Rail fastening system
![Elements of a baseplate based rail fastening system1. Screw for fixing plate to sleeper2. Elastomeric pad supporting rail3. Tension washer4. Rail clamp5. Tensioning bolt (nut not shown)6. Baseplate](/Images/godic/202502/09/Drobne_kolejivo3726.JPG")
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![Assembled example](/Images/godic/202502/09/Rail_fastening_01_ies3726.jpg")
![Rusted cut spikes (scale in inches)Dog spike](/Images/godic/202502/09/Railroad_spikes3726.JPG")
A rail fastening system is a means of fixing rails to railroad ties (United States) or sleepers (international). The terms rail anchors, tie plates, chairs and track fasteners are used to refer to parts or all of a rail fastening system. Various types of fastening have been used over the years.