O Coupler Reference Charts

Shank Offset

Underset Shanks effectively move the coupler head up about 0.100" 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 0.113" from the centerline of the shank. This design can help align couplers among different rolling stock.

Underset Shank

Centerset Shank

Overset Shank

Shank Length

Short Length Shanks have a 15/16" (0.938") length measured from the front face of the coupler head to the rear face of the gearbox.

Medium Length Shanks have a 1 9/64" (1.140") length measured from the front face of the coupler head to the rear face of the gearbox.

Long Length Shanks have a 1 25/64" (1.390") length measured from the front face of the coupler head to the rear face of the gearbox.

Short Length Shank

Medium Length Shank

Long Length Shank

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.

New Generation Type E Heads feature an intricately detailed head design perfect for modeling the Type E coupler era.

Standard Head

Type E Head

O Scale Coupler Chart

Use the chart below to find your ideal coupler.

We do not recommend mounting a metal coupler directly onto a metal surface or in a metal gearbox. Doing so may allow electrical crossover from the track into the train causing shorting or damage.

Always check for proper coupler height using our #812 O Coupler Height Gauge.

Plastic
Knuckle

Plastic
Shank

Standard
Head

Metal
Knuckle

Metal
Shank

Standard
Head

Metal
Knuckle

Metal
Shank

Type E
Head

Short
Shank

Centerset
Shank

Plastic
Gearbox

806


#806 Coupler with #806 Short Gearbox

 

743


#743 Coupler with #806 Short Gearbox

Medium
Shank

Underset
Shank

Plastic
Gearbox

 

 

747


#747 Coupler with #817 Gearbox

Centerset
Shank

Plastic
Gearbox

800/801/804


#800, #801, or #804 Coupler with #817 Gearbox

816


#816 Coupler with #817 Gearbox

745


#745 Coupler with #817 Gearbox

Metal
Gearbox

 

805


#805 Coupler with #818 Gearbox

740


#740 Coupler with #818 Gearbox

Overset
Shank

Plastic
Gearbox

 

 

742


#742 Coupler with #817 Gearbox

Long
Shank

Centerset
Shank

Plastic
Gearbox

 

 

746


#746 Coupler with #817 Gearbox