Rail Joint Bolts / Fish Bolts

StandardEN 13481 ref · AREMA / UIC · OEM
Material45 Steel / 40Cr / 35CrMo
Strength Grade8.8 / 10.9
Size RangeM16-M30 / 5/8-1 in
Surface TreatmentHDG / Black Oxide / Zinc Flake
01

Product Description

Product Description & Key Specifications

Rail joint bolts, also called fish bolts, are supplied for railway fishplate and joint bar assemblies where the bolt must clamp rail joint components under vibration, impact and outdoor exposure. Material options include 45 Steel, 40Cr and 35CrMo with 8.8 / 10.9 grade references.

Fish bolt geometry is usually project-specific because head shape, neck design, thread length, shank diameter and nut compatibility must fit the rail joint bar system. AREMA, UIC and EN 13481 references help define the application, but drawings or samples are normally required for accurate production.

HDG finish is selected for outdoor corrosion protection, zinc flake can support improved corrosion resistance with controlled coating thickness, and black oxide is used where the project allows lower corrosion protection or specific assembly behavior. Locking method and washer selection should follow the track maintenance standard.

Product typeRail joint bolts / fish bolts
StandardsAREMA / UIC / EN 13481 reference / OEM drawing
Material45 Steel / 40Cr / 35CrMo
Strength grade8.8 / 10.9
Size rangeM16-M30 / 5/8-1 in
Common modelsM20 x 90, M22 x 100, M24 x 110, M27 x 130, 7/8 x 4 in
Head / shankFish bolt head, neck and thread length by rail joint drawing
Surface finishHot-dip galvanized / Black oxide / Zinc flake
DocumentationMTC, CoC, dimensional report and coating report on request
02

Selection

Selection Advantages by Application

Rail Fishplate Connections

M22, M24 and M27 fish bolts are common for fishplate and joint bar assemblies. Confirm rail section, fishplate hole pattern, bolt head form and nut/washer requirements.

Railway fasteners

Track Maintenance & Replacement

Replacement fish bolts should match existing rail joint hardware. Head geometry, thread length and shank fit are more important than diameter alone, so drawings or samples are useful.

Track maintenance fasteners

Heavy Rail / Transit Infrastructure

35CrMo 10.9 rail joint bolts with zinc flake or HDG finish can be specified for higher-duty rail infrastructure where corrosion resistance and mechanical strength both matter.

Rail infrastructure fasteners
03

Assembly

Recommended Matching Products

04

Manufacturing

Manufacturing & Quality Control

Manufacturing CapabilityQuality Control
Hot forging selected by fish bolt head and shank geometryIncoming 45 Steel / 40Cr / 35CrMo material verification
Thread rolling and special neck/head forming by drawingThread gauge, shank diameter, head form and overall length inspection
HDG, black oxide or zinc flake coatingCoating thickness, adhesion and visual coverage checks when specified
OEM rail joint bolt production from drawing or sampleTensile, hardness and dimensional reports arranged by project requirement
Nut/washer set packaging and track maintenance kitsMTC, CoC and inspection report prepared on request
05

FAQ

Common Questions Before RFQ

Why are rail joint bolts also called fish bolts?

They are used with fishplates or joint bars at rail joints, so the terms rail joint bolts and fish bolts often refer to the same product category.

What information is needed for fish bolt production?

Confirm rail section, fishplate drawing, diameter, length, head form, shank/neck geometry, thread length, material, grade, finish and matching nut/washer requirements.

Should I choose 8.8 or 10.9 grade fish bolts?

Grade selection depends on rail joint design, preload requirement and maintenance standard. 10.9 is used for higher-strength applications when approved by the project specification.

What sizes are commonly requested?

Common RFQ models include M20 x 90, M22 x 100, M24 x 110, M27 x 130 and inch sizes such as 7/8 x 4 in. Final geometry should follow the rail joint drawing.

Can fish bolts be supplied with HDG or zinc flake finish?

Yes. HDG, black oxide and zinc flake finishes can be supplied according to corrosion requirement, coating thickness limit and project standard.

Need rail joint bolts or fish bolts?

Send your rail joint drawing, size, grade, material, finish, head geometry, nut/washer requirement and test documents. Our team can confirm fish bolt production for railway maintenance or infrastructure projects.

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