A rail spike is a steel pin or screw that fastens the rail foot to the sleeper, ensuring correct gauge and track geometry while absorbing vibration and resisting rail creep and uplift. GNEE RAIL manufactures spikes in Q235, 35#, 45#, and 40Cr, in plain, zinc, HDG, Dacromet, and Sherardizing finishes, covering GB, UIC50–UIC60, DIN536 A55–A120, QU70–QU120, JIS 15KG–CR100, AS1085 31–89 kg, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE 25–175 lb.
Is a spike a fastener?
Yes, in railway engineering, a spike is a type of fastener. It belongs to the category of rail fastening components whose function is to secure the rail (or baseplate) to the sleeper, maintain track gauge, and resist vertical, lateral, and longitudinal forces generated by train or crane operations. Without spikes or other fastening devices, the rail cannot remain fixed in its designed position under repeated dynamic loads.
From a structural point of view, spikes perform the same fundamental role as other fasteners such as elastic rail clips, screw spikes, bolts, and anchors. The difference lies in the fixation mechanism. Traditional dog spikes rely on interference fit and friction with the wooden sleeper, while screw spikes rely on thread engagement, and elastic clips rely on spring force combined with embedded anchors or shoulders. All of these are classified as rail fasteners because they connect and restrain track components within the fastening system.
| 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 |
| 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 | ||||
Common Materials and Specifications of Railway Spikes
| Material | Strength Grade | Size Range | Tensile Strength | Surface Treatment | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q235 Carbon Steel | 4.6 / 5.6 | 90–250 mm | ≥ 370 MPa | Plain, Oxide Black, HDG | Mining rail, light railway |
| 35# Carbon Steel | 4.6 / 5.6 | 90–250 mm | ≥ 450 MPa | Zinc, Sherardizing | Conventional railway |
| 45# Carbon Steel | 5.6 | 100–300 mm | ≥ 520 MPa | HDG, Dacromet | Heavy-duty & industrial track |
| 40Cr Alloy Steel | 5.6 / 8.8 | 100–300 mm | ≥ 750 MPa | Dacromet, Zinc | Crane rail, high-load conditions |
How to choose the right material for Rail Spike?
- Carbon Content: Low-carbon steel (e.g., Q235) offers better plasticity, making it ideal for bending and ensuring it doesn't break, while high-carbon steel offers superior hardness.
- Environmental Conditions: In coastal or high-humidity areas, opt for stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized steel to resist corrosion.
- Load and Traffic: High-speed or heavy freight lines require stronger alloys like 40Cr or 35CrMoA to handle increased stress.
- Installation Method: If using machinery, carbon steel is reliable; for specialized applications, elastic (spring) steel provides better vibration resistance.
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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