Dog Spike Fastening System | One Stop Supplier

The dog spike fastening system (also known as a cut track spike) is a simple, cost-effective method primarily used to secure T-shaped rails and tie plates to wooden sleepers. It is characterized by an offset "L-shaped" head with two side lugs that resemble a dog's head, which aid in spike removal using specialized pullers.

Signum Rail Fastening offers rail fasteners for dog spike systems, providing comprehensive one-stop services.

Core Components & Function

• Design: Features a square shank and a wedge-shaped tip (rather than a point).

• Installation: The spike is driven into the wooden sleeper with its flat edge perpendicular to the grain to maximize friction and resistance against loosening.

• Primary Purpose: Its main function is to maintain track gauge by preventing the rail from shifting laterally, rather than providing high vertical clamping force.

• Common Sizes: Standard specifications include 5/8" × 6" and 9/16" × 5-1/2". 

Comparison: Dog Spike vs. Screw Spike

While both secure rails to sleepers, they differ significantly in application and performance:

Applications and Limitations

Usage Areas: Widely used in North America due to the extensive use of timber sleepers on freight lines. It is also common in industrial sidings, mining tracks, and light rail.

Maintenance: In high-traffic areas, dog spikes tend to "back out" or work loose over time, requiring periodic inspections and re-driving.

Timber Protection: To prevent the wood from splitting during installation, holes are often pre-bored, or steel bands are added to the sleeper ends.

Signum Rail Fastening (Kunshan Signum Machinery Technology Co., Ltd.) is a specialized manufacturer that produces dog spikes, tie plates, track bolts and fasteners specifically designed for dog spike fastening systems.