Cutting a railway line

[cheb]

I use mine for removing the nails from the stove ash.

 

[Bornfree]

If rail is so hard to cut it would make great security bars for windows

What size screws would you recommend to fix it to the window frame?

 

[MoreWellie]

I meant the disc

I can see that now

I meant the piece of track.... letting something like that fall over is likely to damage whatever it falls on

 

[roofman]

Stihl petrol cutter with a couple of 12" metal discs...last one i cut up used 1 disc per full cut.

 

[Redsailor]

Been waiting for the hand hacksaw suggestion. I have cut them in the past, either oxy/acet or 9" grinder.

If you are going to scrap them keep them separate from other steel as they will command a good price. Took a load of them years ago to a local yard and was pleasantly surprised at their value. Incidentally the yard I used was cutting up a load into smaller segments by giving the a good part cut and the dropping then from a good height with a mag grab crane. They must be quite hard to begin with as they snapped quite readily.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Gas cutting torch.

Nice

Claymore?

Not wise, what will the balls do to the rail.

C4 Copper cone and a bit of thinking.

Or dem CU cord and a a lot less thunking.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

9" cutter. Have some one push the top away to stop the disc from snagging, take your time.
Older rails are tough all the way through.

Then make anvils and sell them on here.

 

[Kram]

I'd say this would be ideal use for a portable bandsaw. start from the soft bottom side. M42 blade shouldnt have any trouble cutting it.

I've got an Aldi Ferrex one I need to sell if any interest.. good tool but I dont need it, its in my way..

 

[hotponyshoes]

I'd say this would be ideal use for a portable bandsaw. start from the soft bottom side. M42 blade shouldnt have any trouble cutting it.

I've got an Aldi Ferrex one I need to sell if any interest.. good tool but I dont need it, its in my way..

I cut rail fairly regularly with a bandsaw. Cuts fine.
I don't think you'll get the bandsaw that close to the floor though?
Ie, you'll be left with quite a stump sticking up.
If you can cut from all 4 sides a 9" should only leave a few mm proud which you should be able to grind flush relatively easily.

 

[Kram]

It wouldnt be much, 1cm?

If its concreted in a few hits with a sledge would brake it free, assuming the concrete is not wanted either.

 

[brightspark]

just get a stillie with a 12 inch steel cutting blade thats what railtrack use .will go through like butter .i cut through 10 biggish girders with mine in no time

 

[Erie Fred]

Are they concreted in ?
Maybe try a jack to pull them out.
Or rent a small digger for the day.

 

[Pete.]

just get a stillie with a 12 inch steel cutting blade thats what railtrack use .will go through like butter .i cut through 10 biggish girders with mine in no time

The rails saws that clamp on the rail with a hinged arm are actually oversized so use a bigger blade than the standard 12" I think it's a 14" blade they use.

 

[Dapph2]

use a cold chisel, be a man

joking aside, i would want a 9" grinder and someone to apply a bit of pressure to push the rail away as you cut to prevent pinching the cutting disc, those things are fierce when they let go

Ratchet straps may be your friend here so long as you prevent them sliding up the anchor or down the upright using G clamps perhaps .

 

[Dapph2]

If rail is so hard to cut it would make great security bars for windows

A tad over kill Fizzy they are about 6x 4 inch in rectangular dimensions and about 20 pounds per foot of length .

 

[Blue Chips]

How about hiring a "Fence Master" hydraulic post puller? 4000kg pulling force.
I've seen similar units used here to pull out steel posts with the concrete footing still attached to them.

Here are a few UK sources:

https://kent-hire.co.uk/product/hydraulic-fence-post-puller/

https://www.mammoth-hire.co.uk/p/fence-master-post-puller-hire/

https://brandonhirestation.com/hydraulic-fence-post-puller-hire

https://postpullers.co.uk/fencemaster/

 

[roofman]

The rails saws that clamp on the rail with a hinged arm are actually oversized so use a bigger blade than the standard 12" I think it's a 14" blade they use.

if you take the gaurd off a stihl then a 14" goes straight on...same bore size

 

[Erie Fred]

The rails saws that clamp on the rail with a hinged arm are actually oversized so use a bigger blade than the standard 12" I think it's a 14" blade they use.

I have seen 16" and 20" blades for these.

 

[barracuda816]

Sounds like a perfect opportunity to mix up some thermite!