What is the main purpose of a railroad anchor?
Jan 04, 2026
Rail anchors made in one-piece construction from spring steel are designed to fasten the steel rail tight on the base of the rail to prevent the rail from longitudinal movements, i.e. the " creeping" of the rail, caused by changing temperature, grades, traffic patterns, and braking action of trains.
Rail anchors are applied to the rail base directly and lodge up against the tie. Rail anchors provide a large bearing surface against rail base and railroad tie, preventing cutting and wear, and eventually to prolong the working life of the railroad ties.
What is the main purpose of a railroad anchor?
The main purpose of a railroad anchor (or anticreeper) is to prevent the rail from moving longitudinally (creeping) along the ties, which is caused by temperature changes, grades, and train traffic/braking, thereby maintaining track stability, gauge, and preventing wear on the ties. These spring steel clips grip the rail base and push against the sleepers (ties) to create friction, stopping the rails from sliding forward or backward.
Key Benefits of Railroad Anchor:
- Maintains Gauge: Keeps the proper distance between the rails.
- Reduces Wear: Prevents the rail from cutting into and damaging the sleepers.
- Ensures Safety: Contributes to overall track geometry and safety by stopping rail displacement.
How Railway Anchor work?
- Clamping Action: Anchors are applied to the rail base and bear against the sides of the wooden or concrete sleepers.
- Friction: They create significant friction, resisting the forces that try to move the rail.
- Longitudinal Stability: This prevents the rails from stretching or compressing too much with temperature fluctuations and stops them from shifting due to the forces from passing trains.
Available types of rail anchors
Anchors are made for a specific rail weight and base width, which can be classified into two types: the Drive-on rail anchors and Spring type rail anchor.
| Name | Rail Anchors | ||
| Type | Used for 50Kg, 85Kg,90/91LB, 115RE /136RE ,UIC54 & UIC60 rail | ||
| Or the type by customers' drawings | |||
| Material | 60Si2MnA | 45# | QT500-7 |
| Chemical composition (%) | C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.60-2.00, Cr:≤0.35, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | C:0.42-0.50, Mn:0.50-0.80, Si:0.17-0.37, Cr:≤0.25, P:≤0.035, S:≤0.035 | C:3.60-3.80, Mn:≤0.6, Si:2.50-2.90, P:≤0.08, S:≤0.025 |
| Surface | plain (oiled),color painting | ||
For heavy rail tracks such as 50kg, 70lb, 80lb, and 90/91lb, the best option for steel material is 60Si2MnA, based on our former production experience and customer feedback, this material shows more stable mechanical properties than most common material for rail anchor production is 60Si2MnA.
| Type | Material | Weight(g/pc) |
|---|---|---|
| 50Kg | 60Si2MnA | 800 |
| 70LB | 60Si2MnA | 800 |
| 85LB | 60Si2MnA | 800 |
| 90/91LB | 60Si2MnA | 800 |
The quality parameters of rail anchor has been produced strictly according to International Standards and large quantity can be provided to customers for largeproduction capacity. GNEE RAIL anchors can provide full raise base contact, distribute creeping loading evenly, Eliminate sleeper chewing and climbing, so choose GNEE as your supplier for rail anchor and other rail fastening parts is a wise choice!
