A rail clip is a spring-based fastening component that secures the rail through elastic clamping rather than rigid bolting. Because the fastening keeps its pressure even when the track components deform slightly under load, the system stays tight, safe and low-maintenance. This article explains what railroad clips are used for and how they work with the rest of the fastening system.
What Are Railroad Clips
Railroad clips, also called elastic rail clips, are spring-steel fasteners that attach the steel rail to the sleeper or baseplate. They are driven or clamped over the rail foot, where they remain under elastic tension. That tension presses the rail down, keeps the gauge stable and holds the track geometry, while the elasticity of the clip absorbs part of the impact of passing trains.
Key Functions of Rail Clips
Secure fastening: clips hold the rail tightly against concrete, steel or wooden sleepers so that it cannot shift sideways or lift.
Shock absorption: the spring action absorbs impact from heavy trains and reduces fatigue in the track structure.
Preventing rail creep: clips resist the longitudinal movement of the rail caused by temperature change and braking forces.
Durability: made of high-strength forged spring steel, clips withstand constant pressure and vibration without loosening.
Gauge stability: by holding the rail foot in position, clips keep the distance between the two rails within tolerance.
Main Types of Rail Clips
Common types include E-clips, C-type tension clips, fast clips and omega clips. E-clips are the most widely used elastic clip and fit almost every rail section; fast clips are designed for mechanized track renewal; and the other types suit specific sleeper and shoulder systems. Representative E-clip sizes and weights are shown below.
| Model | Wire diameter | Weight | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type III | 18 mm | 0.80 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E1609 | 16 mm | 0.43 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E1809 | 18 mm | 0.61 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E1813 | 18 mm | 0.62 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2009 | 20 mm | 0.80 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2055 | 20 mm | 0.80 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
How Clips Work with Other Fasteners
Clips are never used alone. A complete fastening system combines the clip with a screw spike or bolt, a baseplate or tie plate, a rail pad and sometimes a plastic dowel or anchor. The baseplate distributes the load and reduces sleeper wear, the rail pad cushions the rail and provides electrical insulation, the screw spike holds the baseplate down, and the clip supplies the elastic clamping force. The rail anchor, where fitted, prevents longitudinal movement of the rail in addition to the clip.
Choosing the Right Clip for the Job
Select the clip by rail section, sleeper type, axle load and standard. Heavy mainline and high-speed track needs high clamping force from clips such as the E20 series, while lighter industrial lines can use smaller diameters. For wooden sleepers, spikes are common, and for concrete sleepers, elastic clips with cast or pressed shoulders are the norm. Always match the clip to the fastening system drawing so that the toe load and the deflection are correct.
FAQ
Q: What is the main purpose of a railroad clip? A: The clip holds the rail firmly against the sleeper or baseplate, prevents longitudinal creep and keeps the gauge stable under traffic.
Q: Why are clips better than rigid fastenings? A: Elastic clamping keeps pressure on the rail even when the track deforms slightly, which improves safety and reduces maintenance.
Q: What types of rail clips exist? A: The common types are E-clips, C-type tension clips, fast clips and omega clips, each matched to a specific fastening system.
Q: What other parts do clips work with? A: Clips work with screw spikes, baseplates, rail pads, plastic dowels and rail anchors to form the complete fastening system.
Q: What material are rail clips made of? A: Clips are made of forged spring steel such as 60Si2MnA or 38Si7, hardened and tempered to give a stable clamping force.
