Can a rail bolt be used instead of a fishplate bolt?
Nov 06, 2025
A rail bolt can be used instead of a fishplate bolt, because a fishplate bolt is a specific type of rail bolt, and the terms are often used interchangeably. Both are used to connect rail sections, but specific applications may require different strengths and types of rail bolts.
Similarities and differences
Function: Both are used to fasten parts of a railway. Fishplate bolts connect two rails together using a fishplate (or splice bar), while general "rail bolts" can refer to other fasteners that connect rails to sleepers (ties) or attach other components.
Interchangeability: In the context of joining rail ends, a fishplate bolt is a type of rail bolt, so they are interchangeable. However, it's important to use bolts with the correct strength rating and specifications for the specific application.
Strength and type:
- Fishplate bolts must withstand high tensile and torsional forces, so they are often high-strength bolts (e.g., grades 8.8s and 10.9s).
- Other rail bolts, like those used for fastening sleepers, may have different strength requirements, and there are many types (e.g., T-bolts, clamp bolts, anchor bolts).
Selection: The correct type of rail bolt depends on the application. While a fishplate bolt can be used to join rail ends, a different type of rail bolt may be required for other functions, such as fastening the rail to the sleeper.
Railroad Bolt Specifications
Railway Fish bolt
| Grade | 4.6 | 5.6 | 8.8 | 10.9 |
| Material | Q235 | 35# | 45# | 40Cr |
| Mechanical | Tensile strength: ≥400Mpa | Tensile strength: ≥500Mpa | Tensile strength:≥800Mpa | Tensile strength: ≥1000Mpa |
| properties | Yield strength:≥240Mpa | Yield strength:≥300Mpa | Yield strength:≥640Mpa | Yield strength:≥900Mpa |
| Elongation:≥22% | Elongation:≥20% | Elongation:≥12% | Elongation:≥9% | |
| Cold bending: 90 degree without crac | Cold bending: 90 degree without crac | Cold bending: 90 degree without crac | Cold bending: 90 degree without crac | |
| Surface | plain (oiled), Oxide black, Zinc, HDG, wax, bitumen, Dacromet, Sherardizing | |||
| Standard refers | UIC864-2 | |||
Hook bolts(J bolt)
- Size: Dia. M20-M36
- Grade: 4.6, 5.6, 8.8
- Standard: UIC864 & DIN529
- Surface treatment: Plain & Oiled, Oxide Black, Zinc Plated, Hot Dip Galvanized, etc
- Raw material: Low Carbon Steel, Medium Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel
Anchor bolt
- Size: M16 to M48, L=100 to 500mm
- Material:Q235, C35, C45, 35CrMo, 42CrMo
- Standard: DIN529, ISO898-1
- Surface treatment: Oxide black, Zinc plated, hot dip galvanized, Dacromet, Sherardized
- Application: Anchored in concrete sleeper for K type fastening system.
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