A rail spike is a fastening pin or screw that fixes rails to sleepers, ensuring consistent track gauge, vertical and lateral stability, and safe load transfer to the track structure. It prevents rail movement while accommodating vibration and temperature variations. GNEE RAIL provides 3V screw spikes, Coach Screw Spikes, and standard rail spikes for all major international rail standards including GB, UIC, DIN536, QU70–QU120, JIS 15KG–CR100, AS1085 31–89 kg, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE 25–175 lb, along with surface treatment, supply, and technical installation services.
Are railroad spikes made of iron?
Railroad spikes are primarily made of low-carbon steel or sometimes medium-carbon steel, not pure iron, to ensure they are tough and malleable enough to bend without breaking when hammered. While historic spikes were made of wrought iron, modern spikes are steel alloys designed to withstand significant pressure.
Key Details About Railroad Spikes:
- Material Composition: Most spikes are made from mild, low-carbon steel (such as Q235 steel) which provides necessary toughness. Some, known as "HC" spikes, have slightly higher carbon content for increased strength, but they are still not considered high-carbon steel.
| Material | Strength Grade | Typical Length | Tensile Strength | Surface Treatment | Suitable Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q235 Carbon Steel | 4.6 / 5.6 | 90–250 mm | ≥ 370 MPa | Plain, Oxide Black, HDG | Light rail, mining track |
| 35# Carbon Steel | 4.6 / 5.6 | 90–250 mm | ≥ 450 MPa | Zinc, Sherardizing | Conventional railway |
| 45# Carbon Steel | 5.6 | 100–300 mm | ≥ 520 MPa | HDG, Dacromet | Heavy-duty industrial track |
| 40Cr Alloy Steel | 5.6 / 8.8 | 100–300 mm | ≥ 750 MPa | Dacromet, Zinc | Crane rail, high-load conditions |
Why Not Iron?
Cast iron would be too brittle, causing the spikes to shatter when driven into wooden ties.
- Manufacturing: They are typically forged, and sometimes treated to resist corrosion, especially in specific environmental conditions.
- Common Use: They are used to secure railroad rails to wooden ties, relying on their ability to deform slightly under stress rather than fracturing.
Specification of Railway Spike
Railway spikes, including dog and screw types, are essential steel fasteners used to secure rail tracks to sleepers, adhering to strict standards for strength and durability.
| Specification | Material | Surface | Standard |
| 5/8*6 '' | A3,Q235, 45#,55#, etc | According to customer needs. | According to customer's drawings or samples. |
| 9/16*5-1/2 '' | |||
| 3/8''*3-1/2 '' | |||
| 1/2*3-1/2 | |||
| Other kinds |
| the types of Ss Series Sleeper Screw | Product Name | Specification | Material | |
| 1 | Fishtail Bolt | M8-M64 | Q235,45#,55#,etc | |
| 2 | Screw Spike | Square Head Screw Spike | M16-M22 *145-200 | |
| Hexagon Head Screw Spike | ||||
| Other Types | ||||
| 3 | Sleeper Screw | Type | Specification | Weight/kg |
| Ss 1/130 | M22*130 | 0.451 | ||
| Ss 1/150 | M22*150 | 0.478 | ||
| Ss 2/180 | M22*180 | 0.595 | ||
| Ss 5/150 | M24*150 | 0.545 | ||
| Ss 6/130 | M26*130 | 0.658 | ||
| Ss 6/150 | M26*150 | 0.702 | ||
| Ss 6/170 | M26*170 | 0.385 | ||
| Ss 7/180 | M24*180 | 0.636 | ||
| Ss 8/140 | M24*140 | 0.528 | ||
| Ss 8/150 | M24*150 | 0.548 | ||
| Ss 8/160 | M24*160 | 0.568 | ||
| Ss 23/160 | M23*160 | 0.645 | ||
| Ss 24/165 | M24*165 | 0.59 | ||
| Ss 25/165 | M25*165 | 0.625 | ||
How does a rail spike work?
A rail spike works by mechanically fixing the rail (or baseplate) to the sleeper, so that the rail remains in its correct position under vertical loads, lateral forces, and longitudinal stresses generated by passing trains or cranes. The spike transfers these forces from the rail into the sleeper and then into the ballast or foundation, helping the track maintain proper gauge and alignment over long-term operation.
When a dog spike is driven into a timber sleeper, its square or tapered shank compresses the surrounding wood fibers, creating strong friction and bearing resistance. The head of the spike presses against the rail foot or baseplate, preventing the rail from lifting or shifting sideways. Under load, the sleeper resists the spike's movement, while the spike resists the rail's tendency to roll, creep, or spread, forming a simple but effective restraint system.
However, repeated vibration can gradually reduce the grip of the wood fibers, which is why dog spikes may loosen over time on heavy-duty or high-speed lines.
In the case of a screw spike, the working principle is based on thread engagement instead of friction alone. The threads cut into the sleeper or into plastic dowels embedded in concrete sleepers, forming a mechanical interlock that provides much higher pull-out resistance and better resistance to vibration. The spike head clamps the baseplate or rail foot tightly against the rail pad and sleeper, creating stable vertical and lateral restraint. Because the screw spike can be tightened again if necessary, it offers better long-term gauge retention and easier maintenance.
Rail spike, one of the products of GNEE RAIL , is used to connect the steel rail with rail sleeper or bind the rail plate and rail sleeper together.As a professional rail fasteners supplier,GNEE RAIL offers different kinds of railway fasteners to meet client's requirements, such as Elastic Rail Clip and Clamp, Plastic Dowel, High Tensile Track Bolt with Nut, Rail Base(Tie) Plate, Rail Fish Plate, Railway Shoulder(Insert), Fish Bolt, Railroad Rubber and EVA Pad, etc. Samples and drawings provided by customer, we will manufacture qualified products accordingly.
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