A rail spike is a fastening device designed to secure rails to sleepers by penetration or screwing, providing resistance against longitudinal and lateral forces, and preventing movement under axle load and vibration. GNEE RAIL supplies a complete range of spikes including 3V screw spikes, Coach Screw Spikes, and standard rail spikes for GB, UIC, DIN536, QU rails, JIS, AS1085, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE rails, with surface treatments and customization options, plus technical support and logistics.
What are the different types of screw spikes in railway?
In railway engineering, screw spikes (also called coach screw spikes or railway screws) are threaded fasteners used to fix rails or baseplates to sleepers, mainly timber sleepers and sometimes concrete sleepers with plastic dowels. Compared with driven dog spikes, screw spikes provide higher pull-out resistance, better vibration stability, and longer service life, which makes them suitable for heavy-load, industrial, and crane rail applications. The classification of screw spikes is mainly based on head shape, thread form, and application environment, rather than only by size.
One common type is the square head screw spike, which has a square head designed for wrench installation. This type is widely used in conventional railway tracks and industrial sidings because it provides reliable tightening torque and is easy to install and remove during maintenance. It is usually installed together with baseplates and rail pads, improving load distribution and sleeper protection.
| Type | Specification | Material | Surface | Standard |
| Square head screw spike | M22*145 | 45# | Natural | UIC |
| 55Q | Zinc | AREMA | ||
| M22*155 | Q235 | Paint | DIN | |
| M22*165 | or | Oil | GB | |
| M22*185 | According to your needs. | According to your needs. | or | |
| M22*195 | According to your drawings or samples. | |||
| Other kinds |
Another widely used type is the hex head screw spike, which is compatible with standard socket or spanner tools. Hex head screw spikes are popular in mechanized installation and maintenance systems, especially in industrial railways and crane tracks, where consistent torque control is required. The hex head also allows better automation in fastening processes, reducing labor intensity on site.
| Grade | 4.6 | 5 .6 | 8.8 | 10.9 |
| Material | Q235 | 35# | 45# | 40Cr |
| Mechanical | Tensile strength: ≥ 400Mpa | Tensile strength: ≥ 500Mpa | Tensile strength: ≥ 800Mpa | Tensile strength: ≥ 1000Mpa |
| Yield strength: ≥ 240Mpa | Yield strength: ≥ 300Mpa | Yield strength: ≥ 640Mpa | Yield strength: ≥ 900Mpa | |
| Elongation: ≥ 22% | Elongation: ≥ 20% | Elongation: ≥ 12% | Elongation: ≥ 9% | |
| Cold bending: 90 degree | Cold bending: 90 degree | Cold bending: 90 degree | Cold bending: 90 degree | |
| without crack | without crack | without crack | without crack | |
| Surface | plain (oiled) , Oxide black, Zinc, HDG, wax, bitumen, Dacromet, Sherardizing | |||
For European and African markets, a very important category is the 3V screw spike, manufactured according to NF F50-006 standard. This type has specific thread geometry and head dimensions to match baseplates used in French and related railway systems. The 3V screw spike is commonly used in mainline railways, turnouts, and bridge sections, where higher longitudinal resistance and stable gauge retention are required. It is also available in different strength grades and surface treatments for various climate conditions.
| Types: V20-135, V23-115, V23-135, V23-155, V23-215, V26-115. |
| Grade: 4.6, 5.6, 8.8 |
| Material: Q235, 35K, 45#, etc. |
| Surface: Plain, Zinc, HDG, Color Painted, etc. |
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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