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Tools Made From Railroad Spikes

Many people enjoy taking uncommon objects and making practical tools out of them. One such object that you may not have thought much about is the railroad spike. Railroad spikes, which have been used on railroad tracks for more than 100 years, are collector's items for train enthusiasts and historians. Railroad spikes can be gathered from old tracks, purchased in antique shops or purchased from train enthusiasts, and they are turned into a variety of useful and creative tools.

Railroad Spike Bottle Opener
- This unique bottle opener sold at Vat19.com features a twisted handle and claw shape cut from the pointed tip of the railroad spike. The claw shape is used to open the bottle and the twisted handle allows for a good grip. It is a sturdy and decorative tool, and costs less than $20.
Railroad Spike Hammer
- This do-it-yourself hammer uses the spike end of the railroad spike as a handle and the anvil end as the hammer head. You can wrap the spike end in leather for a better grip. For greater leverage, you can attach a wooden handle to the middle of the rail spike, with the spike perpendicular to the handle. The handle can either be attached with leather binding or by cutting a notch in the wood, laying the spike in the notch and drilling a pin through the wood and spike. An extended handle gives you more power, and it also gives you an additional pick tool--the point of the spike.
Railroad Spike Knife
- This is a popular use of railroad spikes, in which the spike end is melted down and formed into a sharp knife, according to LA Metal Smiths. A custom handle also can be either welded into the spike or made from additional material and attached to the spike. Railroad spike knives can be purchased from numerous antique-and-collectible websites.

Antiques