Railway 3v Screw Spike

What is Railway 3v Screw Spike?

A railway 3V screw spike (also known as a 3V sleeper screw) is a specialized threaded fastener used to secure railway rails or baseplates to sleepers (ties). It is designed to provide significantly higher holding power—approximately twice that of a standard dog spike—to prevent vertical and lateral rail movement. 

Technical Specifications

The 3V series is manufactured according to the NF F 50006 (or NF F50-006) standard. Key mechanical and physical properties include: 

Mechanical Strength:

Tensile Strength: Minimum 700 MPa.

Elongation: Minimum 12%.

Cold Bending: Must withstand a 30-degree bend without cracking.

Common Sizes:

Diameters: M20, M23, and M26.

Lengths: Range from 115mm to 255mm.

Specific Models: V20-135, V23-115, V23-135, V23-155, V23-215, and V26-115.

Material Grades: Typically produced in grades 4.6, 5.6, and 8.8.

Surface Treatments: Options include plain oiled, black oxide, zinc plated, hot-dip galvanized (HDG), and Dacromet. 

Dimensions and Weight

Applications and Features

Fastening System: 3V screw spikes are often used in conjunction with plastic dowels (sleeper plugs) when installed in concrete sleepers to ensure a secure anchor.

Vibration Resistance: Unlike smooth-shank dog spikes, the threaded design of the 3V screw is highly resistant to loosening caused by the vibrations of passing trains.

Installation: They are typically installed using a specialized machine called a spike driver or a pneumatic wrench to twist the spike into a pre-drilled hole.