The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) has named FTS Tools LLC the NRC’s 2025 Innovation in Technology and Process award winner. FTS Tools was presented the award for its SpikeTee Spike Setter tool, an alternative to setting a spike with a hammer and hand, at the NRC’s annual conference on January 10, 2026.

Now in its fourth year, the NRC Technology and Process Award recognizes innovation and unique technologies/services and/or processes, created or implemented by an NRC member company.

FTS reports this new innovative tool is easy to use, efficient and reduces risk of injuries. Simply slide a SpikeTee onto each spike and insert it into the tie place – a quick, low-effort process that takes only seconds. Once all spikes are positioned, drive them down.

FTS developed the SpikeTee Spike Setter in response to requests from two Class I railroads to help avoid cutting spike accidents. Key development challenges included ensuring stability during high impact driving and compatibility across diverse tie plates. FTS addressed these through iterative prototyping, finite element analysis for material strength, and extensive and vigorous field testing in varied conditions with Class 1 railroads.

SpikeTee Spike Setter tool is currently being used in the field by two Class 1 railroads, a holding company, and more than 15 short line railroads. FTS Tools reports several Class I railroads have a 300% productivity increase and approximately $641,000 in annual labor savings for 2 million spikes.

“Just wanted to say thanks again for introducing the Spike Tee to us here at Norfolk Southern,” attests Jake Willis, manager of Roadway Material Yard at Norfolk Southern. “We really like the product and that it gets rid of a major hazard in the workplace (Spike Setting). I expect us to use about 150,000 of these per year here at the Material Yard building turnouts and panels. This means 150,000 spikes we’re not having to set by hand with the possibility of a shooting spike or struck finger. Thanks for innovating!”

About the NRC: The NRC is a U.S. trade association that advances the mutual interests of railway contractors and suppliers who construct, maintain and supply freight railroads and rail-transit and passenger lines. Founded in 1978, the NRC connects members with other railway industry professionals and government officials and policy makers. The NRC collaborates with its members, government, and industry leaders to create a positive business climate and to make railway construction and maintenance safer and more efficient.