How to fit Kadee couplers to HO stock
Kadee knuckle couplers look realistic and can uncouple over a magnet. On models with an NEM 362 pocket the swap takes minutes — the important part is getting the height right.
- Time
- 10 minutes per vehicle
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- Moderate cost
- Steps
- 8
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Kadee NEM-362 couplers (#17, #18, #19 or #20) Search Amazon for kadee nem 362 coupler
- Kadee #205 or #206 coupler height gauge Search Amazon for kadee coupler height gauge
- Kadee #231 Greas-em graphite (or similar dry lubricant)
- Small screwdriver and tweezers
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Take care
- Kadee warns that metal couplers shouldn't touch metal surfaces, as they can cause a short circuit.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Check what's fitted
Look at the end of the wagon. If there's a small rectangular box holding the coupler, it's probably an NEM 362 pocket. Kadee's #17–#20 NEM-362 couplers clip into these pockets.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Choose the length
The four NEM-362 couplers come in different lengths. Kadee's conversion lists suggest which suits a given model — for example #18 (medium) for Roco NEM-362 passenger cars. Shorter is more realistic; longer gives more clearance on tight curves.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Remove the old coupler
Kadee's instructions say to remove the bogie (truck) if it's in the way, then grip the pivoting coupler bracket and pull the old coupler out of the pocket.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Push in the Kadee
Slide the NEM-362 coupler into the pocket until it snaps in place.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Lubricate
Kadee recommends working a little #231 Greas-em dry graphite into the coupler by moving it back and forth.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Check the height
Put the vehicle on the height gauge on a piece of straight, level track. The coupler must line up with the gauge. Kadee says its NEM-362 couplers only work without modification in pockets mounted at the NEM-362 height (8.5 mm).
Next: step 7 -
Step 7: Fix a pocket at the wrong height
If the pocket is the NEM type but at the wrong height, Kadee suggests its NEM-363 adjustable-height couplers with an NEM 363-to-362 adapter. The adapter adds 2.16 mm (0.085 in) to the length, so you may need the next shorter coupler.
Next: step 8 -
Step 8: Test coupling and uncoupling
Push vehicles together on straight track and on curves. Check the trip pin under the coupler clears points and rail joints.
Tips
- Convert a few wagons and one loco first, then test before doing the whole fleet.
- Kadee's conversion lists are based on one sample from a production run — your model may differ.
Questions people ask
Will Kadees couple to NEM hook-and-loop couplers?
No — convert all the vehicles you want to run together.
Do they fit OO models too?
Kadee's NEM-362 sheet notes NEM-362 is used on both HO and OO cars, and its conversion list includes Hornby and Bachmann Branchline NEM pocket models.
Sources
Checked 18 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- Kadee: NEM 362 coupler instructions (PDF) (kadee.com)
- Kadee: Roco HO coupler conversions (kadee.com)
- Kadee Quality Products (kadee.com)
- MOROP NEM 362: pocket for interchangeable coupler heads (German) (morop.org)
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Printed from locoho.co.uk/guides/how-to-fit-kadee-couplers-to-ho-stock/ · Checked 18 October 2026 · General information only. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your trains, track, controllers and decoders.