A rail spike is a mechanical fastener that secures the rail foot to timber, composite, or concrete sleepers, ensuring gauge preservation and preventing vertical or lateral displacement due to train traffic or environmental effects. GNEE RAIL provides 3V screw spikes, Coach Screw Spikes, and standard rail spikes in grades 4.6 and 5.6 for GB, UIC, DIN536, QU, JIS, AS1085, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE rails.
How strong is a railroad spike?
Railroad spikes are engineered for high, consistent strength, generally featuring a minimum yield strength of 46,000 psi and tensile strength around 55,000 psi. Made from low to medium carbon steel, they provide excellent durability and resistance to bending, crucial for securing heavy rails. Their square design gives them high holding power, with resistance to withdrawal ranging from 857 lbs in softer woods to over 4,000 lbs in seasoned hardwood.
- Composition & Strength: Standard spikes are often made from mild to medium carbon steel, though "High Carbon" (HC) variants offer superior strength.
- Mechanical Properties: They are designed with high impact resistance and ductility.
- Holding Power: The square shape is more efficient than circular fasteners, providing superior grip.
- Types: Standard "dog" spikes secure the rail to the tie, while stronger "screw" spikes provide even higher fastening force, sometimes used in conjunction with springs.
What are the two types of rail spikes?
The two primary types of rail spikes are dog spikes and screw spikes, which are used to fasten rails to railway sleepers. Dog spikes are traditional, hammered, L-shaped spikes common on wooden ties, while screw spikes are helical, threaded fasteners that provide higher holding power, commonly used in high-traffic or modern, heavy-duty applications.
Key Details About Rail Spike Types:
- Dog Spikes: Also known as rail spikes or cut spikes, they feature a pointed, chisel-shaped tip and a "head" with two lugs on either side (resembling a dog's ears) that allow them to be driven into wood.
| 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 |
- Screw Spikes: Also known as rail screws or screw fasteners, these are screwed into a pre-bored hole in the sleeper. They offer superior clamping force, are often used with spring washers for better stability, and are ideal for areas with heavy vibrations.
| the types of Ss Series Sleeper Screw | Product Name | Specification | Material | Surface | Standard | |
| 1 | Fishtail Bolt | M8-M64 | Q235,45#,55#,etc | Zinc,Plain, Black Oil | UIC,AREMA,JIS,GB or according to your requests. | |
| 2 | Screw Spike | Square Head Screw Spike | M16-M22 *145-200 | |||
| Hexagon Head Screw Spike | ||||||
| Other Types | ||||||
| 3 | Sleeper Screw | Type | Specification | Weight/kg | Surface | Standard |
| Ss 1/130 | M22*130 | 0.451 | Zinc,Plain, Black Oil | UIC,AREMA,JIS,GB or according to your requests. | ||
| 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 | ||||
- Functions: Both types are designed to secure the rail to the sleeper and maintain the correct track gauge.
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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