Bolster pin removal and installation tool(s)?

Forgive me for what may be a stupid, simple question.

I'm in the process of replacing a good quantity of MTL trucks with Bowser Bucklers.
I can do it, but I'd like to not mark up the bolster pins during removal... if possible.
I'd like to hear what folks are using to remove their bolster pins.
Any preferred tools?
Any special tools?

Hi Alex,

I use a small flat-blade screwdriver and pry between the truck frame and bolster to lift out the truck and bolster pin at the same time.

This should make your job a little easier,
Thom

I also use a small flat blade screw driver with fine chisel point to pry between truck and car bolster to remove truck and pin. Once inserted just a gentle twist will do the job normally.

I concur. That is how I've always done it. I tried needle nose pliers once with mixed results. Smallest flathead works well. Cheers, Jim CCRR:)

I use a rail cutter and wedge it into the pin, and lift up the bolster pin. I think its easier.

I insert the tips of a pair of tweezers between the truck bolster and the car frame, one tip on either side of the pin, then lift the handle of the tweezers to gently pry the truck up. This equalizes the stress on the pin; sometimes, particularly stubborn pins will bend and distort when the truck is being pried from one side using a screwdriver.

I have an End Cut style. 90 degrees. Point it straight at the boldter pin head and it slips under it, like a wedge. I ground the middle of each cutter round so that it creates a hole, no way to cut the pin off.

Sadly, they are no longer made (and I continue to periodically search for a replacement).

Jeff
SF Bay Area Z

SJ-BAZ-man wrote:

I have an End Cut style. 90 degrees. Point it straight at the boldter pin head and it slips under it, like a wedge. I ground the middle of each cutter round so that it creates a hole, no way to cut the pin off.

Sadly, they are no longer made (and I continue to periodically search for a replacement).

Is there a specific one you're looking for? Here's a few I found:

cgi.ebay.com/Xuron-Double-Flush-Cut-Shears-Strong-Easy-Pliers-New_W0QQitemZ360194365644QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item53dd41d8cc#ht_1464wt_1165

www.timemotion.com/Products/Cutter--530E-US-Anti-Shock-Shear-Cutter--Excelta__WAS-03-34530.aspx

cgi.ebay.com/4-INCH-JEWELRY-WIRE-CUTTING-END-CUTTER-PLIERS_W0QQitemZ290360339211QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item439ad32b0b#ht_3384wt_1165

cgi.ebay.com/Wire-cutter-set-Side-and-end-cutting-set-cushion-grip_W0QQitemZ140352802792QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item20adadcfe8#ht_500wt_1182

cgi.ebay.com/6-PC-PRECISION-JEWELRY-MINI-PLIER-TOOL-SET-pmp-6_W0QQitemZ250515485371QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a53e2f2bb#ht_3627wt_924

www.amazon.com/dp/B0012O96BM/ref=asc_df_B0012O96BM941836?smid=AG275D7O3JJ72&tag=dealtmp15458-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B0012O96BM

www.amazon.com/dp/B000SKVER0/ref=asc_df_B000SKVER0940260?smid=A10GXORWB75SLM&tag=shopzilla_rev_273-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B000SKVER0

www.amazon.com/dp/B0000BYBCO/ref=asc_df_B0000BYBCO940226?smid=ADFRQ5K4I2LNR&tag=shopzilla_mp_1198-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B0000BYBCO

www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00993033000P