Historical information

Hand Rail Drill


Out on the track in the old days, it was sometimes required to drill some holes in a piece of rail so that two rails may be joined together by a metal joiner – called a fishplate.

Before the use of generators and oxy cutting, the only way to do this was with a hand drill. This is the machine operated by two people, that would drill a hole in the rail.

With two to three holes to be drilled in each rail end (ie 4 or 6 holes), it was a tiring, back breaking job.

And then there was usually the rail on the other side of the track to be done!

Significance

Historic - Railways Permanent Way and Works - track equipment - Hand Rail Drill

Physical description

Hand Rail Drill made of metal