Introduction: SPIKED RR LAMP HANGER

About: Last time in my life that I saw the moon that close to me... I was born in the capital city of a country that no longer exists.... I'm in my own timeline and an Electronic Engineer... Received a BSEE degree f…

This Railroad Spike Hanger is an easy instructable..
Yes... it has simple welding step a friend can do for you..

And looks cool like a Spike barely touching a beam and
then any kind of fun LED lantern makes the illusion perfect.

I'm making one more for my friend..

Step 1: What You Need

MATERIALS :
An Iron Railroad Spike
A 3/8" Lag Bolt.. I had a lag eye

HAND TOOLS :
A Hack Saw $ 3.99 each
Metal 24TPI ( Teeth Per Inch ) Hacksaw Blades  $5.99 PACK OF 10.
An 8" flat Metal File $1.99 each
A Wire Brush $1.49 each
A 3/8" Spade Bit  under $1.50
A 6" or bigger Adjustable Wrench under $4.00


WELDING :
If you don't have a welder, ask a friend or have a local shop do it for you.
This is a quick weld job and should be bottom dollar by a welding shop.

Step 2: Cut and Prep the Lag Screw

Place the Lag bolt firmly in a vice and use a hacksaw with a 24 TPI ( a good ) metal cutting blade
and cut the Lag bolt about a 1/4" above the threads..

Now take a file to both sides of the stub forming it to a flat point as the fifth and sixth pictures show.

This prepares the Lag screw for easy welding..

Step 3: PREPARE THE RAILROAD SPIKE TIP

The sharp end of the spike needs a small V cut into it to capture the Lag bolt.

Simply cut the V into it using the hacksaw and maybe use the file to adjust a fit into it.

This makes the welding a snap for anyone.

Step 4: WELD IRON SPIKE to LAG BOLT THREAD

Here you want to join the Railroad Spike to a Lag Bolt..
  • Use the metal brush to clean the RR Spike Tip around the V.
  • Weld the Lag bolt in the Spike  Tip V on four sides
  • Grind away the unnecessary extra metal
  • Clean the result.

Or Use Some J-B WELD SteelStick Epoxy Putty..
  • Cut a groove along the V of the RR Spike Tip.
  • Cut cross grooves both sides of the Lag bolt peak.
  • Mix 3/4" of the Epoxy Putty.
  • Apply the putty to all contact surfaces.
  • Overlap the Lag bolt with the Spike.
  • And let it harden..

Step 5: USING THE SPIKE OUTDOORS

To mount the Railroad Spike on a suitable post or 2x4 stud.

Use a 3/8" wood or spade drill at about a 15° down angle and
drill a hole, just short of the threaded Lag bolt segment length.

Screw the Lag Railroad Spike, helped along by a wrench into the hole.
Stop when the Railroad Spike Tip is hook-up and just touching the wall.

Finally... Hang a Lamp on the Spike Hook...

Men do seem to notice the incongruity of the suspension first  :-)