What holds the rails and sleepers together?

Spring spikes, or elastic rail spikes, is a two-pronged U-shaped staple-like spike that is bent to resemble an M. A spring spike holds a rail down to prevent tipping and secures the baseplate to the sleeper. They are commonly used with flat-bottomed rails, baseplates, and wooden sleepers.



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A Steel spikes in wooden crossties are the most obvious way railroads keep rails in place in North America. They are one piece of a system of components that has been evolving since the 19th century. The system includes spikes, tie plates, crossties, track anchors, bolts, rock ballast, and other components.

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