Why Use Railroad Spikes

Railway spikes (Rail Spike) are indispensable fasteners in wooden sleeper tracks. Their primary purpose is not only to fix the rails to the sleepers but also to ensure the safety and stability of the entire track system.

 

 

Spikes achieve this by tightly engaging the spike shank with the sleeper and pressing the spike head against the rail, preventing longitudinal or lateral rail movement when trains pass, thereby maintaining gauge and track geometry stability.

 

 

Another key reason for using spikes is to absorb and distribute the impact forces generated by train loads. During high-speed or heavy-load operation, rails are subjected to vertical, longitudinal, and lateral forces. Without proper fastening, rails may shift or loosen, potentially causing derailments. Dog spikes and screw spikes transmit these forces evenly to the sleepers-through friction or threaded locking-protecting the sleepers and track bed from excessive local stress.

 

Screw Spike

 

Type	Ss5, Ss 8, Ss25, Ss36, UIC864-1 Series, etc
Raw material	Q235, 35 steel, 45steel, 40Mn2, 20 Mn Si
Grade	4.6, 4.8, 5.6, 8.8
Surface	plain(oiled), black paint, color paint, zinc, HDG, etc

 

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Dog Spike

 

Specification	Material	Surface	Standard
5/8*6 ''	A3,Q235, 45#,55#, etc	According to customer needs.	According to customer's drawings or samples.
9/16*5-1/2 ''
3/8''*3-1/2 ''
1/2*3-1/2
Other kinds

 

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In addition, spikes typically work in coordination with other rail fasteners to form a complete fastening system. This collaboration further enhances the track's longitudinal, lateral, and vertical stability, improving operational smoothness and extending the track's service life.

 

 

GNEE RAIL offers a full range of railway spikes, including dog spikes and screw spikes, along with complementary products such as rail pads, rail clips, fishplates, and rail anchors. Customized design, manufacturing, and installation guidance are also available. For product selection or quotations, please contact GNEE RAIL directly to receive professional railway fastening solutions.