A rail fish plate is a jointing device used to restore structural continuity where rails are connected mechanically rather than welded, enabling smooth force transmission across rail ends. GNEE RAIL produces fish plates for GB 8–60 kg/m rails, UIC50/54/60, DIN536 A55–A120, QU70–QU120 crane rails, JIS rail profiles, AS1085 rails, BS11 sections, and AREMA/ASCE rail sizes, providing complete joint kits.
| Standard | Type | Length/Diameter | Weight /Material | |
| AREMA 2007 | 115RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.04Kg | 45# chemical |
| 115RE | 6 hole-36" | 25.56Kg | composition(%): | |
| 132-136RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.75Kg | C: 0.42-0.50 | |
| 132-136RE | 6 hole-36" | 26.63Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| UIC864 | UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ26 | 18.07Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-600/Φ28 | 17.47Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 | |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ25 | 18.1Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 4 hole | 14.34Kg | S: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 6 hole-800 | 19.94Kg | ||
| BS 47-1 | BS75R | 4 hole | 6.56Kg | |
| BS60A | 4 hole | 5.61Kg | ||
| BS80A | 4 hole | 6.5Kg | ||
| BS90A | 685.8/Φ26 | 13.23Kg | 50# chemical | |
| BS90A | 792.9/Φ26.2 | 15.34Kg | composition(%): | |
| BS100A | 4 hole | C: 0.62-0.70 | ||
| 90/91LB | 4 hole | 18.08Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| 90/91LB | 6 hole | 19.9Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 | |
| AS | 50kg | 4 hole | 14.3Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 |
| 50kg | 6 hole | 19.5Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| S49 | 4 hole | 9.71Kg | S: ≤0.035 |
Why use railfish bolts in railroad joints?
Railfish bolts (or fish bolts) are essential for securing fish plates to rail ends, ensuring structural integrity, safety, and stability of railroad joints. They maintain proper horizontal and vertical alignment, allow for thermal expansion/contraction, and withstand high tensile stress. Using high-strength bolts reduces impact, enhancing overall track durability.
Key Reasons for Using Railfish Bolts:
- Structural Stability: They hold the fish plates firmly against the rails, connecting two rail sections securely to ensure a smooth, continuous, and safe track for trains.
- Safety and Load Bearing: They prevent rail joint failures, such as cracks in the rail head or joint bar, by managing the massive impact and friction forces generated by fast-moving trains.
- Alignment and Spacing: They maintain the required gap (expansion joint) between rail ends to accommodate temperature changes, preventing buckling in hot weather or breaking in cold weather.
- High Strength: Available in grades like 4.8, 8.8, and 10.9, these bolts are designed to withstand significant shear and tensile stress, making them essential for high-load environments.
- Maintenance of Continuity: They ensure the rails act as a continuous, stable unit, reducing the vertical movement (impact) at the joint.
These bolts are often used with lock washers to prevent loosening due to vibration.
What is the standard bolt length?
Standard rail bolt (fish bolt) lengths typically range from 100 mm to 150 mm (4 to 6 inches), though they can vary from 80 mm to over 500 mm for specialized, heavy-duty applications. Common diameters for these bolts are M16 to M24 or 7/8 inch to 1 inch, with lengths measured from under the head to the end of the bolt.
Key specifications and common lengths include:
- Common Lengths: 4 1/2", 5", 5 1/2", and 6 inches are standard for many AREMA applications.
- Metric Sizes: Often range between 100 mm and 500 mm.
- Measurement: The length is defined as the distance from under the head to the end of the bolt.
- Types: Typically feature oval necks, button heads, or square heads, complying with DIN529, ISO898-1, or ANSI/ASTM standards.
- Materials: Commonly manufactured from high-strength steel, such as Q235, C35, C45, 35CrMo, and 42CrMo.
| Railway Fish bolt | ||||
| Grade | 4.6 | 5.6 | 8.8 | 10.9 |
| Material | Q235 | 35# | 45# | 40Cr |
| Mechanical properties | 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: | Cold bending: | Cold bending: | Cold bending: | |
| 90 degree without crac | 90 degree without crac | 90 degree without crac | 90 degree without crac | |
| Surface | plain (oiled), Oxide black, Zinc, HDG, wax, bitumen, Dacromet, Sherardizing | |||
| Standard refers | UIC864-2 | |||
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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