How to rail elastic clip correctly

Sep 30, 2025 Leave a message

Rail clips are critical components of the railway fastening system. Their main function is to firmly secure the rail onto sleepers or rail slabs through elastic pressure, while also providing flexibility to absorb shocks and vibrations generated by passing trains. To achieve the best performance, rail clips must be used and installed correctly.

 

rail fasteners

 

In practical applications, rail clips are installed in combination with embedded shoulders or base plates on sleepers, ensuring that the bent section of the clip precisely presses against the rail foot. During installation, specialized tools must be used to apply the correct force. The clamping force should be strong enough to prevent both lateral and longitudinal rail movement, but not excessive, as over-tightening may cause permanent deformation of the clip or reduce its fatigue life.

 

Parameters of Main Rail Clip Products

 

rail clamp

 

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

 

Rail clips are typically manufactured from high-strength spring steel, offering excellent fatigue resistance. However, improper installation or uneven loading can compromise their elasticity and reduce the clamping force, negatively affecting rail stability.

 

60 Si2CrA C Si Mn P S Cr Ni Cu
0.56-0.64 1.4-1.8 0.4-0.7 ≤0.035 ≤0.035 0.35 0.35 0.25

 

Regular inspection and maintenance are also essential. Rail clips should be checked for wear, corrosion, or loosening, and damaged parts must be replaced promptly. This is particularly important for high-speed and heavy-haul railways, where rails are subjected to greater stress. A failed clip may lead to gauge deviation or even track damage. Correct use of rail clips not only ensures stable railway operations but also extends the service life of sleepers and rails.

 

rail spike

GNEE RAIL supplies a wide range of rail clips, including E-clips, SKL clips, and Pandrol clips, suitable for different railway applications. We also provide installation guidance and after-sales support to help customers use clips correctly and maintain safe, efficient railway systems. If you are looking for high-quality railway fastening solutions, feel free to contact us for detailed information.

 

Major Rail Clip Types from GNEE

 

rail fastening

 

Name Rail clip
Type E clip (e1809, e2006,e2007,e2009,etc)
Skl clip (skl1,skl3,skl12,skl14)
Or the type by customers' drawings
Material 60Si2MnA 60Si2CrA 55Si2Mn 38Si7
Chemical composition(%) C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.60-2.00, Cr:≤0.35, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.40-0.70, Si:1.40-1.80,Cr:0.70-1.00 P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 C:0.52-0.60, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.50-2.00,Cr:≤0.35 P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 C:0.35-0.42, Mn:0.50-0.80, Si:1.50-1.80, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03
Hardness For e clip: 44-48HRC
For skl clip: 42-47HRC
Fatigue life for Dia.18 is 3 millions cycles without breaking
for Dia.20 is 5 millions cycles without breaking
Surface plain (oiled), Oxide black, color painting, HDG, Zinc Plating...
Standard refers DIN17221, BS970, GB/T1222

Click here to obtain the detailed product catalog of GNEE RAIL.