A railroad spike, also called a railroad nail, it is a large nail with an offset head that is mainly used to make sure the rail in gauge by secure the rails to railroad ties in the track. As a key part of railroad fasteners, the railroad spike purchase will be more selective. Here are some tips about buying railroad spikes from several aspects like types, sizes, materials, maintenance and service, cost and price, etc.
I. Clarify Type and Size Compatibility
Rail spikes are mainly divided into two categories: screw spikes and dog spikes. Spiral spikes enhance fastening force through their threaded design and are suitable for various sleeper types: Ss series sleeper screws (e.g., Ss 1/130, Ss 7/180) are compatible with standard gauge tracks; square-head and hexagon spiral spikes (common specifications from M22×145 to M22×195) facilitate tool operation and are widely used in heavy-haul lines; double-headed spiral spikes (23×174 specification) are matched with the Nabla elastic clip system and are widely applied in the African market.
Ss series sleeper screw is a typical kind of rail spikes, the common sizes include Ss 1/130 , Ss 1/150 , Ss 2/180, Ss 5/150 , Ss 6/150, Ss 7/180 , Ss 8/140 , Ss 8/150, etc.
Square head screw spikes get their name from its square head, and common sizes include M22*145, M22*155, M22*165, M22*185, M22*195, etc.
As the name implies, the Hexagon screw spike has a hexagon head, and common sizes include M22*145, M22*155, M22*165, M22*185, M22*195, and so on.
Double-head screw spike is usually used with Nabla clip fastening system, and it is widely used in Africa, and common size is 23×174.
Dog spikes feature an L-shaped head and square shank structure, named for their head protrusion resembling a dog's head. They are specially designed for wooden sleeper tracks. The 5/8"×6" and 9/16"×5-1/2" specifications are commonly used in North America, with their beveled design perfectly fitting the curvature of the rail base. GNEE RAIL can provide a series of rail spikes and offer customized coatings for products according to customer requirements.
II. Focus on Material and Standard Compliance
Material selection should match working conditions: Q235 carbon steel is economical and practical, suitable for ordinary lines; Q345B/D and 45# steel have higher strengt;alloy steels such as 40Cr and 35CrMoA are used for special tracks with high strength requirements. Surface treatment can be selected according to the environment: ordinary oxidation treatment is suitable for dry areas, while hot-dip galvanizing or zinc infiltration treatment can improve corrosion resistance in coastal and humid environments.
| Type | Specification | Material | Surface | Standard |
| Square head screw spike | M22*145 | 45# | Natural | UIC |
| 55Q | Zinc | AREMA | ||
| M22*155 | Q235 | Paint | DIN | |
| M22*165 | or | Oil | GB | |
| M22*185 | According to your needs. | According to your needs. | or | |
| M22*195 | According to your drawings or samples. | |||
| Other kinds |
When purchasing, it is necessary to confirm that the products meet corresponding standards such as GB, DIN, and ISO. Export projects also need to comply with international specifications such as ANSI/ASTM and BS to ensure compatibility with the track system. GNEE RAIL provides rail spikes of various standards to ensure the compatibility of the spikes purchased from us with other fasteners. Alternatively, you can purchase a complete set of rail fastener systems from GNEE, as we offer various types of rail fasteners including elastic clips, base plates, bolts and nuts, and crane elastic clips.
III. Attach Importance to Quality Control and Certification
High-quality spikes require strict full-process quality control, with standards met from raw material smelting to finished product inspection. The spikes produced by GNEE RAIL are manufactured in strict accordance with international standards, holding certifications such as CRCC and ISO. Their hardness is usually ≥100HB, with higher tensile strength, which can effectively reduce the risks of loosening and fracture caused by material defects.
IV. Consider the Balance Between Service and Cost
A sound service system can reduce procurement risks. GNEE RAIL can provide free samples and customized packaging (such as double-layer woven bags + fumigation-free pallets, steel drums + pallets). With our own factory, we can offer cost-effective spike products.
GNEE RAIL provides a full range of rail spike products, covering Ss series spiral spikes, square-head/hexagon spikes, and dog-headed spikes. The materials include Q235, 45# steel, 35CrMoA, etc. We support customized surface treatments such as hot-dip galvanizing and zinc infiltration, and can meet the requirements of multiple standards including GB, DIN, and ANSI. We also provide sample testing, exclusive packaging design, and full-process technical support. For more product information, please contact us!