how to Change Fish plates
- Verify the correctness of existing fish plates and bolts, and replace them if necessary.
- Inspect the overall condition of the track and replace any damaged components.
- Use a hammer or pinch bar to free the components, recover shims, and clean rail ends.
- Ensure proper alignment of boltholes and correct placement of new plates, avoiding lubricant contact with the railhead.
- Check the condition and size of original shims, replacing any defective ones.
- Tighten bolts evenly and progressively, avoiding complete tightening of one bolt before others.
- Notify the signaller of completed work and observe a train passage over the joint for confirmation.
- Clean up old components and conduct a final check on bolt tightness before leaving the site.