Rail Spikes

▲Rail Spikes Manufacturing Process▲

 

 

▲ Material selection

GNE Rail spikes are made from high-quality steel. The steel is sourced from us reliable suppliers and undergoes thorough quality checks to ensure it meets the required specifications.

 

▲ Forming 

Firstly, the manufacturing process of rail spike begins by forming the steel into spike blanks. This is done through hot rolling or forging processes, where the steel is heated to high temperatures and shaped into the desired form. The blanks are then cut to the appropriate length.

 

▲ Head formation

Then, The spike blanks are processed to form the head of the rail spike, including either forging or stamping the head into the desired shape. 

 

▲ Point formation

Nextly, the pointed end of the rail spike is formed. This is done by forging or machining the end of the spike to create a sharp point that can easily penetrate the wooden tie during installation.

 

▲ Heat treatment

Once the rail spikes are formed, they undergo heat treatment processes to improve their strength and hardness. 

 

▲ Surface finishing

After heat treatment, the rail spikes undergo surface finishing processes to remove any rough edges, burrs, or surface imperfections. This  include grinding, polishing, or shot blasting to achieve a smooth and uniform surface finish.

 

▲ Quality control

Quality control checks are done to ensure that the rail spikes meet the required specifications for dimensions, strength, hardness, and surface finish. 

 

 

 

▲Rail Spikes GNEE rail offered▲

 

▲ Dog spikes

Dog spikes, also known as square spikes, are among the earliest types of rail spikes used in railroad construction. They have a square shank and an offset head, which is hammered into a hole drilled into the wooden tie. Dog spikes are commonly used in light rail and tram applications.

 

▲ Screw spikes

Screw spikes, also called screw spikes or coach screws, feature a threaded shank that is screwed directly into a hole drilled into the wooden tie. They are typically used in heavy rail applications and provide a more secure fastening compared to dog spikes.

 

▲ Hook spikes

Hook spikes, as the name suggests, have a hook-shaped head that is designed to securely grip the rail base. They are commonly used in curved track sections or where additional lateral restraint is needed to prevent rail movement.

 

▲ Drive spikes

Drive spikes, also known as cut spikes or track spikes, have a tapered shank that is driven into a pre-drilled hole in the wooden tie using a spike maul or pneumatic spike driver. They are widely used in railroad construction and maintenance due to their ease of installation and cost-effectiveness.

 

 

▲Rail Spikes Maintenance▲

 

▲ Regular inspections

Railroads conduct regular inspections of their tracks to identify any issues with the rail spikes. Inspectors look for signs of damage, corrosion, bending, or loosening of spikes.

 

▲ Tightening and replacement

During inspections, any loose or damaged spikes should be tightened or replaced as necessary. Loose spikes can compromise the stability of the rail and lead to track misalignment or derailments. Spikes that are severely damaged or corroded may need to be replaced entirely.

 

▲ Use Coating

Rail spikes are typically made of steel and are susceptible to corrosion, especially in regions with high humidity or exposure to salt (such as coastal areas or regions with winter de-icing). Applying corrosion-resistant coatings or regularly painting the spikes can help prevent rust and extend their lifespan.

 

▲ Effective Tie Maintenance

Proper maintenance of the wooden ties (sleepers) is also essential for the longevity of rail spikes. Inspecting ties for rot, decay, or damage and replacing them as needed can help ensure that spikes remain securely fastened.

 

▲ Track tamping 

Over time, the ballast supporting the ties and rails may settle or become displaced, leading to track misalignment. Regular track tamping and lining operations help maintain proper track geometry and reduce the stress on rail spikes and other track components.

 

▲ Environmental Concerns

Railroads must consider environmental factors such as vegetation growth, drainage, and weather conditions that can affect the integrity of rail spikes. Keeping vegetation clear from the tracks, ensuring proper drainage to prevent water accumulation, and taking measures to mitigate the effects of extreme weather can all help prolong the life of rail spikes.

 

 

 

▲Our Factory▲

 

 

GNEE rail specialized in manufacturing and supplying railway equipment, including railway fasteners, rail joints, railway sleepers, rail tracks, railway fastening system and other fastening parts for railway construction. Since 1998, we have rich history and experience in the manufacturing of resilient railroad fasteners. Over the years, GNEE has developed into one of the most competitive suppliers of railway components in China. Its outstanding strength and leading position stand out in the industry, particularly in terms of the largest production capacity for daily rail clips and rail joints, reaching 6000,000 pieces of rail clips and 200 tons of rail joints per day.

 

 

▲Our Certification ▲

 

 

▲FAQ▲

 

 

Q: What are rail spikes made of?

A: Rail spikes are made of finest steel.

 

Q: How many production lines are dedicated to manufacturing rail spikes?
A: GNEE RAIL operates five dedicated production lines for rail spike manufacturing, covering different spike types and specifications to meet various project requirements.

 

Q: What is the annual supply capacity of your rail spikes?
A: GNEE RAIL has an annual production capacity of several million rail spikes, allowing us to support both large-volume standard orders and customized project requirements with reliable delivery schedules.

 

Q: What are the main countries and regions to which you export rail spikes?
A: Our rail spikes are exported to over 150 countries and regions worldwide, with major markets including the United States, Canada, India, Brazil, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and other regions with active railway construction and maintenance demand.

 

Q: How can I prevent corrosion on rail spikes?

A: Applying corrosion-resistant coatings or regularly painting the spikes can help prevent rust and extend their lifespan.

 

Q: Why is corrosion a concern for rail spikes?

A: Steel rail spikes are susceptible to corrosion, especially in regions with high humidity or exposure to salt, which can reduce their lifespan.

 

Q: Why is proper maintenance of wooden ties important for rail spikes?

A: Proper maintenance of wooden ties, including inspection for rot, decay, or damage, ensures that spikes remain securely fastened.

 

Q: How often should rail spikes be inspected?

A: Rail spikes should be inspected regularly as part of routine track maintenance, and any damaged or corroded spikes should be replaced promptly.

 

Q: Can rail spikes be reused?

A: In some cases, rail spikes can be reused if they are still in good condition after removal. However, it's essential to inspect them carefully for any signs of damage or corrosion before reuse.

 

Q: Are there alternatives to steel rail spikes?

A: Yes, there are alternative materials such as composite materials or newer spike designs that offer corrosion resistance and durability.

 

Q: What is the typical lifespan of rail spikes?

A: The lifespan of rail spikes varies depending on factors such as material quality, environmental conditions, and maintenance practices. However, with proper care, they can last for many years.

 

Q: Do you have any certifications regarding Rail Spikes?
A: We have passed the certification of CRCC in China and ISO9001:2008 overseas. Before shipment, Certificate of Quality can be supplied. We also accept Third Party Inspection from clients, with free samples to supply.

 

Gnee Steel (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. is one of the most professional rail spikes manufacturers and suppliers in China, featured by quality products and low price. Please rest assured to buy cheap rail spikes in stock here from our factory. Contact us for customized service.

Railway Spike,