What is the diameter of a fish plate bolt?

A rail fish plate is a steel joint element whose function is to stabilize rail ends by maintaining correct relative position under traffic loads and temperature-induced movement. It ensures that rail joints do not become weak points in the track. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates suitable for GB rail standards, UIC rails, DIN536 and QU crane rails, JIS profiles, AS1085 rails, BS11 sections, and AREMA/ASCE rail systems, along with joint installation guidance.

What is the function of the fish plate bolt?

Fish plate bolts are specialized high-strength fasteners used to secure fish plates (joint bars) to the web of two connecting rail ends. Their primary function is to maintain structural integrity by holding rail joints firmly together, ensuring proper alignment, stability, and load transfer between rails while allowing for necessary thermal expansion and contraction.

Key Functions of Fish Plate Bolts:

• Securing Joint Integrity: They fasten the fish plates against the rail, preventing lateral or vertical movement of the joint, which keeps the track level and aligned.

• Withstanding Dynamic Load: Designed to endure heavy stress and vibration from passing trains, they prevent the rails from separating.

• Allowing Thermal Movement: Fish bolts are typically used in conjunction with oval-shaped holes in the rail, which allows the rails to expand or contract with temperature changes without buckling the track.

• Ensuring Safety: They are crucial in maintaining the continuity of the rail track, preventing premature rail failure.

Typically used with washers, these bolts ensure the joint remains tight, providing a smooth transition for train wheels.

What is the diameter of a fish plate bolt?

Fish plate bolts, used for joining rail sections, typically have diameters ranging from 18 mm to 25 mm (roughly 3/4 inch to 1 inch). Common metric sizes include 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, and 25mm, while imperial sizes often measure 7/8 inch or 1 inch, depending on the rail weight and standards (e.g., BS, AREMA, IR).

GNEE Rail Fish Bolt Profile:

Standards: GB, DIN, ISO, ANSI/ASTM, B7, BS, JIS etc

Grade: 4.8, 6.8, 8.8, 10.9, 12.9

Material: Q235, 45#, 40Cr, 20Mntib, stainless steel, etc

Size: M12-M24 or upon customer request

Length: 45mm-145mm or upon customer request

Surface: Plain, black, zinc-plated, or according to customers' requirement

Usage: It is used to fix the rail fish plates onto rails.

Non-standard OEM is available if the buyer provides a drawing or sample.

Samples: samples are free.

What types of rail joints can a railfish bolt be used for?

Rail fish bolts, or track bolts, are essential for fastening fishplates (splice bars) to connect rail ends in various track systems, including heavy rail, light rail, and crane rails. They are primarily used to secure fishplates on ordinary joints, insulated rail joints, compromise (compromised) joints connecting different rail sizes, and in specialized frozen joints.

Key Rail Joint Types Supported:

• Ordinary/Standard Rail Joints: Used for standard fishplate connections to join two rail ends.

• Insulated Rail Joints (IRJ): Used to fasten special insulated fishplates, often in signaled track circuits to prevent electrical conductivity.

• Compromise/Combination Joints: Used when joining rails of different heights or sections, using specifically designed, tapered fishplates.

• Joggled Rail Joints: Used where the rail ends are bent or offset, often requiring specialized fishplates.

• Frozen Joints: Used with high-strength, tight-fitting bolts to prevent longitudinal rail movement.

• Crane Rail Joints: Applied in industrial settings for fastening splice bars on crane tracks.

Founded in 2008, GNEE RAIL is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of railway components, specializing in high-quality rail fish plates (joint bars/splice bars) with strong production capacity and global service capabilities.

Our rail fish plate portfolio is comprehensive and compliant with international standards including UIC, AREMA, BS, DIN, and GB, covering light rail (8kg-30kg), heavy rail (38kg-75kg), and crane rail (QU70-QU120) systems. We offer diverse types such as insulated joint bars, bulged fish plates, and compromise rail joints,with precise specifications (4-hole/6-hole, 24-inch/36-inch), ensuring excellent mechanical performance.We uphold strict quality control supported by ISO 9001:2015 certification, an in-house inspection center, and third-party audits by SGS and BV. Our one-stop service includes customization, production, packaging, and after-sales support, tailored to clients' project needs.

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