Can Rail Clips replace Rail Spikes?
No, rail clips do not replace rail spikes; rather, they work together in a complete rail fastening system. Rail clips are elastic fasteners that provide clamping force to hold the rail to the tie plate, while spikes are used to fix the tie plate to the sleeper. Both components are essential for the stability and safety of the railway track.
How rail clips and spikes work together?
Rail Spikes: Traditional spikes, also known as cut spikes or screw spikes, are used to fasten the base plate to the wooden or concrete sleeper (tie). Their function is to provide a secure connection between the tie plate and the sleeper.
Rail Clips: These are a type of elastic fastener that clamps the steel rail to the base plate. They prevent the rail from moving vertically or horizontally and provide pressure to hold the rail in place. Clips are often used in modern systems that include a base plate, and they maintain contact even if the spikes become loose over time.
| E-type Clips | |||
| Model | Diameter | Material | Hardness |
| E1809 | ø20 | 60Si2MnA | 44-48 |
| E1813 | ø18 | 60Si2MnA | 44-48 |
| E2001 | ø20 | 60Si2MnA | 44-48 |
| E2039 | ø20 | 60Si2MnA | 60Si2MnA |
| E2055 | ø20 | 60Si2MnA | 60Si2MnA |
| SKL Tension clips | |||
| Model | Diameter | Material | Hardness |
| SKL1 | ø13 | 60Si3CrA | 42-47 |
| SKL3 | ø13 | 60Si3CrA | 42-47 |
| SKL12 | ø13 | 38Si7 | 42-47 |
| SKL14 | ø14 | 60Si2MnA | 42-47 |
| Other Rail Clips | |||||
| Model | Russia rail clip | Deenik clip | Anti-vandal clip | Fast clip GL1419 | GL1419 |
| Diameter | ø18 | ø25 | ø18 | ø15 | ø14 |
The working principle of elastic rail clip is using the elastic compression piece. In general, the processing of elastic rail clip is simple, and the cost is low. However, due to the opening of holes for bolt fastening, stress concentration is easy to occur in this part, and the bending moment of the surface is exactly where the section is weakened. The arch bolt fastener, found in the use of the bolt tightening easy to break, in the train when the vibration easy to make the shrapnel loose, even some nuts may screw out from the bolt.
As an OEM & OBM manufacturer, GNEE RAIL is capable of not only producing a wide range of internationally common types of rail clips, such as W Tension Clamp, e-Clip, Fast-Clip, SKL Tension Clamp, Nabla Blade, etc., but also customizing products tailored to our customers' specific requirements.
Furthermore, GNEE RAIL offers a diverse range of products and services, including OEM and OBM rail fastening systems for conventional, high-speed, heavy-haul, and metro applications. Its portfolio includes rail clips, pads, tie plates, bolts, and other specialized components. Comprehensive laboratory facilities ensure all products meet rigorous standards, including EN 13146, EN 13481 internationally, and TB standards domestically in China.
