ASTM A66-21

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: A66 − 07 (Reapproved 2013) A66 − 21
Standard Specification for
Steel Screw Spikes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A66; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers steel screw spikes used as fastenings between railroad rails, tie plates, and ties.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
A700 Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment
3. Ordering Information
3.1 Orders for screw spikes under this specification shall include the following information as appropriate:
3.1.1 Quantity (weight),
3.1.2 Style of Head—A, B, or C or other, including drawings if necessary,
3.1.3 Type of Point—pilot point or not pointed,
3.1.4 Dimensions—diameter and length, under head,
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A01.01
on Steel Rails and Accessories.
Current edition approved April 1, 2013Nov. 1, 2021. Published May 2013November 2021. Originally approved in 1916. Last previous edition approved in 20072013 as
A66 – 07.A66 – 07 (2013). DOI: 10.1520/A0066-07R13.10.1520/A0066-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Consult manufacturer’s literature for design details for A, B, and C-style heads.
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A66 − 21
3.1.5 Supplementary Requirement if to apply (see S1)
3.1.6 Certification and Test Report (see 11.1).
4. Manufacture
4.1 The steel shall be made by any of the following processes: electric-furnace or basic-oxygen.
4.2 The steel may be cast by a continuous process, or in ingots.
4.3 The heads and threads of the spikes may be formed by hot- or cold-forming methods.
4.4 The composition of the steel shall be consistent with that shown in Table 1. The manufacturer may add other alloying elements
at their discretion to meet mechanical properties of Table 2 but must report such elements in the material test report of chemical
composition and mechanical properties.
5. Mechanical Requirements
5.1 Tensile Requirements:
5.1.1 The material as represented by a tension test of a full-size finished spike, or a specimen machined from a finished spike, shall
conform to the requirements prescribed in Table 12.
5.1.2 Tension tests of full-size spikes shall be performed using a 10° wedge as described in Test Methods and Definitions A370,
Supplement S11.1.5.
5.1.3 Where the design of the spike is such that full-size testing is impracticable, the tension test may be made on a specimen
machined from a finished spike. Dimensions of the test specimen shall conform to the requirements of Test Methods and
Definitions A370.
5.1.4 When a machined specimen test is performed, the elongation requirement prescribed in Table 12 shall apply. If a screw spike
is machined and the specimen is tested and reported. the elongation meets or exceeds 18 %, the bend test is not required. See 5.2.
5.1.5 The yield point shall be determined by the drop of the beam or halt in the gage of the testing machine.
5.2 Bend Requirement—The body of a full-size finished spike shall withstand the bend test described in Table 23 without cracking
on the outside of the bent portion.
A
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
NOTE 1—All alloy contents shown are in weight percent unless
otherwise stated.
Element Content
Carbon 0.18 to 0.23
Manganese 0.60 to 0.90
Phosphorous 0.04 max
Sulfur 0.05 max
B
Silicon .
C
Copper
Chromium .
Nickel .
Molybdenum .
Vanadium .
A
If the manufacturer of the spikes intentionally adds an alloying element to a heat,
these elements shall be reported.
B
Where an ellipses is shown, there is no requirement, but the element shall be
reported in the test analysis.
C
The purchaser can specify a minimum copper content of 0.20 %. However, if
copper exceeds 0.5 %, a nickel addition of Ni = 0.5 × (Cu) shall be added to the
heat to prevent hot shortness.
A66 − 21
TABLE 12 Tension Test Requirements
Specimen
Full size Machined
Tensile strength, min, psi (MPa) 60 000 60 000
(415) (415)
Yield point, min 30 000 30 000
(205) (250)
Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm, min, % . 18
TABLE 23 Bend Test Requirement
Body bend, cold 90°—around pin 3 times spike diameter
6. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
6.1 The finished spikes shall conf
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