Abstract: The invention provides a method of replacing a worn wear strip located between a rail and a retaining plate, the method comprising positioning a new wear strip adjacent the worn wear strip, securing a clamping apparatus to the rail adjacent the new wear strip opposite the worn wear strip and urging the rail in a direction from the clamping apparatus to the retaining plate until the clamping apparatus abuts the retaining plate, the new wear strip pushing the worn wear strip from its position between the rail and the retaining plate. The invention also provides a clamping apparatus configured to be secured to a rail, the clamping apparatus comprising first and second flanges and a spacer, the first and second flanges and spacer all having at least one bolt hole therethrough, and at least one bolt inserted through the at least one bolt hole.