How to Determine the Age of a Railroad Spike

Determing the age of a railroad spike is done easily at the spike's original location.

Railroad historians and hobbyists are often interested in the age of their collectible railroad spikes. Unfortunately, determining the age of a railroad spike is nearly impossible once it has been removed from its original location. Dating a railroad spike is most easily done at the site of removal. When obtaining a new railroad spike, take the opportunity to gather information about the railroad line which used the spike in order to determine the age of the spike itself.

Instructions

1. Walk along the side of the railroad tracks, carefully looking for a small nail called the date nail. The date nail is smaller than the railroad spikes, and it is often found hammered into the railroad ties. The date nail will have the year that the railroad construction materials were manufactured stamped on the head of the nail.

2. Search the surrounding area for relocated ties if you are dating a railroad spike from an abandoned railroad. Ties are also commonly used as fence posts in the surrounding area.

3. Use a large magnet or metal detector in the area immediately surrounding the train tracks, if you are unable to locate the date nail.

4. Consult the Date Nail and Railroad Tie Preservation society or book for more information about your railroad spike if you cannot locate the date nail (see Reference 2).

References

• Date Nail Information
• Date Nail and Railroad Tie Preservation
• Railroad Track Spikes