Rail spiking

Has anyone had any experience (and success) using an electric staple/nail gun to spike rails to the ties? I’ve modified such a gun and am having only marginal succes so far. I’m using 5/8" nails. Any suggestions?

Walt

In what way it the nail acting to the rail and the wood?

Bluebonnet,

The problem is repeatability and accuracy. Since the nailheads have so little overhang, the shank has to be fired right up against the rail’s foot otherwise the nailhead doesn’t grip the top of the rail’s foot.

Have you tried this technique yourself?

Walt

Sorry, I have not used it (electric staple/nail gun) in rail but in construction.
There are other head sizes/guns out there and would be a good investment.
I am not sure if they make rinkshank nails for electric staple/nail guns yet but I would as the people at Home Depot/Lows.

I just seen a man do it with needle nose pliers that had a T in the tip of them so the nail “sits” in the head and then he can drive them in.
Alot of time there.