Where do you guys get railroad ties?

[Robert6401]

I'm not sure if this is in the correct section, but this forum seems to get a lot of attention and I need an answer kind of quickly. I need to get my hands on at least one, but possibly a few railroad ties. It seems like I have read of people on here getting their hands on some, but I can't figure out where to get them. Can you buy them at home improvement stores? I wouldn't think so, but I am often surprised at what you can buy there. Thanks or the help.

 

[brin]

I'm not sure if this is in the correct section, but this forum seems to get a lot of attention and I need an answer kind of quickly. I need to get my hands on at least one, but possibly a few railroad ties. It seems like I have read of people on here getting their hands on some, but I can't figure out where to get them. Can you buy them at home improvement stores? I wouldn't think so, but I am often surprised at what you can buy there. Thanks or the help.

I have seen railroad ties for sale at farm supply stores here in Ga and also at Home Depot here from time to time..but have you considered using landscape timbers in place of railroad ties..they are readily available at big box stores and they are cheap.

 

[weldingisfun]

McCoys and Ace Hardware carry them in this part of the country. You can also search Craigslist. Good luck.

 

[greg_g]

I used to pick them up for free off the railroad discard pile. But they're few and far between now, so the last four I obtained were purchased from a mulch yard. Besides mulch, they also sell stone/rock/gravel, landscape timbers, railroad ties, et cetera. See if there's one in your area.

After all those freebies, I hated like **** to actually pay money for them. But since I only needed four at the time, $12.50 each didn't break me.

//greg//

 

[wingbone]

Go Gamecocks. I see them for sale on craigslist pretty regularly but I couldn't tell you what people are asking for them because I haven't clicked any of the links.

 

[/pine]

You have to be careful when handling (especially old) rail road ties...

because of the creosote...it is very caustic...be very careful when sawing ties to avoid the sawdust making contact with your skin...it can cause severe reactions

creosote is also highly (causes cancer) it should not be used anywhere near potable water sources...
in many places creosote has been removed from the market...not sure about RR ties...

 

[ninefinger]

As already stated try a landscape supply. Creosote will burn some folks, others are not affected. Also if you cut them with your chainsaw replace the chain oil with transmission fluid, your bar will stay cleaner.

 

[scesnick]

Call the local rail yard. They will either have old ones for free or they will tell you where they buy theirs ( which is usually a local supplier. I get mine right at the rialyard. They are the old ones they replaced but usually still in good condition. Take a buddy or two with you though because tyhey are usually very long and very heavy.

I did buy a few non treated ones from the rail yards supplier to use as raised flower beds. I believe I paid $14 a piece for the 12 footers.

 

[spo307]

from work. i take the used ones lol

 

[spo307]

normal length in non electric territory are 8' 9" new weigh 350 lbs, beat up ones weigh less