Main Features:
1. A track spike is roughly chisel- shaped with a flat edged point;
2. The spike is driven with the edge perpendicular to the grain, which will provide greater resistance from loosening;
3. The main function is to keep the rail in gauge. When attached with tie plates, the attachment strength is made as strong as possible, whereas when attaching a rail to tie plate the spike is not normally required to provide a strong vertical force, allowing the rail some freedom of movement.