How to select the appropriate rail spike based on the type of sleeper?
To select the correct rail spike for a sleeper type, match the spike's dimensions and strength to the sleeper's material (wood, concrete, or steel), considering the required hold-down power and the installation method. For wooden sleepers, a common choice is a "dog spike," while concrete sleepers require specific elastic rail fasteners for a secure and stable connection.
| Sleeper Type | Recommended Fasteners | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden | Dog spikes, cut spikes, or screw spikes | Dog spikes: Used widely in North America; must be correctly sized (e.g., 5/8"x6" or 9/16"x5-1/2") for the rail and tie. Screw spikes: Also an option that offers greater fastening power and requires drilling and threading. |
| Concrete | Elastic rail fasteners or specific mechanical spikes | Elastic fasteners: Specifically designed for concrete sleepers to ensure a secure connection and prevent damage to the sleeper from the force of the rail. Mechanical spikes: Suitable for secondary lines or areas with specific requirements, but must be installed according to standards. |
| Steel | Specific fasteners or clips | Fastening system: Specialized clips or fasteners are used to secure the rail to the steel sleeper. |
Key selection factors:
Sleeper material:
- Wooden sleepers: Use traditional dog spikes or modern screw spikes based on the desired holding power.
- Concrete and steel sleepers: Use specialized fasteners designed for these materials to ensure proper load distribution and prevent damage.
Installation method:
- Traditional (hammer-driven) spikes: Choose a spike that is compatible with manual or mechanical driving, like a dog spike.
- Screw spikes: Require drilling and threading tools for installation and are suitable for applications where higher holding power is needed.
Required holding power:
- Screw spikes provide a greater fastening force compared to dog spikes, making them ideal for high-stress applications.
Project requirements:
Always consult project specifications and engineering requirements, as different track classes and conditions may mandate specific types of sleepers and fasteners.
Quality:
Ensure fasteners meet quality standards and are free of defects, such as cracks or deformations, to ensure safety and longevity.
railway screw Specification
Screw spike
The screw spike is usually made of steel No. 3. Because the surface of the nail rod is threaded, it is called a screw spike. Its pull-out resistance is 0.5 to 1.0 times larger than that of ordinary railroad spike, but the thrust resistance is 50% less. Due to the inconvenience of disassembly and assembly, it is difficult to adjust the gauge distance, and it is generally applied to the railway switch.
| 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 | ||||||
| Type | Specification | Weight/kg | Surface | Standard | ||
| 3 | Sleeper Screw | 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 | ||||
Dog spike
Common railroad spikes, also known as hook spikes or dog spikes, are mainly used for the connection of rails or rail pads and wooden sleepers.
| 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 |
GNEE RAIL offers different kinds of railway fasteners to meet client's requirements, such as Elastic Rail Clip and Clamp, Rail Screw Spike, 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.
