Rail Lag Screws with 15/16 x 6-1/2 inches

Rail lag screws with dimensions of 15/16 x 6-1/2 inches are specialized, high-strength fasteners primarily used in the railway industry for wooden sleepers (ties). These are often referred to as high-tension screw spikes and are designed to provide superior holding power compared to traditional dog spikes. 

Key Specifications & Performance

• Dimensions: 15/16-inch diameter by 6-1/2-inch length.

• Standards: Often manufactured to comply with ASTM A66-87 or AREMA specifications for the American market.

• Mechanical Strength:

• Tensile Strength: Minimum 120,000 psi.

• Yield Strength: Minimum 92,000 psi.

• Hardness: Ranges between HRC 22 and HRC 32.

• Material: Typically made from heat-treated carbon steel (Grade 45#).

• Surface Treatment: Common options include plain (waxed) to aid installation or black painting for basic corrosion resistance. 

Applications

These heavy-duty screws are used to:

• Fasten Baseplates: Secure ribbed baseplates and sole plates to wooden sleepers.

• Heavy Rail Systems: Provide a secure connection in high-vibration environments like freight or passenger rail lines.

• Timber Construction: Used in highway crossing planks, bridge and trestle guard rails, and docks. 

Installation Highlights

• Tooling: Typically installed using a pneumatic spike driver or a manual maul.

• Advantages: They offer greater withdrawal strength and lower long-term maintenance costs than standard spikes because they can be removed and reused with power tools. 

Advantages

Rail lag screws, also known as sleeper screws or rail screws, are heavy-duty fasteners used to secure rail base plates or directly fasten rails to wooden or concrete sleepers, providing superior holding power compared to traditional spikes. They are crucial for maintaining gauge and withstanding high-stress loads in rail networks.

• Higher Pull-out Resistance: Provides superior clamping force compared to drive spikes.

• Easier Maintenance: Can be easily tightened or replaced without damaging the sleeper.

• Structural Integrity: Enhances the safety and service life of the rail infrastructure.