Reusing Atlas Rail Joiners

Squeezing them together will help although new ones would be better.

i have used atlas before with the old style joiners they are soft and loosen just take them off track and squeeze them together  i did that with my fingers then reattach 

For the effort involved, and from a cost vs. frustration perspective, I would buy new ones if they're available.  I know folks that soldered every single joint on their layouts made with early Atlas track to get reliable conductivity.  If you have to re-use your old joiners, I would think that you could 'tighten' them by applying pressure judiciously with needle-nose pliers.  But wouldn't you rather be finished, and running trains with peace of mind?  My $.02.

Thanks for the replies and I agree. Much easier to get new ones! Terry

Either way, I squeeze a tiny dab of dielectric grease in every joint....I figured no harm no foul, and have had no problems for many years now.......Pat

harmonyards posted:

Either way, I squeeze a tiny dab of dielectric grease in every joint....I figured no harm no foul, and have had no problems for many years now.......Pat

"Dielectric grease is a non-conductive, silicone -based grease that's designed to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion on electrical connectors. It also disrupts the flow of electrical current, which makes it good for lubricating and sealing the rubber parts of electrical connectors."

Amazing you've had no problems for years now.    Must be the "tiny dab" that did it. 

A long time ago I heard that LGB makes a CONDUCTIVE grease for improving electrical conduction at joints AND sealing out moisture.  I guess the intent was to use it on outdoor G-scale layouts.  LGB has been through a bankruptcy and change of ownership; my impression is that they've scaled back operations in the USA, so I'm not sure if they still offer the conductive grease.  Might be worth checking out.

There has been two or three upgrades to the Atlas rail joiners.   Current issue has a dimple or barb on the bottom side, and the metal tension has been increased to the point, it is difficult to assemble the track.  

Atlas right in picture.  These joiners can be used with Gargraves/modified, left in picture, or Ross track. 

If they aren't the new style of joiners, replace them.  If they are, just squeeze them with pliers.  That's what I do.

Buy new ones  Dont mess with the old ones they stink

Solder the old ones or use new dimpled ones.  Use a wire brush pencil or a Dremel wire wheel  for all rail ends.  Rail joint prep is part of the foundation of your RR's dependability.