Newbie advice/suggestions/help with track pins/split pins

[Philip Dunn]

As a complete novice at assembling tracks on my Tiger I are their any tricks or easy ways of fitting the washers/split pins to the tracks?
I have found that after inserting 190 track pins in the tracks (sections of 20)not all sit at the same depth in the tracks, so this is making it slightly difficult, and also to add to my misery I have neuropathy in my hands so feeling is almost none existent

Any suggestions on how or what I can do to make the task easier and simpler would be much appreciated

Thanks

Phil

[Armortek]

If you mean the split pins all sit at different height then mechanically this is not an issue.
If you want to correct it because it does not look nice then I always default to the simplest solution - especially where dexterity may be an issue.

I suggest putting the pins in place and then use a small amount of superglue to fix them in position. Once the glue has dried then you can use pliers to bend the legs of the split pins apart. Don't worry if the glue spreads - superglue is very brittle and will chip off as soon as you flex the tracks.

If you mean something else then post a picture to explain.

[Philip Dunn]

If you mean the split pins all sit at different height then mechanically this is not an issue.
If you want to correct it because it does not look nice then I always default to the simplest solution - especially where dexterity may be an issue.

I suggest putting the pins in place and then use a small amount of superglue to fix them in position. Once the glue has dried then you can use pliers to bend the legs of the split pins apart. Don't worry if the glue spreads - superglue is very brittle and will chip off as soon as you flex the tracks.

If you mean something else then post a picture to explain.

I have added two images showing the difference in how far into the track link the pins sit which in turn affects how much pokes out the other end where the washer/split pins go, does that make sense?
Bottom image shows that the middle three are further in than the others, and top shows how far the three are sticking out compared to the rest.

I have tried to find a way of making them all sit the same but am not able to do this, and can't see why they don't all sit at the same height inside the track links

[Brian Ostlind]

No worries, I think you might be looking too close. If the pin fits that’s all that matters.

[Armortek]

You can also try tapping (not whacking) the pin in to see if it sits further down. There may be some material left over from the die casting process that prevents the pin seating fully.

[Aaron Taylor]

Get a set of jewelry pliers from Amazon. They worked well for me.......oh and some.gloves .

[Philip Dunn]

No worries, I think you might be looking too close. If the pin fits that’s all that matters.

Brian, the split pins fit but it doesn't fit if I use the M3 washer, which I assume stops the split pin from wearing away too quickly

[Brian Ostlind]

No worries, I think you might be looking too close. If the pin fits that’s all that matters.

Brian, the split pins fit but it doesn't fit if I use the M3 washer, which I assume stops the split pin from wearing away too quickly

you definitely need the washers but like Armortek has mentioned try tapping the pins down?

[Dave Goodwin]

You may find, as I did, that different pins fit differently in various places. If one pin doesn't seem to sit well in one particular segment, try another pin until you get one that works well. You also want to make sure the track segments can flex completely in each direction. Some pins will bind, where others will not. You may have some bent pins. Try rolling them on a table; if they won't roll, they have a bend. Set those aside and use them if you have to later on. I was able to put all of mine into the spare track segment on the front plate. I also used a sharp awl to hold the looped end of the pin while I opened up the split ends. It is tedious but not too bad.

[Jerry Carducci]

I would follow Armortek's advice with another addition. If there is any residue from die cast process left in the track pin head pocket/recess clean it out with a gentle twisting application of a suitable size drill or reamer if you have either- else a small screwdriver might serve. I'm definitely not
advocating boring the holes out by no means, simply ensure the pockets are clean. I personally haven't found any debris in the Armortek links, in fact I've found them to be some of the nicer, cleanest executed tracks I've come across.

If the pin fits and you are able to install the washer and split (cotter) pin and the track links are fully moveable anything else is just cosmetic.

Jerry