Atlas has a tool for you - called "the Sidekick": https://shop.atlasrr.com/p-48003-all-scales-rail-joiner-sidekick.aspx
I'm having trouble with insulated rail joiners, the only ones I have are an opaque white and they are hard. Found that if I heat them up in microwave oven for about a minute it helps with installing. I'm looking for the yellow joiners, if anyone has some yellow joiners I would like to buy them from you. The yellow joiners are a lot easier, they seem to be made from rubber. Please help me out!!! Joe
I got one thinking it would be useful. Between the poor ergonomics making it awkward to hold and the fact that it doesn't actually hold the joiner while you try to get it on the rail. I found the frustration level quite high, but better than using my thumb. Ouch.
I've had success placing joiners on a piece of sectional curved track then pushing the joiners onto the recipient section or switch. You get a lot of push with the section of track that forces the joiners onto the rails. Then when they are where you want them, they stay put while you remove the curved section.
Blaze, thank you for the tip!!! I will try sectional tracks to install insulated rail joiners on turnouts. The joiners are an opaque white color and seam to be made from hard plastic. They are very hard to install, found that if you heat them in a microwave oven for about one minute it helps somewhat. Joe
Here is my solution. All my rail is code 55. I tried both code 70 and code 80 joiners in hopes one would give me a good enough fit. As it turned out either works well and I can push them on using my fingers. The fit is snug. My track is glued down to the roadbed and I have plenty of feeders and I usually solder most of my rail joints so this is perfect for me. Your mileage may vary.
