Anchors
Select the rail size and quantity.
ⓘ Identification & Terminology GuideRail anchors are selected to fit the rail-base geometry; similar-looking anchors are not automatically interchangeable.
Open Guide
Rail anchors are selected to fit the rail-base geometry; similar-looking anchors are not automatically interchangeable.
Original MidStates identification schematic. Not to scale and not an installation or engineering drawing.
Rail Anchor Identification & Terminology
A formed spring-steel device that grips the rail base, engaging the base edges and passing beneath the base to restrain longitudinal rail movement.
Anchors applied on opposite sides of a tie/rail location to restrain movement in both directions.
A common anchoring pattern in which box anchoring is applied at alternating ties, when allowed by the governing standard.
A denser pattern where the applicable rail is box anchored at every tie.
How to identify what you have
- Identify the rail section or at least the rail-base width the anchor fits.
- Look for manufacturer, model, size or rail-section markings.
- Compare how the anchor jaws engage both rail-base edges and how the body passes beneath the rail base; overall length alone is not enough.
- If the anchor is installed, photograph how both jaws seat against the rail base and how the anchor body wraps beneath it.
What to measure
- Rail-base width
- Anchor overall width/length if needed
- Jaw/profile opening when requested
What photos help MidStates
- Anchor alone from both sides
- Both jaws / clips
- Under-base body profile
- Markings
- Installed fit against both rail-base edges if safely available
- Rail section markings
Common identification mistakes
- Ordering only by general appearance
- Assuming one anchor fits all 115/132/136-lb rails
- Confusing anchor quantity pattern with anchor size/model
Technical references & source notes
Reference for terminology and compatibility principles covering plates, spikes, anchors, joint bars and related industrial-track materials.
Open authoritative public sourceReference for industry-track material terminology, tie spacing, plate fit, spikes, anchoring and rail/joint requirements.
Open authoritative public sourceReference index for rail sections, joint bars, compromise joints, tie plates, switches, turnout components, frogs, guard rails and fasteners.
Open authoritative public sourceMidStates uses external publications to support technical facts and terminology. The explanatory text, diagrams and presentation on this page are original MidStates content and do not reproduce railroad or AREMA drawings.
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Enter the rail weight if the exact section is unknown.
Bulk quantity is shown as individual anchors.