What precautions should be taken when using rail spikes?
When using rail spikes, take precautions for proper installation, such as preparing the surface, using the correct tools and force, and ensuring proper depth and alignment. During use, regular maintenance is critical to ensure spikes are tight, not rusted or deformed, and to maintain safety around the tracks. For removal, use a specialized puller, keep hands clear of the mechanism and the rails, and use insulated tools if the track is electrified.
During installation
- Prepare the area: Ensure the installation surface is flat, clean, and dry.
- Use correct force: Avoid hard knocking to prevent damage to the spike or tie. Use special tools for machine-made spikes to control force and ensure proper embedding depth.
- Check dimensions: For certain types of spikes, make sure the hole depth is correct (e.g., 1 cm deeper than the pin) and the hole diameter is slightly larger than the spike diameter.
- Apply glue/anchoring agent correctly: Use the appropriate amount of glue and clean up any excess. If using an anchoring agent, ensure the platform is the correct height and the hole is filled properly.
- Inspect after installation: Check for any spikes that are crooked, backward, or incorrectly installed.
During use and maintenance
- Check for tightness: Regularly inspect spikes for looseness and re-enforce them to prevent them from falling out due to vibration.
- Monitor for wear and corrosion: Check for rust, deformation, or damage, especially in humid environments. Replace any worn-out or damaged spikes promptly with products of the same specification.
- Clean reflective surfaces: If using reflective spikes, clean their surfaces regularly to maintain visibility.
- Use protective coatings: Apply anti-corrosive grease or coatings during installation and maintenance to protect spikes from corrosion.
During removal
- Use the correct tool: Use a dedicated rail spike puller and ensure it is securely attached to the spike head.
- Maintain a safe distance: Keep hands clear from the rail and under the puller. Maintain safe distances between workers and be aware of surroundings.
- Use insulated tools: When working on a track with electrical circuits, use insulated tools to prevent electric shock.
- Be cautious on slippery surfaces: Be extra careful in snowy or icy conditions to prevent the puller from slipping.
Rail Spike Specifications
| 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 | ||||||
| Type | Specification | Weight/kg | Surface | Standard | ||
| 3 | Sleeper Screw | 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 | ||||
GNEE RAIL is manufacturing and supplying a wide range of rail screw spikes for railways. Railroad spike, also known as railway spike, track spikes, are designed with high precision and processed under mature technologies, which has been tested for decades.
GNEE choose high grade raw materials for rail spike production, in order to satisfying higher quality standards. With better reliability, robustness and effective performance, these products are used in large railway projects.
