What are the two types of rail spikes?

A rail spike is a fastening component driven or screwed into sleepers to hold rails firmly, prevent lateral shifting, and maintain safe and stable track alignment under repeated wheel loads. GNEE RAIL provides 3V screw spikes, Coach Screw Spikes, and conventional spikes for all major standards-GB, UIC, DIN536, QU, JIS, AS1085, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE-with multiple material grades and surface treatments, and services including rail-fastening layout design, supply, and installation guidance.

What are the two types of rail spikes?

In railway engineering, rail spikes are generally classified into two main types: dog spikes and screw spikes. Both are rail fasteners used to fix rails or baseplates to sleepers, mainly timber sleepers and, in some cases, concrete sleepers with inserts. The difference between them lies in their installation method, holding capacity, and long-term performance under dynamic loads.

A dog spike (also called a square spike or track spike) is driven into the sleeper with a hammer or spike-driving machine. It relies on the friction and compression between the spike shank and the wooden sleeper to hold the rail in place. Dog spikes are simple in structure and fast to install, which makes them suitable for light railway lines, mining tracks, temporary tracks, and low-speed industrial railways. However, under repeated vibration and heavy axle loads, dog spikes may gradually loosen, requiring more frequent maintenance, especially on curves and braking sections.

A screw spike (also known as a coach screw spike or railway screw) is installed by screwing into a pre-drilled hole in the sleeper, creating strong mechanical interlock through its threads. This provides much higher pull-out resistance and better resistance to vibration, making screw spikes suitable for mainline railways with timber sleepers, bridges, turnouts, and crane rail systems. Screw spikes are usually used together with steel baseplates and rail pads, which helps distribute loads and protect sleepers, significantly improving track stability and service life compared with dog spikes.

How to choose the right type of rail spike?

Choosing the right rail spike depends primarily on the sleeper material (wood vs. concrete), load requirements, and environmental conditions. Use dog/cut spikes for wood ties due to their cost-effectiveness and easy installation, while screw spikes are required for concrete sleepers to provide high holding power. For high-traffic or high-speed lines, elastic spikes are preferred for reducing vibration and maintenance.

Key Factors for Selection:

Sleeper Type:

• Wood: Requires Dog Spikes/Cut Spikes (16mm x 165mm standard).

• Concrete: Requires Screw Spikes inserted into plastic dowels or pre-cast holes.

Load and Speed:

• High-Speed/Heavy Haul: Requires high-strength elastic spikes or specialized screws to handle increased vibration and vertical force.

• Light-Duty/Low-Speed: Standard cut/dog spikes are suitable.

• Environment: In corrosive environments (coastal or damp areas), galvanized spikes are necessary for longer lifespan.

• Installation Method: Screw spikes require machinery to drill/thread, while dog spikes are hammered.

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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