A rail spike is a large nail with an offset head that is used to secure rails and base plates to the sleepers in track.

The rail spikes are roughly chisel-shaped with a flat edged point. The spike is driven into the sleeper with the edge against the grain, which gives greater resistance to loosening. The main function of the rail spike is to keep the rail in gauge. Rail dog spikes provide a strong, simple and inexpensive solution to securing rail track.

The method of manufacture ensures that the rail spike head and shank remain one solid piece of metal with no joins or welds.The rail spike ranges in use in many countries from coal and gold mines to sugar plantations, peat works, garden festivals and leisure parks, as well as in some heavy rail applications.

Railway spikes are widely used in various types of railway systems, including:

Ordinary railways: 

Spikes are used to fix the tracks of ordinary railways to ensure the smooth operation of trains.

High-speed railways:

The tracks of high-speed railways bear greater loads and higher speeds, so the strength, stability and durability of the spikes are higher.

Heavy-duty railways:

Heavy-duty railways transport large amounts of goods and have greater carrying capacity, so the spikes need to have higher strength and compressive resistance.

Our rail spike or dog spikes are manufactured in accordance with a number of international standards

such as GB, AREMA or ASTM, BS, UIC material, in either carbon or stainless steel.

Dog spikes are available in varying sizes to suit most applications. GNEE can supply a range of popular rail spikes, at economical prices, including the typical examples shown below: