How many bolts are there in a fish plate?

Jan 29, 2026 Leave a message

A rail fish plate is a joint bar fixed along the rail web that reconnects the structural section of two rail ends, enabling the joint area to carry bending stress and shear force in a way similar to an uninterrupted rail. It is essential for maintaining mechanical continuity in jointed track structures.

 

rail joint

 

GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates precisely matched to GB 8–60 kg/m rails, UIC50/54/60, DIN536 A55–A120 crane rails, QU70–QU120 crane rails, JIS rail models, AS1085 profiles, BS11 standards, and AREMA/ASCE rail sections, and can deliver complete joint assemblies with certified fasteners.

 

Standard Type Length/Diameter Weight /Material
AREMA 2007 115RE 4 hole-24" 17.04Kg 45# chemical
115RE 6 hole-36" 25.56Kg composition(%):
132-136RE 4 hole-24" 17.75Kg C: 0.42-0.50
132-136RE 6 hole-36" 26.63Kg Mn: 0.50-0.80
UIC864 UIC60 4 hole-630/Φ26 18.07Kg Si: 0.17-0.37
UIC60 4 hole-600/Φ28 17.47Kg Cr: ≤0.25
UIC60 4 hole-630/Φ25 18.1Kg P: ≤0.035
UIC54 4 hole 14.34Kg S: ≤0.035
UIC54 6 hole-800 19.94Kg  
BS 47-1 BS75R 4 hole 6.56Kg  
BS60A 4 hole 5.61Kg  
BS80A 4 hole 6.5Kg  
BS90A 685.8/Φ26 13.23Kg 50# chemical
BS90A 792.9/Φ26.2 15.34Kg composition(%):
BS100A 4 hole   C: 0.62-0.70
  90/91LB 4 hole 18.08Kg Mn: 0.50-0.80
90/91LB 6 hole 19.9Kg Si: 0.17-0.37
AS 50kg 4 hole 14.3Kg Cr: ≤0.25
50kg 6 hole 19.5Kg P: ≤0.035
  S49 4 hole 9.71Kg S: ≤0.035

 

How many bolts are there in a fish plate?

 

A standard railway fish plate (joint bar) typically uses four bolts per joint, with two bolts passing through each rail end. While four is standard, some heavy-duty or long fish plates may use six bolts per joint.

 

rail fish plate

 

  • Standard Configuration: 4 bolts per joint (2 holes per rail end).

 

  • Long Joint Configuration: 6 bolts per joint (3 holes per rail end).

 

  • Components: Each bolt is usually accompanied by a nut, a spring washer, and a flat washer for securing the joint.

 

What is the role of bolts in a rail fish plate?

 

Bolts in a rail fish plate (or joint bar) primarily serve to securely fasten two rail ends together, ensuring structural continuity, stability, and proper alignment in both horizontal and vertical planes. They maintain clamping force, allowing the assembly to withstand high dynamic stresses and vibrations.

 

rail bolt

 

  • Diameter: Standard sizes include 25mm(BG), 22mm (MG), and18mm(NG).

 

  • Components: Usually paired with square nuts, flat washers, and spring washers to lock the assembly.

 

  • Types: Often include cup head oval neck bolts, which prevent turning during tightening.

 

Key Roles of Bolts in Rail Fish Plates:

 

  • Structural Connection: Fish bolts and nuts fasten fish plates to the web of the rails, preventing separation.

 

  • Load Distribution: They help transfer loads uniformly across the rail joint, reducing wear and preventing premature failure.

 

rail joint

 

  • Alignment and Stability: They ensure the rails remain at an equal height, providing a smooth, continuous track for trains.

 

  • Vibration Resistance: High-strength bolts are designed to withstand the immense dynamic stress of passing trains.

 

  • Security: They work with spring washers to maintain constant tension and prevent loosening.

 

Founded in 2008, GNEE RAIL is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of railway components, specializing in high-quality rail fish plates (joint bars/splice bars) with strong production capacity and global service capabilities.

 

Our rail fish plate portfolio is comprehensive and compliant with international standards including UIC, AREMA, BS, DIN, and GB, covering light rail (8kg-30kg), heavy rail (38kg-75kg), and crane rail (QU70-QU120) systems. We offer diverse types such as insulated joint bars, bulged fish plates, and compromise rail joints,with precise specifications (4-hole/6-hole, 24-inch/36-inch), ensuring excellent mechanical performance.We uphold strict quality control supported by ISO 9001:2015 certification, an in-house inspection center, and third-party audits by SGS and BV. Our one-stop service includes customization, production, packaging, and after-sales support, tailored to clients' project needs.

 

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