The rail fastening system secures rails to sleepers and includes components like railroad spikes, rail pads, tie plates, and rail clips. Among these, the rail clip plays a crucial role by applying pressure to maintain rail integrity and improve railway stability. Rail clips are typically used on standard straight tracks and curves with radius ≥ 300m.
Despite their importance, rail clips face issues such as cracking, loosening, and corrosion during use, which affect their performance. So, how can we keep rail clips in their best condition?
Installation
The ideal state of a rail clip is based on the "second touch" principle, controlling the tightening of the railroad spike. The target torque is around 98.07 N·m, with a maximum limit of 147.10 N·m. In a sample of 500 rail clips from five locations, 75% met the torque standard, while 25% did not. Interestingly, the clips that failed had higher torque values.
The main reasons identified are:
Corroded rail screws causing poor fastening and increased torque when replaced with new nuts.
High anchorage position of screws reducing available screw length, affecting fastening.
Workers using long-handle wrenches, applying excessive torque and overloading clips.
How to Check Rail Clip Condition?
Use a feeler gauge to inspect gaps and measure screw torque. Normal working torque should be between 78.45 N·m and 196.13 N·m to ensure proper fastening and clip performance.
Storage
Rail clips should be stored in clean, dry, well-ventilated places away from acids and organic solvents. For example, E-type rail clips should be kept indoors, and storage temperature should stay below 60°C to prevent damage.
In term of the frequently asked question, as a rail clip manufacturer, GNEE RAIL makes a list of the questions and solutions.
In term of the frequently asked question, as a rail clip manufacturer, GNEE RAIL makes a list of the questions and solutions.
Q：Rail clip is not at the right place,does it will have influence?
A: if the rail clip is not at the right place, it will reduce the service life and change the shape.
So we need to pay attention to that the rail clip should install at the place where far away to the Embedded iron tower 8~10mm.
Q：How to solve the mental rail clips be corroded?
A: Firstly, we need to know that will cause the rail screw torque increased. Pay more attention to the procedure of transforming and installing. Do not disassemble repeatedly. Oiling and painting the corrosion site in time.
Q：The gap between rail gauge block and steel rail is more than 1mm, is that right?
A: It will influence the rail gauge then threaten the train safety. You need to change the suitable rail gauge block at once.
Q：The gap between the rail clip central front jaw and the rail insulator is greater than 0.5mm, how to solve it?
A: if the gap is greater than 0.5mm, the torque of the rail clip is going to much smaller than the standard rail clip and the crimping force will be reduced. So please fasten the rail clip to ensure the gap is smaller than 0.5mm.
We just list some typical questions to answer. If you have other questions, you can contact us! We would like to help you solve your questions.