Dog Spike Manufacturing Overview
The dog spike, also known as the cut spike, serves as a vital railroad spike driven into wooden ties using a sledgehammer or spike maul.
Introduced in the early 19th century to replace wooden pegs, dog spikes are crafted from high-carbon steel, featuring a rectangular shank with a pointed end.
Dimensions and Design
Dog spikes range from 5.5 to 6.5 inches in length, with a diameter of approximately 9/16 inch. Possessing a rectangular shank and pointed end, they are driven into wooden ties using a sledgehammer or spike maul. The square-shaped head measures around 1.5 inches in width.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process involves forging, cutting, and heat treatment. Steel is heated, forged into a rectangular shape, cut to the desired length, and the head is formed using a trimming machine. Heat treatment follows to enhance strength and hardness.
