What is the purpose of clips?
Jan 28, 2026
A rail clip is a mechanical spring component that maintains continuous contact between the rail foot and supporting structure, ensuring consistent load transfer while preventing loosening caused by vibration, thermal expansion, and cyclic loading. It is fundamental to modern elastic fastening technology. GNEE RAIL manufactures and supplies E-Type clips, SKL clips, Nabla clips made from spring steel, Pandrol PR clips for high-speed lines, KPO clamps for heavy-duty fastening, Deenik clips, Fast Clip systems, crane rail clips, and Russian rail clips for regional standards.
What is the purpose of clips?
Rail clips are essential components in railway infrastructure, designed to securely fasten steel rails to sleepers or base plates. Their primary purposes are to maintain track gauge (distance between rails), ensure structural integrity, prevent longitudinal rail movement (creep), and absorb vibration and impact energy from passing trains.
Key Functions of Rail Clips:
- Secure Fastening: They connect the rail to the supporting sleeper (wood, concrete, or steel), preventing lateral and vertical movement.
- Maintain Gauge: By holding the rail securely, they prevent the track from spreading, which is critical for preventing derailments.
- Shock Absorption: Elastic rail clips (also known as E-clips or clips) provide elasticity that absorbs impact, reducing stress on the track foundation.
- Manage Expansion/Contraction: They allow for necessary movement caused by temperature changes while maintaining a stable connection.
- Prevent Rail Creep: They hold the rail down, preventing it from sliding longitudinal due to the movement of trains.
Types and Materials:
- Material: Usually manufactured from high-quality forged spring steel to ensure durability and resilience.
- Types: Include elastic rail clips (e.g., E-type, SKL-type) and rigid, bolted, or welded clips used in heavy-duty crane rail applications.
| Model | Diameter | Weight | Material |
| Type III | Ø18 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E1609 | Ø16 | 0.43 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E1809 | Ø20 | 0.61kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E1813 | Ø18 | 0.62kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2001 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2007 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2009 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2039 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2055 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2056 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2063 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR85 Rail Clip | Ø13 | 0.25kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR309A | Ø19 | 0.85kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR401 | Ø20 | 0.97kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR415 | Ø20 | 0.95kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR601A | Ø20 | 1.03kg/pc | 38Si7 |
| SKL 1 | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc | 60Si2CrA |
| SKL 3 | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc | 60Si2CrA |
| SKL 12 | Ø13 | 0.53kg/pc | 38Si7 |
| SKL 14 | Ø13 | 0.53kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Special Rail Clip | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Russia Rail Clip | Ø18 | 0.58kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Deenik Clip | Ø25 | 0.49-0.68kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
- Application: Used extensively in both standard railway tracks and in industrial, high-load crane tracks.
How to choose the right tension rail clip?
Choosing the right tension rail clip requires matching the material (e.g., stainless steel for corrosion resistance), load capacity, and size to the specific application. Ensure the clip offers a secure, consistent, and durable grip,, particularly for high-stress or outdoor environments. Consider factors like, rail diameter, vibration, and environmental factors to avoid failure.
Key Factors for Choosing Tension Rail Clips
- Application and Load: Determine if the clip is for heavy-duty industrial, light/medium lifting, or, general, securing, purposes. High-strength, materials like forged or, spring, steel are necessary for, high-stress applications.
- Environmental Resistance: For, outdoor, or corrosive environments, select materials such as, galvanized or stainless steel, to ensure longevity.
- Material Strength and Flexibility: The clip should be made from high-quality, steel that can withstand the, dynamic, forces and vibrations without deforming.
- Size and Fit: Use calipers, to accurately measure the, diameter, of the, rail or component, to, ensure a proper, secure, fit.
- Design and Functionality: Look for,, features, like, smooth edges, for, safety, and consistent spring, tension, to prevent slippage.
GNEE RAIL supplies E rail clips, SKL rail clips, Nabla types rail clips, KPO rail clips, and other customized types of rail clips,these rail clips are designed with high precision and made up of premium grade spring steel. GNEE has been the largest and most competitive production base of rail clip in China after more than 18 years' rail clip producing experience, and have qualification to tender nationally large and medium scaled rail projects. What's more, our rail clip can be customized according to clients' requirements.
