Three Main Types of Rail Clips: Welded, Bolted, and Elastic

A rail clip is a component of the railway fastening system used to fix the rail to the underlying baseplate and sleeper. Its main function is to prevent the rail from moving, to keep the track gauge stable, and to transfer train loads into the sleeper. Rail clips are applied both in railway fastening systems and in crane rail installations, and they are grouped into three main types according to how they generate clamping force.

Welded Rail Clips

Welded rail clips are fixed components that are directly welded to embedded shoulders or baseplates on sleepers or track slabs. Once installed they are non-removable. Welded clips provide extremely strong longitudinal restraint and excellent anti-creep performance, which makes them suitable for slab tracks and sections with high anti-creep requirements. Their rigidity means the fastening cannot be adjusted after installation, and replacement requires cutting or grinding. Typical welded clip types include the 1615, 9116, 9216, 9120, 9220, 7116, 7120, and 7216 series, as well as rigid rail clips without a pressure tongue. They are ideal for steel plants, ports, and heavy duty rail tracks.

Bolted Rail Clips

Bolted rail clips use bolts as the primary fastening element. Tightening the bolts generates the clamping force that holds the rail. A bolted fastening typically consists of cast iron or steel baseplates, T-bolts, nuts, spring washers, and elastic pads. The structure is relatively simple, the cost is lower, and installation and removal are easy. Bolted clips provide good longitudinal restraint based on friction and are easy to maintain, which is why they are common in traditional ballasted tracks. Typical rail clamp models in this group include 3116, 3120, and 3124.

Elastic Rail Clips

Elastic rail clips are the mainstream fastening type for modern tracks, especially high speed, heavy haul, and metro lines. A complete elastic fastening consists of the spring clip, an insulated rail pad and guide plate, a baseplate of metal or elastic material, and a plastic sleeve or shoulder. The advantages of elastic clips include stable and long-lasting clamping force, excellent elasticity with multi-level stiffness, effective vibration and noise reduction, good electrical insulation, few components, rapid installation and removal with a hammer or special tool, and easy adjustment of track geometry by changing rail pads or guide plates.

Typical Specifications

Other common clip designs include Russian-type oval clips, anti-vandal clips, and quick-install clips. Custom clips can be produced according to customer drawings or samples.

How to Choose the Right Clip Type

Choose a welded clip for slab tracks, steel plants, and heavy duty crane lines where maximum longitudinal restraint is required and removal is not needed. Choose a bolted clip for traditional ballasted tracks where low cost and easy maintenance matter. Choose an elastic clip for high speed, heavy haul, metro, and tram lines where stable clamping force, vibration control, and rapid installation are essential. Confirm the rail section, sleeper type, and required clamping force before selecting the model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of a rail clip? rail clip fixes the rail to the baseplate and sleeper, prevents the rail from moving, and keeps the track gauge stable under dynamic train loads.

What are the three main types of rail clips? Welded rail clips, bolted rail clips and elastic rail clips, each with a different installation method and clamping mechanism.

Which clip type suits high-speed railway tracks? Elastic rail clips, which are the mainstream fastening type for modern tracks. Their stable clamping force and good vibration control suit high-speed, heavy-haul and metro lines.

Can welded rail clips be removed after installation? No, welded clips are non-removable once installed, and replacement requires cutting or grinding the weld. They are chosen where maximum longitudinal restraint is needed.

What material are elastic rail clips made of? Spring steel such as 60Si2MnA, 60Si3CrA and 38Si7, with hardness from 42 to 48 HRC depending on the model. In the E-type family, typical rod diameters are 18 to 20 mm.