Spike
A sharpened instrument of iron, used in some foundries for drawing patterns out of the sand. On the whole, they are a very unsatisfactory device; for, whether the pattern is drawn or not, it is certain to be damaged more or less in the operation. A hole bored for a woodscrew is less likely to split the pattern; but the rapping-plate and iron screw is more reliable, and should be adopted on all patterns when practicable. Heavy nails over 4 1/4 inches long are in the foundry usually designated as spike-nails or spikes. See RAPPING-PLATE; SPRING PATTERN-LIFTER.