A rail spike is a mechanical fixing element that locks the rail foot to the sleeper structure, allowing the rail to transmit operational loads safely into the track foundation while resisting vibration and displacement. It is a core component of traditional rail fastening systems. GNEE RAIL manufactures rail spikes for GB, UIC, DIN536, QU, JIS, AS1085, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE standards, in materials Q235, 35#, 45#, and 40Cr, and offers coating, inspection, and technical advisory services.
Are square head screws still common?
Rail square head screw spikes (or screw spikes) are still very common, particularly as a high-performance fastening method for securing rails to wooden or concrete sleepers in modern, high-speed, and heavy-haul tracks. While traditional dog spikes are still used in North America, square-head screw spikes are widely adopted for their superior clamping force.
Key details regarding their use:
- High Performance: They offer over twice the holding power of conventional hammered spikes.
- Applications: Commonly used with plastic dowels/inserts in concrete sleepers or directly into pre-bored timber ties.
- Types: Popular variants include the Ss series sleeper screw.
- Function: Used to fasten rail, tie plates, or rail anchors.
| Type | Specification | Material | Surface | Standard |
| Square head screw spike | M22*145 | 45# | Natural | UIC |
| 55Q | Zinc | AREMA | ||
| M22*155 | Q235 | Paint | DIN | |
| M22*165 | or | Oil | GB | |
| M22*185 | According to your needs. | According to your needs. | or | |
| M22*195 | According to your drawings or samples. | |||
| Other kinds |
What is the function of spikes in railway?
Railway spikes, including dog spikes and screw spikes, are essential fastening components that secure steel rails to wooden or concrete sleepers (ties). Their primary functions are to maintain precise track gauge (width between rails), prevent longitudinal/lateral rail movement, and transfer heavy traffic loads, ensuring stability and safety.
Key Functions of Railway Spikes:
- Securement: They anchor the rail firmly to the sleeper, preventing movement.
- Track Gauge Maintenance: Spikes ensure the distance between the two rails remains consistent, which is crucial for preventing derailments.
- Load Transfer: They distribute the heavy load of passing trains from the rails to the sleepers and ballast, enhancing track stability.
- Resistance to Movement: They prevent both vertical (up and down) and lateral (sideways) movement of the rails, especially during high-speed travel or thermal expansion.
- Vibration Reduction: Spikes help absorb shocks and vibrations, which reduces noise and wear on the track structure.
- Types: While traditional "dog spikes" are common for wood, screw spikes are increasingly used for superior hold, especially with concrete ties.
| 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 |
| Item | Type | Specification | Weight/kg |
| Ss series Sleeper Screw | Ss 1/130 | M22*130 | 0.451 |
| Ss 1/150 | M22*150 | 0.478 | |
| Ss 2/180 | M22*150 | 0.595 | |
| Ss 5/150 | M24*150 | 0.545 | |
| Ss 6/150 | M26*150 | 0.702 | |
| Ss 7/180 | M24*180 | 0.636 | |
| Ss 8/140 | M24*140 | 0.528 | |
| Ss 8/150 | M24*150 | 0.54 |
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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