M24 Screw Spike | Railway Fasteners

The M24 screw spike is a rail fastening component widely used in railway track construction and maintenance. The "M" in M24 refers to the metric diameter of the spike, which is 24 mm, and this size is typically associated with heavy-duty applications where high stability and load-bearing capacity are required. These screw spikes are designed to securely fasten the rail to the tie (either wooden, concrete, or composite), ensuring track stability and reducing maintenance needs over time.

As a leading manufacturer of high-quality railway fastening solutions, Kunshan Signum Machinery Technology Co.,Ltd is proud to present the M24 screw spike, a product engineered to deliver exceptional holding power, corrosion resistance, and long-lasting performance for railway track systems.

1. Key Features of the M24 Screw Spike

Thread Design

Thread Type: The M24 screw spike features a helical thread design, which provides superior grip and helps to prevent loosening of the spike over time, a common issue with traditional cut spikes. The threaded design allows the spike to anchor firmly into the tie and hold the rail securely in place under dynamic forces.

Thread Pitch and Geometry: The pitch and geometry of the thread are optimized for maximum holding strength, ensuring the spike can withstand repeated loading from passing trains without coming loose. This helps to improve track alignment and stability.

Dimensions

• Diameter: The "M24" refers to the diameter of the spike’s shaft, which is 24 mm (approximately 0.94 inches). This large diameter allows the spike to provide a stronger hold, especially in heavy-duty rail systems.

• Length: The length of an M24 screw spike is typically in the range of 100 mm to 150 mm (approximately 4-6 inches). The exact length can vary depending on the specific rail system and tie type.

Material

The M24 screw spike is typically made from high-strength materials such as high-carbon steel, alloy steel, or chromium-molybdenum steel, which offer excellent tensile strength, fatigue resistance, and wear resistance. These materials allow the screw spike to withstand heavy loads, repeated stresses, and environmental exposure.

The spike is often galvanized or coated with zinc to provide additional corrosion resistance, ensuring the spike remains functional and durable in various environmental conditions, such as humid, moist, or coastal areas.

Tapered Shank

The M24 screw spike typically has a tapered shank, which makes installation easier by reducing the force needed to drive the spike into the tie. The tapered shape also helps ensure a tight fit in the tie material, providing better anchoring.

2. Applications of the M24 Screw Spike

Heavy Freight Rail Systems

The M24 screw spike is often used in heavy freight rail systems that handle high-load trains. Its large diameter and strong thread design make it ideal for securing the rails to ties in systems that carry heavy freight, such as bulk goods, industrial products, and mineral transport. In these systems, the M24 screw spike helps maintain track alignment and reduces vibration-induced loosening over time.

High-Speed Rail Systems

In high-speed rail systems, such as the Shinkansen in Japan, the TGV in France, or other bullet train systems, the M24 screw spike is used to provide stable fastening for the rail, which experiences high dynamic forces and vibration. These systems require strong, reliable fastening components to ensure that the track remains aligned at high speeds.

The vibration resistance of the M24 screw spike ensures that the rail remains securely fastened even under the forces generated by high-speed trains.

Urban Transit and Commuter Rail

The M24 screw spike is also used in urban transit systems or commuter rail lines, particularly those in areas where track stability and frequent traffic are a concern. The spike’s durability makes it ideal for light rail, subway, and light-rail commuter lines, where the track must withstand repeated stress and vibration over time.

Heavy-Duty Passenger Rail Lines

In heavy-duty passenger rail systems, such as intercity lines, where the trains can be both heavy and fast, the M24 screw spike provides the necessary track stability. The spike ensures the rail stays securely fastened to the tie and minimizes the risk of track misalignment under the stress of high-speed traffic and frequent braking.

Maintenance of Way (MOW) and Rehabilitation

The M24 screw spike is also used during track maintenance and rehabilitation projects. It is easier to install and remove than traditional hammered spikes, and its resistance to loosening makes it a good choice for upgrading existing rail lines. The ability to remove and replace the spike with minimal disruption helps reduce downtime during repairs.

3. Advantages of the M24 Screw Spike

Improved Track Stability

The helical thread design of the M24 screw spike allows for a secure grip within the tie, improving the overall track stability and reducing the likelihood of misalignment over time. This is crucial in freight-heavy or high-speed rail systems, where the dynamic forces generated by passing trains are significant.

Corrosion Resistance

Galvanized coatings or stainless steel options provide superior corrosion resistance. The M24 screw spike can be used in coastal areas, humid regions, or saltwater environments where other types of fasteners might corrode or weaken over time.

Ease of Installation and Maintenance

M24 screw spikes can be easily installed and removed with specialized tools like rail screwdrivers or impact drivers, significantly reducing installation time compared to traditional cut spikes. The tapered design helps to drive the spike into the tie with minimal effort.

These spikes are also easy to replace during maintenance or track rehabilitation, making them more cost-effective in the long run compared to traditional fasteners that require more labor-intensive processes.

Long-Term Durability

The high-strength steel and advanced coating technologies used in the M24 screw spike provide long-lasting performance. They resist fatigue, wear, and corrosion, making them a reliable choice for long-term track maintenance.

Reduced Track Maintenance

The resistance to loosening provided by the helical threads of the M24 screw spike means that the rail remains firmly attached to the tie, reducing the need for frequent re-spiking. This translates to lower maintenance costs and fewer disruptions to service.

4. Performance Characteristics of the M24 Screw Spike

Tensile Strength

The M24 screw spike is typically made from high-tensile steel, offering excellent resistance to breaking and deformation under heavy loads. The spike’s tensile strength ensures that it can handle the significant forces generated by heavy freight and high-speed passenger trains.

The tensile strength is generally in the range of 800-1,200 MPa (megapascals), depending on the material used.

Pullout Resistance

The pullout resistance of the M24 screw spike is high due to the deep helical threads, which provide excellent anchoring in wooden, concrete, or composite ties. This makes the M24 screw spike especially useful in heavy-duty rail systems where track stability is critical.

Fatigue Resistance

The M24 screw spike is designed to resist fatigue caused by repeated loading cycles. This is important in systems with frequent train traffic or in high-speed systems where the forces exerted on the track are intense. The spike's resistance to fatigue ensures long-term stability and reduced maintenance needs.

5. Regional Usage of M24 Screw Spike

• North America: In freight-heavy systems (such as the Union Pacific or Canadian National Railways), M24 screw spikes are commonly used to secure rails to ties in regions with high freight volumes and heavy loads. They are also used in some high-speed rail systems in major cities.

• Europe: The M24 screw spike is used in high-speed and intercity rail lines, particularly in countries like Germany, France, and the UK, where high-speed trains and heavy freight traffic require durable track fastening systems.

• Asia: In China, Japan, and India, the M24 screw spike is used in heavy-duty rail systems, including high-speed rail, to secure the rail to the track in regions with high train traffic.

Get in Touch with Us

If you're looking for a reliable, high-quality solution for your railway fastening needs, look no further than the M24 screw spike. Contact us today to learn more about how our M24 screw spikes can help improve the security, stability, and efficiency of your railway infrastructure.

Contact Details:

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Email: admin@rail-fastening.com

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Address: 120 Tongjing Road, Lujia Town, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215331, China