What can I make out of a railroad spike?

Railroad spikes, also known as cut spikes or rail spikes, are large nails that are used to hold railroad tracks in place. They are an iconic symbol of the railroad industry and the expansion of transportation across the United States in the 19th century. While railroad spikes are no longer widely used today due to advances in track technology, they can still be found as decorative collectibles or repurposed into interesting DIY projects. With some creativity and skill, old railroad spikes can be transformed into fascinating home decor, tools, or hobby items.

What is a railroad spike?

A railroad spike is a large nail with an elongated cone shape and a flat head. The shaft is about 5-6 inches long and the head is about 1 inch wide. Railroad spikes are made from steel and are very strong and durable. They have been mass produced since the mid 1800s for the purpose of building railroads across North America.

The spikes are driven into wooden railroad ties (also called sleepers) to hold the steel rails securely in place. By spiking the rails to the ties, the track is stabilized and kept the correct distance apart, called the gauge. Using hundreds of thousands of spikes allows mile after mile of rail line to be constructed.

Over the years, different spike designs were engineered to improve strength and ease of production. Cut spikes have a chisel point on the end which made them easier to drive into wood. Early railroad spikes were made by blacksmiths but by the 1870s, machines took over mass production.

Railroad spikes are closely associated with the enormous expansion of rail lines in the late 1800s. The Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869, linking the east and west coasts of the United States for the first time. Building this railroad required an estimated 3 million spikes!

Why are railroad spikes not used as much today?

While railroad spikes were essential for building rail lines in the past, they are rarely used today in modern track construction. This is mainly due to advances in track technology and maintenance.

One reason spikes are obsolete is that most modern railroads use tie plates to attach the rails instead of spiking them directly to the ties. Tie plates are thick metal plates that sit between the rail and tie. They have spikes or bolts welded onto them to fasten the rail down while also insulating the tie from wear and distributing weight.

Concrete railroad ties have also become more common, replacing traditional wood ties. Concrete is much harder than wood so does not require spiking. The rails can be attached with special fasteners.

Lastly, routine maintenance and replacement of old track components has reduced the need for spikes. Railroad lines are carefully monitored and worn out ties and rails are changed out before they fail. This preventative maintenance means spikes don’t need to be driven in over and over to secure loose rails.

While some railroads may still use spikes for certain track repair jobs, they are no longer essential to modern rail infrastructure. The majority of original cut spikes have been removed over time as old lines were upgraded. However, there are still many old spikes to be found that can be repurposed for other uses.

Where can I find old railroad spikes?

Discarded railroad spikes can be found in a few places for reuse in DIY projects:

• Railroad salvage yards – These warehouses often have buckets of old railroad hardware including spikes, nuts and bolts. They sell to the public.
• Along active rail lines – Walk along train tracks to look for spikes that have worked loose and fallen off over time.
• Train shows and flea markets – Vendors may have some for sale.
• Online sellers – Sites like eBay have listings for spikes in various conditions.
• Metal recycling centers – They may let you sort through scrap piles to find spikes.
• Antique stores – Could have a few mixed with other old tools and hardware.

It’s important to get permission from property owners before searching along active rail lines. Wear safety gear when looking around tracks.

When looking for spikes, bring a hammer to test them for soundness. Avoid cracked or bent spikes for projects where strength matters.

What types of projects can be made with railroad spikes?

Railroad spikes can be reforged, cut, ground, and drilled to create all types of interesting DIY projects. Some common ideas include:

Home Decor

• Coat racks
• Candle holders
• Wall hooks
• Wind chimes
• Kitchen magnets
• Fireplace tool sets

Furniture

• Tables
• Benches
• Stools
• Shelving
• Wine racks

Garden/Outdoors

• Plant stands
• Trellises
• Garden stakes
• Stepping stones
• Animal yard art

Tools

• Letter openers
• Hammers
• Tomahawks
• Knives
• Tongs

The possibilities are endless! Railroad spikes can be left looking old and rustic or ground to a polished, silver finish. Get creative with bending, welding, and embedding spikes into other materials.

What precautions should I take when working with railroad spikes?

Railroad spikes require special care when handling and working on projects:

• Wear leather gloves – the points are very sharp.
• Use eye protection – sparks may fly when grinding or hammering.
• Don’t breathe metal dust – use a respirator mask.
• Work in a ventilated area – avoid inhaling fumes if heating spikes.
• Use proper tools – vise grips, drill press, grinder, torch, anvil, etc.
• Hammer carefully – the heads can chip or send metal shards flying.
• Grind cautiously – hold spike firmly and direct sparks away.
• Consider lead content – take precautions if welding or heating to high temperatures.
• Clean up well – properly dispose of all metal scrap pieces when done.

Always work slowly and carefully when altering the shape of spikes. Wear protective clothing and secure long hair. Burns are a risk when heating metal. Let all materials cool completely before handling.

What tools and materials do I need?

Completing railroad spike projects typically requires:

• Hammer – A heavy hammer up to 2 pounds is needed to reshape spikes.
• Vise grips – Essential for holding spikes securely while hammering and bending.
• Grinder – For sharpening points and smoothing cut edges.
• Welder – Helpful for joining spikes together into larger structures.
• Drill – Makes holes for hanging projects or connecting material.
• Torch – A small blowtorch can heat and bend spikes.
• Anvil – A small anvil helps form metal using hammer blows.
• Metal snips – Aviation snips cut spikes easily.
• Safety gear – Gloves, goggles, mask, heavy apron, etc.

Beyond basic tools, certain projects require additional materials like wood, chain, hardware, paint and sealant. Creativity is key!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Railroad Spike Knife

With some simple tools and precision, railroad spikes can be forged into functional knives. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process:

Supplies Needed

• Railroad spike
• Small anvil
• 2 lb. hammer
• Blowtorch
• Vise grips
• Metal files
• Sandpaper
• Drill
• Handle material – wood, antler, etc.
• Epoxy
• Leather belt sander
• Safety gear – gloves, goggles, apron

Instructions

1. Heat the railroad spike red hot with a blowtorch to make the metal flexible.
2. Use the vise grips to clamp the base of the spike on the anvil. Hammer the tip to draw out a thin point about 2 inches long.
3. Reheat and flatten the point sideways to form the knife’s blade shape. Quench frequently in water.
4. Once cooled, grind the blade edges with a belt sander. Refine and sharpen further with files and sandpaper.
5. Mark and drill holes in the spike head for handle pins. Heat and flatten head for appearance.
6. Cut handle material to size. Drill holes to match spike. Attach together with epoxy and pins.
7. Shape and smooth handle with sander. Polish blade and finish handle as desired.

With practice, the railroad spike knife can be customized in different blade styles. Always use extreme caution when heat treating and sharpening.

Tips for Successful Railroad Spike Projects

Working with railroad spikes allows room for creativity but following some basic tips will produce better results:

• Start with an idea sketch to visualize the finished project.
• Select spikes that are straight and without cracks or chips.
• Annealing spikes in a forge makes them softer for reshaping.
• Allow metal to cool between heating to avoid overtempering.
• Use jigs to hold spikes steady for cutting or drilling.
• Apply finishes like paint or oil to prevent rusting.
• Combining spikes with other materials expands possibilities.
• Add texture with hammer marks, express character.
• Safety first! Wear protection and work carefully.

Railroad spikes have great potential for artful repurposing. With imagination and persistence, you can create amazing home goods from recycled railroad history!

Conclusion

Railroad spikes are iconic relics from the golden age of rail lines across North America. While no longer essential for modern tracks, these durable old spikes can find new life in creative projects. With basic metalworking skills, spikes can become decorative home items like candle holders or wall hooks. More advanced techniques allow forging sturdier furniture or tools. Safety is paramount when hammering and grinding spikes, so work carefully. Breathing new purpose into recycled railroad spikes results in unique handmade items full of nostalgic industrial charm.