Kadee PLASTIC couplers

[D&J RailRoad]

On my last trip to the LHS I picked up a few packets of offset couplers. As Kadee is the only coupler I use now, I don't bother to read the package other than the specifics I'm lookin for, in this case the over and under offsets with a short shank.
Well, I got home, unloaded the shopping bags and just tossed these packers in the desk drawer.
Today, I noticed the packets and decided to put them in the small parts drawers. While doing so, I noticed they look plastic. I gave one a slight twist and sure enough, plastic.
Since when has Kadee gone cheap on us? There's no reason for them to downgrade to the McHenry non-coupler quality.

 

[Don Z1029]

The 30 Series Kadee couplers are plastic.
Kadee couplers made from plastic

Regards,
Don Z.

 

[Old 97]

I always thought it was a mixed bag.

 

[Marlin338MX]

Thanks for pointing this out, I had no idea. I've only bought the 148's.

 

[D&J RailRoad]

the 20 series are plastic too.

 

[bnsf971]

There are some uses for plastic couplers. Things like Athearn blue box engines, and others that ground through the frame. I don't think any new production does that, though, and eventually attrition will take away demand.

 

[Don Z1029]

the 20 series are plastic too.

Yes, that's why I included the link to show all of the plastic couplers produced by Kadee.
Regards,
Don Z.

 

[MikeGTW]

The 20 and 30 series have plastic shank the knuckle and trip pin are metal Kadee has made them like this for years

 

[dennis461]

Someone write a letter to Kadee. Add the word "plastic" on the bag!

 

[Smudge617]

Someone write a letter to Kadee. Add the word "plastic" on the bag!

I'm sure some legal beagle will argue that the statement is correct in that the coupling is indeed made of metal, and although the shank is an integral part of how the coupling works, the shank is not the coupling, hence it's called a shank.

Isn't legalese wonderful ?

 

[MikeGTW]

Maybe they should have added the type of coupler on the package IE: plastic shank and metal knuckle
But all you need to do is look at Kadee site and instructions and they will tell you what they are
I've used those in standard Kadee boxes 232 or 242 no problem at all
Here's the chart for them says it right at top
https://www.kadee.com/media/documents/coupler_ho_handout.pdf

 

[MikeGTW]

I forgot to add the instruction sheet that comes with the 20 or 39 series says " isolated plastic shanked couplers "

 

[Smudge617]

Maybe they should have added the type of coupler on the package IE: plastic shank and metal knuckle
But all you need to do is look at Kadee site and instructions and they will tell you what they are
I've used those in standard Kadee boxes 232 or 242 no problem at all
Here's the chart for them says it right at top
https://www.kadee.com/media/documents/coupler_ho_handout.pdf

As you said, it's also clear on their website that they are part plastic, it's never been hidden by Kadee.

 

[D&J RailRoad]

Not intentionally hidden but for the casual shopper, it isn't obvious, as I picked up a couple packs. No where on the package does it say plastic. Only on the web site. I didn't consult the website when I was in the store. I guess I should have, and with that, I guess I should have checked into the source of the material to ensure it didn't endanger people, violate laws and complied with all production regulations, etc. etc. etc. like everybody else does when they shop. I guess I'm just slackin.

 

[Smudge617]

I guess I'm just slackin

Nope, not buying it Ken, nice try tho'