What tool is commonly used to tighten or loosen bolts on railway tracks?

The tool commonly used to tighten or loosen bolts on railway tracks is a wrench. A wrench is specifically designed to grip and turn nuts and bolts, allowing for the application of sufficient torque to fasten or release them securely.

In railway maintenance, where bolts secure various components like rail joints, rail switches, or other track hardware, a wrench provides the mechanical advantage needed to manipulate these fasteners effectively. The design of a wrench allows it to fit various sizes of nuts and bolts, which is crucial in dealing with the diversity of fasteners found in railway infrastructure.

Other tools like a hammer and a screwdriver do not serve this purpose. Hammers are primarily used for driving nails or striking objects; they do not provide the necessary grip or leverage for manipulating bolts. A screwdriver is used for screws, not bolts, which have different head designs and require different types of tools for handling. A saw is intended for cutting materials rather than fastening or loosening components, making it unsuitable for adjusting bolts on railway tracks.