What do you need to know before purchasing rail clips?

Before purchasing rail clips, you must determine the rail size and required load capacity (such as sideload), select the correct clip type (e.g., bolted or welded), and consider the application environment to choose the appropriate material (like stainless steel) and preservative treatment (e.g., galvanizing). Compatibility with the specific rail section and other components is also critical.

1. Determine rail and load specifications

• Rail size: You need the precise dimensions of the rail's foot to ensure a proper fit.

• Load capacity: Estimate the horizontal force (sideload) and/or vertical load the clips will need to withstand to find a clip with sufficient strength.

2. Choose the right clip type

• Bolted vs. welded: Welded clips can offer a stronger installation, while bolted clips are often more convenient and cost-effective, especially for adjustments.

• Elastic clips: For applications requiring shock absorption and elasticity, such as with high-speed or urban rail, elastic clips are necessary.

3. Select the appropriate material and treatment

• Material: Choose a material that suits your environment. Stainless steel is ideal for corrosive conditions, while other options may be suitable for indoor or less harsh settings.

• Surface treatment: Consider preservative treatments like galvanizing or anti-corrosion paint to prevent rust and corrosion, especially for outdoor or severe environments.

4. Consider installation and compatibility

• Compatibility: Check that the clip dimensions will correctly fit the overall support structure width and that the clip is compatible with other components.

• Installation: Some bolted clips are designed for easier installation and adjustment, sometimes allowing the use of impact wrenches.

• Maintenance: Choose a clip type that is easy to maintain. For example, the "fit and forget" type of elastic clip requires very little maintenance.

Rail clip, or elastic rail clip, is used to secure the rail to the underlying tie plate. By bending and deforming, the rail clamps can exert pressure on the rails to prevent longitudinal movement of the rail due to temperature changes and vibrations. Usually, the track clip is made of spring steel processed by hot forging method. With the most uniform microstructure, forged rail clips are considered better than other metal forming processes.

GNEE RAIL can develop and produce various kinds of rail clips such as E-type(E1609, E1809, E1817, E2007, E2009, E2055, etc), SKL tension clips (SKL1, SKL3, SKL12, SKL14, SKL75, etc), PR series, Nabla clips, D type rail clip, Fast clip, gauge lock clip, Deenik clip as well as other standard and non-standard clips can be customized by drawings or samples.

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