What are the different types of rail fasteners?

Rail fasteners are structural connectors that transmit wheel loads from the rail into sleepers and ballast or concrete slabs while preserving elastic behavior to reduce impact damage and fatigue failure in the track system. Without proper fastening elasticity, rail and sleeper life would be significantly shortened. GNEE RAIL provides elastic fastening assemblies matched to rail profiles such as UIC50, UIC60, DIN A65/A75/A100, QU70–QU120 crane rails, and AREMA rail sections, offering both standard systems and customized combinations for international projects.

 

What are the different types of rail fasteners?

 

Rail fasteners are critical components in railway infrastructure that secure steel rails to ties (sleepers), maintaining track gauge and stability. Key types include elastic rail clips (E-type, SKL, Nabla, Deenik), rail spikes/screws (dog spikes, screw spikes), rail anchors, tie plates, rail clamps (KPO), and bolts, chosen based on load, speed, and sleeper material.

 

 

Here are the different types of rail fasteners categorized by function:

 

Elastic Rail Clips: These provide high-performance, elastic fastening to absorb vibration.

 

• E-Clip: A widely used, durable clip type.
• SKL Tension Clip: Tensioned clip for high-speed and heavy-haul lines.
• Nabla Clip: Known for high clamping force and stability.
• Deenik Clip: A specialized clip for specific track conditions.

 

 

Model	Diameter	Weight	Material
Type III	Ø18	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E1609	Ø16	0.43 kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E1809	Ø20	0.61kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E1813	Ø18	0.62kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E2001	Ø20	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E2007	Ø20	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E2009	Ø20	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E2039	Ø20	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E2055	Ø20	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E2056	Ø20	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E2063	Ø20	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
PR85 Rail Clip	Ø13	0.25kg/pc	60Si2MnA
PR309A	Ø19	0.85kg/pc	60Si2MnA
PR401	Ø20	0.97kg/pc	60Si2MnA
PR415	Ø20	0.95kg/pc	60Si2MnA
PR601A	Ø20	1.03kg/pc	38Si7
SKL 1	Ø13	0.48kg/pc	60Si2CrA
SKL 3	Ø13	0.48kg/pc	60Si2CrA
SKL 12	Ø13	0.53kg/pc	38Si7
SKL 14	Ø13	0.53kg/pc	60Si2MnA
Special Rail Clip	Ø13	0.48kg/pc	60Si2MnA
Russia Rail Clip	Ø18	0.58kg/pc	60Si2MnA
Deenik Clip	Ø25	0.49-0.68kg/pc	60Si2MnA

 

Rail Spikes and Screws: Used to fix rails directly to wooden or concrete ties.

 

 

• Railroad Spike/Dog Spike: A classic, robust spike to maintain gauge.

 

• Screw Spike: Provides higher clamping force than traditional spikes.

 

Rail Clamps and Plates:

 

• KPO Clamp: A heavy-duty bolted clamp system, often used in specialized applications.

 

• Rail Tie Plate/Baseplate: A steel plate that distributes the load and holds the rail in place.

 

• Rail Anchors: These are attached to the base of the rail to prevent longitudinal movement (rail creep).

 

• Rail Bolts: Include fish bolts, track bolts, and hook bolts, which are used to join rail sections or secure components.

 

• Rail Pads and Insulators: Though not "fasteners" in the sense of clamping, these are essential in the system to provide cushioning (rubber/EVA pads) and electrical insulation between the rail and the sleeper.

 

What is the function of rail fastening?

 

Rail fastening systems securely attach rails to sleepers, maintaining precise track gauge, alignment, and stability while absorbing vibrations from passing trains. They prevent lateral and longitudinal rail movement, distribute heavy loads, and ensure structural integrity to enhance ride comfort and safety.

 

Key Functions of Rail Fastenings:

 

• Securing and Positioning: Fastenings tightly hold rails to sleepers (or slab tracks), maintaining the correct gauge and preventing rail overturning or lateral movement.

 

• Load Distribution: They transfer vertical and longitudinal forces from the train to the sleepers and ballast, ensuring uniform stress distribution.

 

 

• Vibration and Noise Reduction: By incorporating elastic components, fastenings absorb dynamic impacts, decreasing shock and improving ride comfort.

 

• Longevity and Safety: They prevent rail creep (longitudinal movement) and resist immense forces, enhancing track durability and reducing derailment risks.

 

• Electrical Insulation: In electrified tracks, fasteners often provide electrical insulation between rails and sleepers to protect signaling systems.

 

GNEE RAIL offers different kinds of railway fasteners to meet client's requirements, such as Elastic Rail Clip and Clamp, Rail Screw Spike, Plastic Dowel, High Tensile Track Bolt with Nut, Rail Base(Tie) Plate, Rail Fish Plate, Railway Shoulder(Insert), Fish Bolt, Railroad Rubber and EVA Pad, etc. Samples and drawings provided by customer, we will manufacture qualified products accordingly. We also deal with Steel Rail, Sleeper, Auto Bolt and other customized parts.

 

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