FISHPLATE – RAIL JOINT BAR FOR CONNECTING RAIL ENDS
Jul 06,2026
Standard, compromise and insulated fishplates. Hot forged splice bars for bolted rail joints in all track types.
A fishplate is a steel bar used to join two rail ends at a bolted joint. It sits against the web and head of the rail on both sides and, together with track bolts, keeps the rail ends aligned. This rail joint bar transfers wheel loads across the joint gap and reduces impact on the rail ends. Our fishplates are hot forged from medium carbon steel, heat treated to meet the required strength, and machined to match the rail profile. We produce 4‑hole and 6‑hole splice bars for most standard rail sections. We also supply compromise fishplates for connecting rails of different sizes, and insulated fishplates for track circuit separation. These track fasteners are an important part of the overall rail fastening system on jointed track, temporary closures, bridges, and transition zones.
KEY FEATURES & BENEFITS
Good profile contact: The fishing angle of each splice bar is matched to the rail web and head. This spreads the bolt clamping force evenly and reduces local stress at the joint.
Strength and fatigue performance: Made from grades like 55# carbon steel or equivalent, heat treated to give the required tensile strength and elongation. Fishplates are tested to withstand repeated wheel loads without cracking.
Corrosion protection options: Available with black oxide finish, oiled surface, zinc plating, or epoxy coating. For tunnels, coastal areas or industrial sites, we recommend coated fishplates for longer life.
Simple installation: The fishplate is placed on both sides of the rail joint and secured with track bolts and nuts. Bolt holes are drilled to standard spacing, making replacement straightforward during railway maintenance work.
Less impact on other components: A properly fitted railway splice bar holds the rail ends firmly, reducing rail end batter, ballast movement and the need for frequent track adjustment.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fishplate type | 4‑hole, 6‑hole, compromise (transition), insulated |
| Material | 55# carbon steel, 45# steel, or micro‑alloyed spring steel as required |
| Surface finish | Black oxide, oiled, zinc plated, epoxy powder coated, hot dip galvanized |
| Rail sections matched | UIC 60, UIC 54, 115RE, 136RE, 50kg/m, JIS 50N, BS 90A and many others |
| Hole diameter | 24 mm, 26 mm, 28 mm or as per bolt specification |
| Bolt type | Fish bolts to UIC 864‑1, AREMA, GB/T 11264, or DIN |
| Tensile strength | ≥ 780 MPa (grade dependent) |
| Elongation | ≥ 10% |
| Hardness | 220–280 HBW |
| Fatigue test | Meets UIC 864‑2 or equivalent, no crack after required cycles |
| Standards | AREMA Chapter 4, UIC 864, BS 47, GB/T 11264, AS 1085.8 |
Recommended
Fish Plate Bolt Tightening: 4 Rules You Shouldn't Ignore
Proper bolt tightening is key to fish plate performance. Learn four simple rules that prevent loose joints, broken bolts, and track misalignment.
Contact Us
Henan Xinda Railway Equipment Co., Ltd
Fax: +86-372-2372333
Email:info@xindarail.com
WeChat:XindaRail
Send us your request
we will get in touch with you as soon as possible