Drive Spike Overview
Drive spikes, also known as lag bolts or lag screws, are a common type of railroad spike used in modern railway construction and maintenance.
Design and Dimensions
Drive spikes are typically made of high-carbon steel and feature a threaded shaft with a pointed end. They come in various lengths, ranging from 5 inches to 9 inches, with a diameter of around ¾ inch. The threaded shaft and pointed end design allows them to be screwed into the wooden tie using a wrench or impact driver. The head of the drive spike is usually square or hexagonal in shape, with a width of around 1.5 inches.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process of drive spikes involves several steps, including forging, cutting, threading, and heat treatment. The steel is heated to a high temperature, forged into a rectangular shape, cut to the desired length, and threaded using a threading machine. The spike is then heat-treated to increase its strength and hardness.
