Using a expanable plier to change out the contact strip on 253 lionel engine.

I use the expandable pliers on Lionel E-Units and have used it on changing a collector also. The frame expander is a little more convenient because it keeps both hands free for other parts of the job.

Steve

Finally purchased the expandable pliers and replace the collector plate, easy job as I held the motor in a vice (on the rivets to avoid bending and worked one end out then the center then the other end). Use a 20 AVG super flex tire (has about 50 to 60 strands).

Purchase a collector plate from Hemming's had to file down the extreme ends of the fiber board to fit in the slots. Made a press tool for setting the copper rivets as I wanted to re-use the original Lionel Name plate. Soldered the wire from the top of the rivet head with a large soldering Iron (copper was to much for my smaller iron). The expandable pliers worked better than great as it was easy to manipulate. Hope to have some pictures up soon.