Railroad Spike?

[40 Rounds]

Digging in the same general area where the homes date from 1870 to 1920 primarily I found 2 spikes. One is very recognizable as the standard railroad spike. The other one is significantly longer and although it has a similar look it is different. In this area where both spikes were found there were rail lines and a rail trolley system. So my question is...A) Is this longer spike possibly a trolley spike...and B) Is there a diffefence between railroad and trolley line spikes?

 

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[ARC]

My vote is yes.

 

[Almy]

The longer spike looks handmade to me. Notice the head. It is also longer and thinner than usual tie spikes, even ones for signal or switch ties. It may be from an old building.

 

[Digger RJ]

Nice!!! Congrats!!!

 

[pa plateau hiker]

The long one is not a RR spike. It is a cribbing spike, used to fasten lumber together.

 

[bowwinkles]

The longer spike appears to be an electric/telephone pole climbing stake. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/558868634980629633/

 

[pa plateau hiker]

It's not a climbing stake. Climbing stakes have a different type of head on them. I have dug dozens of cribbing spikes and have sold some on Ebay.

 

[islamoradamark]

maybe it was longer to really hold something down

 

[smallfoot]

The long one is not a RR spike. It is a cribbing spike, used to fasten lumber together.

I agree! Cribbing spike, sometimes referred to as a bridge spike. For fastening large timbers.

 

[40 Rounds]

Great discussion everyone! Not sure if it matters or was noticed and I probably should have mentioned it but the longer spike has 4 flat sides just like a railroad spike. Not sure if that helps clarify or throws more mud in the water.

 

[Wildcat1750]

Nice finds.
Not sure about the longer spike but I think trolley tracks, if laid on ties, will have the same spikes.

 

[smallfoot]

One of mine.

 

[40 Rounds]

One of mine.

Is this a trolley line spike?

 

[smallfoot]

Is this a trolley line spike?

It's a cribbing or bridge spike..

 

[40 Rounds]

Thank you for the information and response.