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cut lever

1 of 1noun
/ˈkʌt ˈlɛvər/
Forms:cut levers
1

a device used by railway personnel to operate the couplers between train cars

A cut lever is a safety device found on trains, typically located near the coupling area, that is used to disconnect the cars. It is a long lever that can be manually pulled to release the coupling between two train cars, allowing them to be separated. Cut levers are mainly used by railway workers for tasks like switching trains or preparing them for different routes. The lever is designed to be easily accessible and is an important safety feature, ensuring that cars can be safely detached when needed without risking damage or injury.

  • The conductor pulled the cut lever to uncouple the freight cars at the rail yard.
  • It's important to securely lock the cut lever after separating the cars to prevent accidents.
  • Engineers are trained to handle the cut lever safely to avoid damage to the couplers.
  • The cut lever allows for efficient sorting and rearranging of train cars during marshalling operations.
  • Before departing, the crew always checks the condition of the cut lever to ensure it's ready for the next journey.