I was curious about the Atlas 'Rail Joiner Sidekick' to place rail joiner on to track rails. These are sold by Ztrack and, ModelTrainStuff (MB Klein) and Atlas in their Z categories. Not sold at Zscalemonster or ZscaleHobo and I understand why. It does not work on Atlas Z scale Rail Joiners or Rokuhan's. It does work on MTL's 990 40 909 (after you clip one 'tongue' off)?
The N stub on the tool has a thin rib down the middle. Atlas Z joiners, Rokuhan and M?rklin joiners are too wide so no grip at all. Micro-Trains rail, much closer to Code 55 has a narrower rali web (the vertical metal between the rail head and footer) so there joiners are too.
Its always great when products are advertised as All-Scale and, sold in the Z section but no one there has tested it.
I use a small Jeweler's screw driver, ground down to match the beveled rail footer and a slightly small taper from front to a stop point on the side. This allows you easily pick it up and steady it while pressing onto the rail, with expanding the joiner.
Jeff
SF Bay Area Z
a.k.a. 'The BAZ BoyZ'
Jeff Merrill BAZ BoyZ