Spike maul

Spike mauls are akin to sledge hammers, typically weighing from 8 to 12 pounds (4 to 5 kg) with handles 30 to 36 inches (80 to 90 cm) long.

The head is typically over 12 inches (30 cm) long to allow the user to drive spikes on the opposite side of the rail without breaking the handle.

Specialized mauls exist with nonconductive handles for work on electrified track[citation needed].

Almost all spike mauls take a standard 36-inch (90 cm) oval eye sledge hammer handle, which is frequently replaced through the course of heavy use.

Windmilling is when a user takes the maul handle with both hands locked and strikes the spike with repeated fast blows by swinging in a circular motion over the shoulder.

Regardless of the technique employed it is important to strike railroad spikes with the handle of the maul as close to horizontal as possible.