Rail spike

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Two unused and one heavily corroded spike. The measurement scale on the spike in the background is inches (7 in = 17.8 cm).
Two unused and one heavily corroded spike. The measurement scale on the spike in the background is inches (7 in = 17.8 cm).

In rail terminology, a spike is a large nail with an offset head that is used to secure rails or fishplates (or baseplates) to ties in the track. Spikes are driven into wooden ties either by hammering them with a spike hammer by hand, or in an automated fashion with a spiker.

Many railways use large wood screws, also called lag screws, to fasten the fishplates (or baseplates) to the railroad ties.

In the television show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the character Spike receives his nickname from his use of railroad spikes to torture his victims.


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