them up at train shows like a Greenberg or at York?

I use a small black rubber grommet around the troublesome ones.  I have a handful of cars that will decouple if I build a large consist, as I find them, they get the rubber grommet.

It's possible to fix many of them, but the solutions vary.  I find the most troublesome part of many Lionel couplers is the cheap plastic latching arm they use, it sags and allows the coupler to work it's way open.