Understanding Fishplates

Also known as a splice bar or joint bar, a Fishplate is a metal plate that’s bolted to the side of two rails where they meet to hold the two pieces of rail together. Fishplates are commonly made from high carbon steel and are used anywhere that a rail is not continuously welded. The top and bottom faces of the Fishplate taper inwards along their short dimensions. This creates an even alignment between the two rails when the Fishplate is wedged into place and its bolts are tightened.

By John Nisbet,​​​ Area Manager Specialist Rail Lubricants

The importance of a Fishplate

Fishplates experience high longitudinal stresses due to variations in temperature. The gap between the rails must be controlled to prevent track buckles. The constrained rail will however move due to expansion and contraction and the Fishplate must accommodate this controlled movement. As such it is recommended to lubricate between the rail and Fishplate.

Lubricant characteristics

Due to the exposed nature of the application, environmental considerations and heavy loads, a lubricants properties should include:

• Adhesiveness to stay in place.
• Ability to withstand corrosion, not just from water but the range of chemicals used on the track.
• Stability to not soften or harden across the seasons.
• Both low coefficient of friction and extreme pressure properties.
• Resistance to oxidation to provide long life in application

How to apply Fishplate lubricant

When applying Fishplate lubricant, you’ll need:

• Full personal protection equipment (PPE) including gloves, safety eyewear, trousers and top.
• Application equipment: We recommend a backpack sprayer and brushes.
• Cleaning materials: A wire brush to remove contaminants from the application area, if needed.

The Fishplate lubricant application process

Before you start

1. Fill your backpack sprayer with Fishplate lubricant (using a funnel if possible). Once your backpack sprayer is full, re-seal the container to avoid any product contamination. When not in use, the lubricant container should always be stored on a flat surface.

Application

1. Loosen the Fishplate bolts slightly so there is room for the lubricant to be sprayed between the Fishplate and the rail.
2. If there is any obvious dirt or contamination in or around the Fishplate, remove it with a wire brush.
3. Apply the lubricant in the gap between the Fishplate and the rail by pointing the spray nozzle into the gap. Use an even spraying motion to ensure consistent application along the length of the Fishplate. Avoid over application to protect the environment.

After application

1. Tighten the bolts (to the recommended torque settings) to ensure the Fishplate is correctly mounted.
2. Clean your equipment and dispose of any empty Fishplate lubricant containers following local disposal guidelines.

Find the ideal Fishplate lubricant for your rail line

Fishplate lubricant application is not a complex process. However, it requires manhours on track and the temporary suspension of rail services. Therefore, the ideal Fishplate lubricant should extend re-application intervals to reduce maintenance costs and service disruption.

RS Clare has been a leading supplier of Fishplate lubricants for decades. If you would like any assistance when selecting the correct lubricant for your needs or have a question about application, just get in touch with us.