What Are Rail Clips
In the railway track system, rail clips, often called elastic rail clips or railway clips, are among the most popular fastening parts used to keep the rail track fixed on rail sleepers, whether timber or concrete. Rail clamps are also used in some rail fastening systems. The clip presses the rail foot onto the base plate or sleeper with a defined elastic force, so the rail keeps its gauge and alignment while the track absorbs the dynamic loads of traffic.
Main Types of Rail Clips
The rail clip family can be divided into several functional groups. E-type clips are the most common elastic fasteners for concrete sleeper lines and turnouts. Screwed tension clamps are the widely used resilient fastening for direct screwed systems on concrete sleepers. Crane rail clips serve crane and industrial tracks, Russian type clips follow the fastening practice of CIS railways, and gauge lock and anti-vandal clips are used for special track security requirements. Customized clips can be produced from customer drawings for any specific fastening system.
E-Type Rail Clip Series
The E-type series includes E1609, E1809, E1813, E2001, E2007, E2009, E2039, E2055, E2056 and E2063 models in 60Si2MnA spring steel. Every model is rated at a minimum clamping load of 950 kg with a hardness of 44 to 48 HRC. Unit weights start at 0.43 kg for the 16 mm clip and reach 0.80 kg for the 20 mm series. The clips suit a wide range of rail profiles and sleeper configurations.
Screwed Tension Clamp Fastening
Screwed tension clamps are used in resilient directly screwed fastening systems on concrete sleepers. The clamp is manufactured from 60Si2MnA, 60Si2CrA, 55Si2Mn or 38Si7 spring steel with a hardness of 42 to 47 HRC. Clamps with 18 mm wire withstand 3 million fatigue cycles and clamps with 20 mm wire withstand 5 million cycles without breaking. Surface options include plain oiled, oxide black and color painting, and the reference standards are DIN 17221, BS 970 and GB/T 1222.
Crane Rail Clips
Crane rail clips are numbered fastening units designed for crane and industrial rail sections. Clip 114 suits 20 to 40 pound ASCE rails, clip 120 suits 25 to 40 pound ASCE rails, clip 103 suits 40 pound ASCE to 100 pound AREA rails, clip 106 suits 60 pound ASCE to 100 pound AREA rails, clip 62 suits 80 pound ASCE to 175 pound CR rails and clip 175 serves 175 pound CR rails. Bolt diameters range from 5/8 inch to 1 inch depending on the clip number.
Russian Type Rail Clips
Russian type rail clips are produced with wire diameters from 12 mm to 20 mm. Unit weights rise from 0.18 kg for the 12 mm clip to 0.76 kg for the 20 mm clip. The toe load ranges from 200 to 400 kgf for the 12 mm size up to 1100 to 1400 kgf for the 20 mm size. Materials include 60Si2MnA, 60Si2CrA, 55Si2Mn and 38Si7, with plain oiled, oxide black, zinc plated and hot dip galvanized surfaces available.
Selection and Common Misconceptions
Select the clip family from the sleeper type, rail profile, toe load requirement and the fastening system already installed on the line. Mixing clip families on the same sleeper is a common error because the clamping forces differ. Another misconception is that a heavier clip is always better; the toe load and geometry must match the rail and base plate. It is also wrong to judge a clip only by its model number without verifying the material, hardness and fatigue certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the function of a rail clip? rail clip keeps the rail fixed on the sleeper with elastic pressure and maintains the gauge and alignment of the track.
How many main types of rail clips exist? The main families are E-type clips, screwed tension clamps, crane rail clips, Russian type clips, gauge lock clips and anti-vandal clips, plus customized designs.
What is the toe load of Russian type clips? The toe load ranges from 200 to 400 kgf for the 12 mm clip up to 1100 to 1400 kgf for the 20 mm clip.
Which standards apply to tension clamps? The common reference standards are DIN 17221, BS 970 and GB/T 1222.
Can rail clips be manufactured from customer drawings? Yes, standard and non-standard clips can be customized from drawings or samples.
What surface finishes are available for rail clips? Plain oiled, oxide black, color painting, zinc plating and hot dip galvanizing are available depending on the type.
