Types of railway clips
Jan 28, 2026
A rail clip is an elastic mechanical fastener that secures rails through sustained spring force rather than rigid locking, improving resistance to vibration, temperature variation, and cyclic loading, which enhances track stability and reduces maintenance demand. GNEE RAIL provides full ranges of E-Type rail clips, SKL tension clips, Nabla blade clips, Pandrol PR clips, KPO rail clamps, Deenik clips, Fast Clip systems, Crane Rail Clips, and Russian Rail Clips, with matching fastening components and technical support for international projects.
Types of railway clips
Railway clips, or elastic rail clips, are critical components in railway fastening systems, designed to secure rails to sleepers, absorb shock, and prevent movement or buckling. Major types include E-type, SKL, Nabla, Fast-clip, and KPO clips, often manufactured from high-strength spring steel. They are vital for maintaining track gauge, especially in continuous welded rail systems.
| Clip Type | Description / Key Feature | Common Models / Series | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-Type Rail Clip (E-Clip) | Known for durable alignment, used to secure rails under high pressure. | E1609, E1809, E1817, E2007, E2009, E2055 | High-speed & heavy-haul railways. |
| SKL Tension Clip | A highly common and flexible fastening system. | SKL1, SKL3, SKL12, SKL14, SKL75 | Mainline concrete sleeper tracks globally. |
| Nabla Rail Clip | A specialized, high-performance clip. | (Specific models vary by system) | Concrete sleeper fastening systems. |
| Fast Clip | Designed for rapid installation and high holding force, applied perpendicular to the rail. | (System-specific variants) | Rail systems requiring quick installation. |
| KPO Clamp | A heavy-duty, bolted fastening system. | KPO3, KPO6 | Cranes and heavy-haul railways. |
| PR Series Clip | A specialized clip for Pandrol fastening systems. | PR309, PR601 | Tracks using Pandrol fastening systems. |
| Deenik Clip | Known for its specific, often Y-shaped structure for secure, long-term fastening. | (Model numbers vary) | Applications requiring long-term, secure fastening. |
| Russian Rail Clip | Heavy-duty clips designed to comply with Russian railway standards. | (Specific to GOST standards) | Railways adhering to Russian standards. |
| Anti-Theft Clip | Specialized clips designed to prevent unauthorized removal. | 18Φ Single Anti-Theft Clip | Tracks in areas with high risk of tampering or theft. |
What is the purpose of using elastic rail clip?
Elastic rail clips are crucial, forged spring-steel fasteners designed to securely connect rails to sleepers, ensuring track stability by preventing vertical and lateral movement. They maintain proper gauge, absorb shock and vibration to improve passenger comfort, reduce track maintenance, and extend the lifespan of rail infrastructure.
Key Purposes and Functions:
- Secure Fastening: They provide a reliable, high-strength connection (often holding around two tons of force) between rails and sleepers.
- Stability & Alignment: By resisting vibration and vertical/lateral movement, they ensure the track maintains its designed geometry, gauge, and safety.
- Shock Absorption: Their elasticity reduces the impact of heavy, high-speed train loads, reducing noise and vibrations.
- Durability & Low Maintenance: Known as "fit and forget" fasteners, they withstand fatigue, bending, and torsion, lowering maintenance needs.
- Safety Assurance: By preventing rail movement, they prevent warping, bending, or rot.
How to use Rail Spring Clip correctly?
Correct use of rail spring clips (e-clips, SKL, or Pandrol) involves ensuring a clean rail base, utilizing proper hydraulic or mechanical insertion tools, and aligning them so the toe grips the rail flange while the heel sits on the shoulder. Never hammer clips, as this causes damage and injury.
Key Steps for Proper Installation:
- Preparation: Ensure the sleeper and rail base are clean, dry, and free of debris.
- Positioning: Insert the clip into the housing (shoulder) parallel to the rail foot. The toe must be on the rail side.
- Insertion Tool: Use specialized tools (e.g., "Panpuller" for Pandrol, or dedicated hydraulic tools) to slide or force the clip into place.
- Correct Tension: For clips like SKL, ensure the position is 8-10 mm from the inside of the small arc of the clip to the rail shoulder, avoiding over-tightening.
- Verification: Visually inspect to ensure the clip end is flush with the housing and properly secured.
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.
