FAQ About Railway Elastic Clips
Dec 29, 2025
As one of the common railway fasteners in rail fastening system, elastic railway clips are made of forged spring steel and have many applications in railroad. No matter as a part of railway fastening system or as a railway fastener, elastic railway clips are used together with other railway components, such as rail spike, rail tie plate, rail pad and rail plastic dowel. In the railway fastening system, the main function of railway clip is fastening railway sleeper and steel rail together. The railway clip is considered as one of the best ways to ensure that steel rails not move, bend, warp, or rot.
What types of railroad clips are there?
Railroad clips (or elastic rail clips) secure rails to sleepers, with common types including E-type (E-clips), SKL (tension clips), Nabla, Deenik, and Pandrol (PR) clips, used globally for different track standards, resisting rail movement and absorbing vibration, typically made from high-strength spring steel.
| Rail Clip Type | Rail Clip Specification | Material | |||||||
| E Clip | E1609 | E1809 | E1817 | E2001 | E2006 | E2009 | E2055 | E2056 | 60Si2Mn, 60Si2CrA, 50Si7 |
| SKL Clip | SKL1 | SKL2 | SKL3 | SKL12 | SKL14 | SKL75 | |||
| W Clip | Deenik Clip | Fast Clips | Russia Clips | China Clips | |||||
| Crane Rail Clip | Gantrail Clips | Q235, | |||||||
| KPO1 | KPO3 | KPO6 | KPO9 | 9116, 9120, 9216, 9220,etc | Gantrex Clips | Q345 | |||
| Available with various types of shoulder assemblies. Other configurations available upon request. | |||||||||
What materials are typically used to manufacture rail clips?
Rail clips are often made from materials like spring steel or alloy steel specifically selected for their durability, against the wear and tear of railway activities and varying weather conditions.
| Material | 60Si2MnA | 60Si2CrA | 55Si2Mn | 38Si7 |
| Chemical composition(%) | C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.60-2.00, Cr:≤0.35, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.40-0.70, Si:1.40-1.80,Cr:0.70-1.00 P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | C:0.52-0.60, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.50-2.00,Cr:≤0.35 P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | C:0.35-0.42, Mn:0.50-0.80, Si:1.50-1.80, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 |
How often should rail clips be inspected?
Inspection schedules for rail clips vary based on factors, like how the tracks are used and the environment they're exposed to. Nevertheless, regular checks should be done either a year or every six months to look for any wear and tear that might affect their performance.
Can rail clips be reused after removal?
Typically speaking it's not advisable to reuse rail clips once they've been removed because they might get deformed or weakened during the setup process. You should consider replacing the clips that have been taken out with ones to guarantee top-notch performance and safety on the railway tracks.
What is the function of a railway clip?
- Secure Fastening: It clamps the rail to the sleeper or baseplate, creating a strong bond.
- Prevent Movement: Stops vertical, lateral, and longitudinal shifts of the rail, maintaining the critical track gauge.
- Shock & Vibration Absorption: Made from spring steel, its elasticity absorbs energy from passing trains, reducing impact, noise, and wear.
- Maintain Track Integrity: Ensures the rail remains a continuous, stable structure, preventing derailments.
- Provide Clamping Force: Generates significant pressure (often tons per clip) through its elastic deformation to hold everything tightly.
GNEE RAIL as the largest rail clip and clamp production base in China, which has been qualified to tender medium and large scaled railway projects. In addition, GNEE RAIL is approved elastic rail clip manufacturer by China's Railway Ministry and has been ISO9001-2008 certified. Our rail clip product is ideal for rail track assembly for advantages of easy fitment while track laying; economical maintenance; long durability and lifespan; fast replacement.
