Why is surface treatment applied to rail spikes?

Nov 19, 2025 Leave a message

Why is surface treatment applied to rail spikes?

 

Surface treatment is applied to rail spikes primarily to prevent corrosion and improve durability, which ensures the long-term safety and integrity of the railway track. These treatments create a protective barrier against harsh environmental conditions like moisture, salt, and temperature fluctuations, while also enhancing the spike's ability to resist wear and pull-out forces.

 

Key reasons for surface treatment

 

  • Corrosion prevention: Spikes are constantly exposed to the elements, which can cause rust and degrade the metal over time. Surface treatments like galvanizing or specialized coatings form a protective layer that prevents water and oxygen from reaching the steel, significantly extending the spike's lifespan.

 

  • Improved durability and strength: Treatment can fill gaps in the threads, increasing friction and making the spike more resistant to being pulled out. Some coatings also improve resistance to the constant stress and vibration from passing trains.

 

rail fastening

 

  • Enhanced safety: A rusted or degraded spike can fail prematurely, which compromises the entire track system and poses a serious safety risk. By maintaining the spike's strength and holding power, surface treatment is crucial for the reliable and safe operation of the railway.

 

  • Increased resistance to other environmental factors: Treatments are chosen to protect spikes from specific challenges like chemical pollution, high temperatures, and severe cold, which can cause premature aging and failure.

 

Screw Spike Manufacturing Process

 

Manufacturing Process for screw spike: Raw Material→Wiredrawing→Rod Cutting→Head Forming→Edge Cutting→Thread Rolling→Heating Treatment→Surface Treatment→Final Inspection→Packing→Shipment

 

rail fasteners

 

railroad spike from GNEE RAIL

 

rail screw

 

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

 

If you have special requirements for dimensions or higher strength materials, please contact us for special custom production.