What Is a Bolted Rail Clip
Bolting is a traditional engineering method for creating a secure fixing. Bolted rail clips are among the simplest and easiest fasteners to install because they need only a bolt, a washer and a nut to generate the clamping force. They can be used with different bolt grades such as 8.8 and 10.9, and some clips can be fitted to preinstalled weld studs welded on the steel rail support surface. The bolted clip prevents the rail from lateral and longitudinal movement, ensuring track stability and safety.
Where Bolted Rail Clips Are Used
Bolted rail clips are widely applied in railway tracks, light rail systems, mining tracks and industrial rail transportation. They suit various rail types and operating conditions because the bolt can be sized to the rail support and the clip body is simple to position. Their features of easy installation, convenient maintenance and strong versatility make them a practical choice for lines where welding is not possible and where fasteners must be removable.
Step by Step Installation Procedure
Insert the bolt or bolts through the holes in the rail supporting structure, ensuring the bolt is placed vertically and passes through all holes correctly. Place the body of the clip over the bolts with the rubber nose resting on the upper surface of the bottom flange of the rail. Move the clip into metal to metal contact with the bottom edge of the rail; at this stage the bottom face of the clip will not be in full contact with the rail support.
Place the special washers over the bolts to distribute the load evenly and improve stability. Make sure the washers are fitted correctly with the square corner to the back and the flat surface upwards. Run the nuts down the bolts gradually until they reach the washers, then continue until the nuts make contact with the special washers.
Tighten the nuts with a spanner, applying even pressure during tightening. Tighten only until the rubber nose is compressed and the bottom surface of the clip is in full metal to metal contact with the rail support; do not apply full torque yet. With a hammer of about 1 kg, tap the clip body towards the rail along the direction of the slots in the clip. Finally tighten the nuts to the required torque given on the product datasheet.
Torque and Seating Checks
The final torque value depends on the bolt grade and the clip size, so always follow the product datasheet. After tightening, verify that the clip body is in full contact with the rail support and that the rubber nose is compressed to the specified degree. Uneven pressure during tightening can shift the clip, so re-check the seating after the first pass and correct before completing the torque application.
Crane Rail Clip Series
The bolted clip family includes numbered crane rail clips for different rail sections. Clip 114 suits 20 to 40 pound ASCE rails with 5/8 inch bolts, clip 120 suits 25 to 40 pound ASCE rails with 3/4 inch bolts, clip 103 suits 40 pound ASCE to 100 pound AREA rails with 3/4 inch bolts, clip 106 suits 60 pound ASCE to 100 pound AREA rails with 3/4 inch bolts, clip 62 suits 80 pound ASCE to 175 pound CR rails with 1 inch bolts and clip 175 serves 175 pound CR rails with 1 inch bolts.
Safety, Maintenance and Common Misconceptions
Check bolted clips during routine track inspection and confirm that nuts have not loosened under vibration. Re-torque loose fasteners to the datasheet value and replace damaged washers and rubber noses. Keep the thread clean and lubricated where the manufacturer recommends it, and record torque values for traceability. Never substitute a bolt of lower grade than specified, because the clamping force depends on the bolt strength.
A common misconception is that full torque can be applied immediately after the clip is placed. The two stage sequence protects the rubber nose and ensures correct metal to metal seating. Another error is installing the special washer upside down, which concentrates the load and reduces stability. It is also wrong to tap the clip away from the rail; the tap direction along the slots must be towards the rail to seat the clip correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bolted rail clip? It is a rail fastener that secures the rail to the sleeper or support using bolts, washers and nuts, resisting lateral and longitudinal movement.
Which bolt grades can be used? Bolted clips can be used with different bolt grades such as 8.8 and 10.9, depending on the required clamping force.
Why is the rubber nose important? The rubber nose distributes the clamping force on the rail foot and is compressed to a defined degree that confirms correct installation.
How should the special washer be oriented? The washer is fitted with the square corner to the back and the flat surface upwards to distribute the load evenly.
What is the purpose of tapping the clip body? Tapping the clip towards the rail along the direction of the slots seats the clip into full metal to metal contact before final torque is applied.
Where are bolted rail clips typically used? They are used on railway tracks, light rail systems, mining tracks and industrial rail transportation, including crane rail installations.
