A rail spike is a steel fastening element installed through the rail foot into the sleeper to anchor the rail securely, preventing longitudinal creep and maintaining track alignment under repeated dynamic loads. It is critical for operational safety and structural stability. GNEE RAIL supplies spikes compatible with GB 8–60 kg/m rails, UIC50/54/60, DIN536 crane rails, QU70–QU120, JIS 15KG–CR100, AS1085 31–89 kg, BS11:1985, and AREMA/ASCE 25–175 lb, with surface treatments including plain, zinc, HDG, Dacromet, and Sherardizing, plus installation and technical support.
What is a hexagon screw head called?
A rail hexagon screw head spike is commonly called a hexagon head rail sleeper screw, hexagon screw spike, or simply a rail screw. These heavy-duty, threaded fasteners are used to secure steel rail base plates or direct rail to wooden or concrete sleepers, often in combination with plastic dowels.
| 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 | |||
Key details about hexagon head rail screws:
- Purpose: Provides higher holding power (about 0.5 to 1.0 times more) compared to traditional dog spikes.
- Applications: Commonly used in heavy-rail, high-speed, and turnout applications.
- Design: Features a hexagonal head for easy installation and removal with a spanner or wrench, often adhering to standards like AREMA, ASTM A66, or UIC 864-1.
- Variations: Often part of the Ss series sleeper screws, frequently sized M22 or M24.
Are railroad spikes made of iron?
Railroad spikes are primarily made of low-carbon or medium-carbon steel, not pure iron. While older spikes (pre-1890s) were made of wrought iron, modern spikes are forged from steel to ensure they are durable enough to bend without cracking. They are designed to withstand high stress and are often marked "HC" for high-carbon (technically medium-carbon).
Key Details Regarding Materials:
Composition: Most spikes are made of Q235, Q345, or similar carbon steel grades, which offer a balance of toughness and durability.
| Material | Strength Grade | Typical Length | Tensile Strength | Surface Treatment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q235 Carbon Steel | 4.6 / 5.6 | 90–250 mm | ≥ 370 MPa | Plain, Oxide Black, HDG | |
| 35# Carbon Steel | 4.6 / 5.6 | 90–250 mm | ≥ 450 MPa | Zinc, Sherardizing | |
| 45# Carbon Steel | 5.6 | 100–300 mm | ≥ 520 MPa | HDG, Dacromet | |
| 40Cr Alloy Steel | 5.6 / 8.8 | 100–300 mm | ≥ 750 MPa | Dacromet, Zinc |
"High Carbon" (HC): Modern, stronger spikes may be labeled "HC," but this generally refers to a medium-carbon content (around 0.30%) rather than high-carbon steel.
Other Types of Rail Spike
| 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 | ||||
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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