HO Coupler Reference Charts
Shank Style
Whisker® Shanks are all metal and feature the patented Whisker® centering system built into the shank. With a Whisker® shank there's no fiddling with centering springs. Just drop it into the coupler pocket and it works. The Whisker® shank is the simplest and most reliable design we've ever created.
Standard Shanks feature the same time-tested design that made Kadee® couplers famous. These shanks are made out of metal or strong insulated plastic to prevent electrical crossover between the rails and your rolling stock. Available in a variety of standard and specialty gearboxes.
NEM-362 Shanks are plastic shanks designed to work with NEM coupler pockets commonly found on European model railroads. These shanks conform to MOROP standards for complete compatibility with European models.
Split Shanks are plastic shanks designed for light duty use on old time equipment. While not a commonly used shank, this design allows use of Kadee® couplers on very old model railroad equipment.
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Whisker® Shank |
Standard Shank |
NEM-362 Shank |
Split Shank |
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Shank Offset
Underset Shanks effectively move the coupler head up about 0.050" from the centerline of the shank. This allows for proper alignment of couplers when used with different rolling stock or alignment needs.
Centerset Shanks keep the coupler aligned with the centerline of the shank. This is the most commonly used offset, and the best place to start when fitting new couplers to rolling stock.
Overset Shanks effectively move the coupler head down 0.050" from the centerline of the shank. This design can help align couplers among different rolling stock.
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Underset Shank |
Centerset Shank |
Overset Shank |
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Shank Length
Short Length Shanks have a 1/4" (0.250") length measured from the center of the mounting hole to the rear face of the coupler head for Whisker® and Standard shanks. Short Length NEM-362 shanks measure 9/32" (7.11mm) from the shank shoulder to the front face of the coupler.
Medium Length Shanks have a 19/64" (0.297") length measured from the center of the mounting hole to the rear face of the coupler head for Whisker® and Standard shanks. Medium Length NEM-362 shanks measure 11/32" (8.63mm) from the shank shoulder to the front face of the coupler.
Long Length Shanks have a 25/64" (0.390") length measured from the center of the mounting hole to the rear face of the coupler head for Whisker® and Standard shanks. Long Length NEM-362 shanks measure 27/64" (10.61mm) fron the shank shoulder to the front face of the coupler.
Extra Long Length Shanks are only available in NEM-362 shanks and measure 29/34" (11.68mm) from the shank shoulder to the front face of the coupler.
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Short Length Shank |
Medium Length Shank |
Long Length Shank |
X-Long Length Shank |
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Standard |
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NEM-362 |
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Head Styles
Standard Heads are slightly over scale but are great for use on tracks that might have bumps and uneven surfaces. Compatible with all Kadee® head types.
Scale Heads are close to actual scale size and are perfect to get that prototypical look. Track should be flat and even since there is less forgiveness in coupler movement up and down. Compatible with all Kadee® head types.
SF Shelf Heads are manufactured to actual scale. These heads give you the most accurate prototypical look but the track must be flat and even to avoid coupler unseating. Compatible with all Kadee® head types.
SE Shelf Heads are manufactured to actual scale. These heads give you the most accurate prototypical look but the track must be flat and even to avoid coupler unseating. Compatible with all Kadee® head types.
3/4 Heads have an extended trip pin mounted on a narrow gauge coupler to use with light duty old time equipment.
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Standard Head |
Scale Head |
SF Shelf Head |
SE Shelf Head |
3/4 Head |
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Gearbox Mounting Screw Sizes
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2-56 Screws |
0-48 Screws |
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All HO Gearboxes using center hole |
#9, #711, and #712 Gearboxes HO Gearboxes using side or rear mounting holes |
HO Scale Coupler Chart
Use the chart below to find your perfect coupler based on shank, head, scale, and more.
The #148 Whisker® coupler is equivilent to the No. 5®, but features the improved Whisker® centering system.
Newer HO models with Bachmann® EZ-Mate®, Athearn® McHenry, Accumate®, Walther® Proto Max®, or other knuckle couplers most often use our #148 Whisker® coupler as a direct replacement
Always check for proper coupler height using our #206 Insulated Coupler Height Gauge.
