The LNER Encyclopedia

What do people do here if using these? Formerly I've marked then removed again,sawn,filed smooth and replaced-is there an easier way in situ,and without leaving magnetic dust about?...probably not,laziness never pays,but I just thought I'd ask!
Cheers all,
Rob

Hi Rob,

I have used Xuron hard wire cutters for this job and they have worked very well. The ones I have used are 2193 Hard Wire Shear. Unfortunately I can't remember where I bought them from.

John

If they're anything like the wire that comes with Tortoises, then I've used some big heavy things that I usually refer to as "tin snips" that came from the local DIY store. Not exactly precision, but they'll cut it without the blade being damaged.

The wire would kill either of the Xuron cutters (track cutter and brass etch cutter) that I have.


Richard

Yes Richard, I have also found that the track cutters aren't for this job. The other type of pliers I have tried for this job are for use with lock wire. I haven't tried tin snips but see no reason why they shouldn't work, but in N gauge the blades are a bit too big.
John

I have heard tell that if you cut it in situe and you are using peco (or any other) plastic track, the effect of a slitting disk is probably enough to melt away the plastic tie-bar, if not some of the sleepers themselves.


Will

Will: It doesn't happen when I cut rail like that - although that is a different kind of steel.

You could always use a heatshunt (pliers or press-to-open tweezers are probably the easiest way of doing this). Also if it is taking a while to cut then take it in "bites" letting it cool between bites.


Richard

Thanks for the replies I think I may invest in one of those xuron hard wire cutters.As it happens having read the warning not to use the Xuron track cutters on music wire etc I started to use it on guitar strings -its great for that,its ruined of course and but it won't do the point rods,so given the no. I need to do I think I'll go with the hard wire version...

It turns out that sometime last year I had actually invested in a suitable cutter,not a Xuron,bit more industrial.....found it when digging around for railjoiners,it certainly speeds things up.......

Yes, don't use the Xuron track cutters, my first pair died trying to cut through a nail!
My dad has some very fine, but extreamly sharp cuttters he's had for years, and these cut, throwing the excess across the room!