A rail spike is a steel fastening component that holds rails securely on sleepers, resists lateral creep, and maintains track geometry under high axle loads, vibration, and repeated use. Its material strength and hardness are critical for long-term performance. GNEE RAIL supplies spikes in grades 4.6 and 5.6, materials Q235, 35#, 45#, and 40Cr, compatible with GB, UIC, DIN536, QU rails, JIS, AS1085, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE standards, with services including spike selection, supply, and installation guidance.
What is the function of spikes in railway?
Railway spikes, also known as rail spikes, are a type of specialized fastener used in traditional railway track structures, and their core functions are as follows:
- Primary Fixation FunctionThey firmly fasten the rails to the sleepers (ties). By driving the spike through the rail base and embedding it into the sleeper, they prevent the rail from sliding longitudinally or shifting laterally under dynamic loads such as train operation, thus maintaining the stable position of the rail on the sleeper.
- Load Transfer FunctionRailway spikes transfer the vertical pressure, lateral impact force, and longitudinal traction force generated by the train to the sleepers, and then to the underlying ballast bed. This layered load transfer effectively disperses the concentrated stress of the rail and protects the overall stability of the track structure.
| 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 |
- Auxiliary Anti-Creep EffectTogether with other components (such as rail braces or anti-creepers), they enhance the anti-creep performance of the track. They resist the longitudinal displacement of the rail caused by the repeated starting and braking of trains, ensuring that the rail gauge remains within the standard range.
| the types of Ss Series Sleeper Screw | Product Name | Specification | Material | |
| 1 | Fishtail Bolt | M8-M64 | Q235,45#,55#,etc | |
| 2 | Screw Spike | Square Head Screw Spike | M16-M22 *145-200 | |
| Hexagon Head Screw Spike | ||||
| Other Types | ||||
| 3 | Sleeper Screw | Type | Specification | Weight/kg |
| Ss 1/130 | M22*130 | 0.451 | ||
| 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 | ||
It should be noted that with the development of modern railway technology, especially in high-speed and heavy-haul railways, railway spikes have been gradually replaced by more advanced fastening systems (such as elastic clip fasteners) due to their limited elasticity and poor fatigue resistance. However, they are still widely used in ordinary speed railways, industrial sidings, and temporary track sections.
Railway Spikes vs Elastic Clip Fasteners - Function Comparison
Railway spikes (dog or screw) are traditional, low-cost, rigid fasteners primarily used for wood ties to hold rail in place, offering high holding power. Elastic clip fasteners (e-clips, SKL) are modern, durable components for concrete sleepers that provide superior, consistent clamping force, absorb vibrations, reduce maintenance, and are ideal for high-speed/high-traffic lines.
| Feature | Railway Spikes | Elastic Clip Fasteners |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Material | Forged Steel | High-Strength Spring Steel |
| Typical Sleeper | Wood | Concrete/Steel |
| Clamping Force | Moderate/Rigid | High/Consistent |
| Vibration Damping | Low | High |
| Maintenance Need | Higher | Lower |
| Ideal Use Case | Traditional/Low Speed | High Speed/Heavy Haul |
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.
Click here to obtain the detailed product catalog of GNEE RAIL.
