What is a railroad spike called?
Rail spikes A rail spike (also known as a cut spike or crampon) is a large nail with an offset head that is used to secure rails and base plates to railroad ties (sleepers) in the track. Robert Livingston Stevens is credited with the invention of the rail spike, the first recorded use of which was in 1832.
How do they drive railroad spikes?
Spiking machines require two operators, one positioned over each rail, who use joysticks to guide each spike into the hole in the tie plate, then push a button to drive the spike home. A machine spiker can complete about a mile of track per day.
What is a drive spike?
DRIVE SPIKES – TIMBER HEAD AND DOME HEAD These spikes are used in tieplate, switch, and twin hook plates. Highway crossing planks, bridges and other areas where rigid fastening is required.
Can you date railroad spikes?
Railroads in the U.S. no longer use date nails. With the advent of the computer it is easier to keep records that way. Also, the treatments are pretty much fine tuned and standardized at this point.
How big is a railroad spike?
The standard size of spikes is 9/16 in. square and 5 or 5½ ins. long under the back of the head. For oak and other wood equally hard a length of 5 ins. is sufficient.
How heavy is a railroad hammer?
Spike mauls are akin to sledge hammers, typically weighing from 8 to 12 pounds (4 to 5 kg) with 30-to-36-inch (80 to 90 cm)-long handles. They have elongated double faced hardened steel heads.
How heavy is a spike maul?
Description. Spike mauls are akin to sledge hammers, typically weighing from 8 to 12 pounds (4 to 5 kg) with 30-to-36-inch (80 to 90 cm)-long handles.
What weapon is a maul?
A maul is a long-handled hammer with a heavy head, of wood, lead, or iron. Similar in appearance and function to a modern sledgehammer, it is sometimes shown as having a spear-like spike on the fore-end of the haft. The use of the maul as a weapon seems to date from the later 14th century.
Are old railroad spikes worth any money?
If you buy them online, used railroad spikes cost ROUGHLY (it will fluctuate) $. 80/spike to $1.30/spike – this doesn’t include shipping. Buying in bulk will get you a lower per unit price and will generally save you money on shipping.
Why are railroad spikes Square?
The spikes used to fasten T-shaped railroad track to wooden ties have an L-shaped head and a square shank. Its square cross section gives a railroad spike much higher holding strength than a fastener having the same amount of metal but a circular cross section has; roughly speaking, about 50% more. …
What is an SS Spiker?
The SS Spiker is ideal for contractors and short-line railroads who need to quickly move equipment to different locations. The compact size and low weight reduce transportation costs and make it easier to load and unload as well. Operators control how spikes feed into the driving guns – selecting between manual load or auto-load options.
How do operators use the spikes?
Operators control how spikes feed into the driving guns – selecting between manual load or auto-load options. In addition, the hydraulic-driven high-impact hammers provide fast, yet extremely effective, spike-driving action. The gauging attachment allows the operators to easily:
How does a spike-driving hammer work?
In addition, the hydraulic-driven high-impact hammers provide fast, yet extremely effective, spike-driving action. The gauging attachment allows the operators to easily: The tie nipper assembly grasps and pulls the ties up and closer to the rail during the spiking process, allowing the tie plate to be as firmly attached to the tie as possible.