The Primary Purpose of Railroad Spikes and Gauge Maintenance
Railroad spikes are primarily used to secure railway tracks to sleepers, also called ties, to maintain the correct distance between the rails and prevent derailments. Their chisel-shaped point is driven perpendicular to the wood grain for greater holding power, and they are used together with tie plates to provide a strong connection that holds the rail in place.
Railroad spikes are essential for fastening the two steel rails to the wooden or concrete sleepers in a railroad track. The spike passes through or beside the tie plate and embeds into the sleeper, clamping the rail foot against the plate. This keeps the rail in its correct vertical and lateral position under the load of passing trains.
By holding the rails to the sleepers, spikes ensure that the track has the correct gauge, which is the distance between the inside faces of the two rails. Correct gauge is crucial for train safety, because gauge deviation increases the risk of wheel flange climbing and derailment, especially on curves and turnouts.
How the Chisel Point Prevents Loosening
The unique chisel-shaped point of a dog spike is driven into the wood grain at a right angle, which increases resistance to loosening from the constant vibration of passing trains. The sloping underside of the head matches the slope of the rail flange, while the wedge tip bites into the timber so that vertical and lateral forces are resisted without the spike working loose.
Working with Tie Plates
Spikes are used in conjunction with tie plates, which are metal plates placed between the rail and the sleeper to strengthen the fastening and distribute the load over a larger sleeper area. The tie plate protects the timber from cutting and wear, and the spike holds both the plate and the rail in position, forming a complete rail seat assembly.
Other Uses of Railroad Spikes
Beyond track construction, railroad spikes are a popular material for blacksmiths and DIY enthusiasts to create items such as hooks, knives and decorative pieces. They can also be used as weights for holding down items while working on projects, for example when gluing model railroad scenery. These secondary uses reflect the robust material quality of the spikes.
Spike Specifications and Selection
Railroad spikes are manufactured to standards such as AREMA and UIC or to customer requirements. Typical dimensions range from 3/8 x 3-1/2 inch to 5/8 x 6 inch for dog spikes, and screw spikes for wooden sleepers are available in sizes such as 15/16 x 6-1/2 inch with plain waxed or black painted surfaces. Materials include Q235, 45 and 55 steel grades, with the choice depending on sleeper type, traffic load and environmental conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main use of railroad spikes? The main use is to fasten the steel rails to the sleepers and maintain the correct track gauge.
Why is the spike point chisel shaped? The chisel-shaped point is driven perpendicular to the wood grain to increase resistance to loosening from vibration.
What is a tie plate used for? tie plate is placed between the rail and the sleeper to distribute the load and protect the sleeper from cutting and wear.
What happens if the track gauge is wrong? Gauge deviation increases the risk of wheel flange climbing and derailment, especially on curves and turnouts.
Can railroad spikes be used for anything else? Yes, they are used by blacksmiths and DIY enthusiasts for hooks, knives, decorative items and weights.
What standards do railroad spikes follow? Railroad spikes are manufactured according to AREMA, UIC or customer-specific standards and drawings.
