Hillman clamps (Not over the joiner type)

[Sarah Winfield]

How do members rate these clamps please?

I have obtained 40 and am wondering where the most effective location on my layout rails is to fit them or doesn't it matter?

Thanks,

SW

 

[Gizzy]

Anywhere you might have a power issue Sarah. Or sections of track which are difficult to maintain, like in the tunnel....

 

[Rhinochugger]

They're effective, especially if you have strong wrists and can tighten them well.

You'll remember some earlier postings with advice and various methods of removing the embedded fishplates.

If you have only LGB track, then as Gizzy says, start with the hard to get at places because, even with slightly loose connections they still offer good connectivity.

If you have other makes of track, do a bit of testing as to how the Hillman clamp sits on the rail profile - I know for a fact that Aristo track has a very slightly different lower flange profile that would cause a bit of an issue with a Hillman clamp.

 

[dutchelm]

Put them on points. Makes it easier to remove for maintenance.

 

[dunnyrail]

How do members rate these clamps please?

I have obtained 40 and am wondering where the most effective location on my layout rails is to fit them or doesn't it matter?

Thanks,

SW

They are just the job, hope you got an Allun Key withe them. Or perhaps you have one as they are a slightly different key if Hillman. On points they can be a bit of an issue as fitting has to be done slightly differently due to the difficulty particulary with R1 points of tightenenig them up. As a rule I prefer the screw in bit tomthe outside of the track centre. Oh and be careful not to tighten too much as it is possible to braek the screw which can be got out but not much use if you do not have spares! If they squeek stop tightening.

 

[Neil Robinson]

Put them on points. Makes it easier to remove for maintenance.

Couldn't agree more. It's so much easier to lift an in situ point straight up. As Sarah has already discovered the built in connections under the points sometimes fail and require access to the underside to fix.

 

[Neil Robinson]

They are just the job, hope you got an Allun Key withe them. Or perhaps you have one as they are a slightly different key if Hillman.

When trying to find the right size they are both imperial sized allen keys

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Be sure to follow Dunnyrails's advice, it is easy to overtighten the screws, so just get them snug. In severe overtightening cases the screws will bend and you can even fracture the clamp.

Put a tiny dab of your favorite grease on the screw threads. Any grease fine. I put the socket heads outwards when I can for ease of access.

Also, there is a "ball end" driver that makes it a lot easier. Glendale Junction has them, last item on this page:
http://www.glendalejunction.co.uk/RailClamps.html

Greg