What Are Rail Fasteners? Functions, Types and Component Tables
Jan 28, 2026
What Are Rail Fasteners?
Rail fasteners are specialised hardware components used to attach steel rails securely to sleepers (ties) or concrete slabs. They keep the track stable by maintaining gauge, controlling rail movement and transferring wheel forces from the rail into the track structure. A complete fastening system normally includes clips, spikes or bolts, baseplates, rail pads and insulators. Without them the rail would creep longitudinally, spread laterally and hammer its seat until the track geometry failed.
Key Functions of Rail Fasteners
Securement: holds the rail firmly to the sleeper or baseplate to prevent overturning under lateral force.
Stability: maintains the correct gauge (the distance between rails) to prevent derailments.
Movement control: prevents longitudinal movement, or creep, of the rail.
Damping: reduces vibration and noise generated by passing trains and protects the sleeper seat from impact.
Main Components of a Rail Fastening System
Rail Clips (Elastic Clips)
Rail clips are spring-steel components that clamp the rail foot to the baseplate or sleeper. Their elasticity keeps a stable clamping force under dynamic wheel loads, and they can be installed and removed quickly with hand tools. Common families include E-type elastic clips, omega-type clips, studded (tension) clips and heavy-section clips for crane and heavy-haul duty. The table below shows typical clip models with nominal bar diameter, weight and material.
| Model / Type | Bar Diameter | Weight | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type III clip | 18 mm | 0.80 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E1609 | 16 mm | 0.43 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E1809 | 18 mm | 0.61 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E1813 | 18 mm | 0.62 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2001 | 20 mm | 0.80 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2007 | 20 mm | 0.80 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2009 | 20 mm | 0.80 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2039 | 20 mm | 0.80 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2055 | 20 mm | 0.80 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2056 | 20 mm | 0.80 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2063 | 20 mm | 0.80 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Light-section clip (13 mm) | 13 mm | 0.25 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Heavy-section clip (19 mm) | 19 mm | 0.85 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Heavy-section clip (20 mm) | 20 mm | 0.95-1.03 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA / 38Si7 |
| Type 1 / Type 3 tension clip | 13 mm | 0.48 kg/pc | 60Si2CrA |
| Type 12 tension clip | 13 mm | 0.53 kg/pc | 38Si7 |
| Type 14 tension clip | 13 mm | 0.53 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Special clip (13 mm) | 13 mm | 0.48 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Clip for Russian-standard systems | 18 mm | 0.58 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Heavy-section clip (25 mm) | 25 mm | 0.49-0.68 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
Rail Anchors
Rail anchors (anti-creepers) clamp onto the rail base to stop longitudinal movement, and are used mainly on jointed track and on gradients where creep forces are high.
Rail Spikes and Screw Spikes
Dog spikes and screw spikes fasten the rail or baseplate directly to timber sleepers. Screw spikes give higher holding power than dog spikes because the thread grips the wood over a larger area, and they can be withdrawn and re-driven during maintenance.
Tie Plates / Baseplates
Baseplates sit between the rail and the sleeper to spread the wheel load, hold the rail at the correct inclination and provide the seating for clips and shoulders. They are produced in forged, rolled or cast form depending on the duty.
Rail Pads and Insulators
Rail pads sit between the rail base and the sleeper or baseplate. They damp vibration, protect the concrete seat, and provide electrical insulation on track circuits. They are made from EVA, TPU, rubber or reinforced plastic depending on stiffness and insulation requirements.
Why Use a Rail Fastening System?
A correctly engineered fastening system prevents vertical, lateral and longitudinal movement of the rail under heavy loads, preserves track gauge and structural integrity, reduces noise and vibration, distributes dynamic forces evenly across the sleepers, and allows the rail to expand and contract with temperature. These factors together determine maintenance intervals and the service life of the whole track.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a clip and a clamp?
The terms are often used interchangeably. In practice a clip is a spring-steel component that generates clamping force through elastic deflection (for example an E-type clip), while a clamp usually refers to a heavier, often bolted or welded component used for crane rails and special applications. Both perform the same basic job: holding the rail against the baseplate.
How much clamping force does a rail clip need?
The required toe load depends on rail section, sleeper spacing and traffic. As a practical reference, a 20 mm bar-diameter E-type clip in 60Si2MnA is typically rated for a clamping load of around 950 kg or more, which is sufficient for standard concrete-sleeper fastening on medium and heavy lines. The design value must always be confirmed against the fastening system specification and the project standard.
Why is the clip made from spring steel?
The clip must flex every time a wheel passes and return to its original shape for millions of cycles. Spring steel grades such as 60Si2MnA and 60Si2CrA provide the combination of high yield strength, high fatigue resistance and good ductility that keeps the toe load stable without cracking or permanent set.
Do rail fasteners work on both timber and concrete sleepers?
Yes, but with different component sets. Timber sleepers accept screw spikes and dog spikes directly. Concrete sleepers need cast-in shoulders or inserts plus rail pads and elastic clips, because the concrete cannot be re-threaded and is vulnerable to impact at the rail seat.
How do I select the right rail pad hardness?
Pad stiffness must match the sleeper and traffic. A stiffer pad gives better gauge holding and lower rolling resistance but transmits more vibration and hammers the sleeper seat; a softer pad improves damping and insulation but can allow excessive rail deflection. Selection is normally based on the fastening system standard (for example Type I, Type II or Type III systems) and the axle load.
What surface treatments are available for rail clips?
Plain oiled, oxide black, colour painted, zinc plated and hot-dip galvanized finishes are all common. Oiled and painted finishes suit indoor and dry environments; galvanizing or zinc plating is preferred for humid, coastal and mining conditions where corrosion resistance is critical.
