A rail clip is an elastic fastening device that holds the rail firmly in place while allowing controlled vertical and lateral movement under dynamic traffic loads. It maintains gauge, resists rail creep, and protects the track structure from excessive stress.
GNEE RAIL supplies all major rail clip types, including SKL1–SKL15, Nabla clips, Fast Clip systems, E-type clips, and heavy-duty crane rail clips, compatible with GB, UIC, DIN536, JIS, AS1085, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE track standards, along with technical support for system selection and installation.
What steel are railroad clips made of?
Railroad clips (or elastic rail clips) are primarily manufactured from high-quality spring steel, specifically grades with excellent fatigue resistance and high yield strength, such as 60Si2MnA, 55SiCr7, 60Si2CrA, 55Si2Mn, and 38Si7. These steels are chosen to maintain a tight clamping force on the rail even under high-stress conditions.
| 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 |
Key Characteristics and Material Details:
- Common Grades: 60Si2MnA is a widely used material, frequently utilized for E-type and Nabla rail clips.
- Properties: The steel provides superior elasticity and fatigue resistance (withholding 3-5 million cycles without breaking).
- Hardness: Finished clips generally have a Rockwell hardness of HRC 42-50.
- Manufacturing Process: Clips are typically produced via hot forging.
- Surface Treatment: They are often finished with oiling, oxide black, zinc-plating, or Dacro coating for corrosion resistance.
- Standards: Materials usually conform to standards such as GB/T 1222 or DIN 17221.
What types of railroad clips are there?
Railroad clips, or elastic rail clips, are essential forged spring steel fasteners used to secure rails to sleepers, absorbing impact and preventing movement. Key types include E-type (e.g., E1609, E2009), SKL (tension clips like SKL1, SKL12), Nabla, Deenik, PR-series (Pandrol), KPO clamps, and specialized crane clips.
Common Types of Railroad Clips:
- E-type Rail Clip (E-Clip): Widely used for its high strength and durability, with common models including E1609, E1809, E1817, E2007, E2009, and E2055.
- SKL Rail Clip (Tension Clip): Known as tension clamps, these include models such as SKL1, SKL3, SKL12, SKL14, and SKL75, commonly used in German rail fastening systems.
- Nabla Rail Clip: A specific type of elastic fastening system used for concrete sleepers, often paired with insulators.
- PR-series Rail Clip (Pandrol): Popular in North America and India, including models like PR85, PR309A, PR401, and PR601A.
- KPO Clip/Clamp: A heavy-duty, bolted clamp used to fasten rail to steel or concrete sleepers.
- Crane Clips/Clamps: Specially designed for crane rails, such as WJK or SKL-series clamps, for heavy-duty industrial applications.
| 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 |
How does a railway clip work?
A railway clip (or elastic rail clip) is a forged spring steel fastener that secures rails to sleepers, providing consistent clamping force (approx. two tons) to maintain track gauge, alignment, and stability. It works by bending and distorting under pressure to create a strong, flexible hold that absorbs vibration, reduces noise, and allows for thermal expansion.
- Elastic Clamping Force: Unlike rigid spikes, these clips flex to maintain a constant pressure on the rail foot, which is crucial for preventing rail movement.
- Vibration Absorption: The elasticity of the metal absorbs the shock from passing trains, reducing wear on the track and extending the life of the infrastructure.
- Maintaining Gauge and Alignment: By locking the rail to the sleeper (concrete or wood), they prevent the tracks from widening or buckling, especially under high-speed or heavy-haul conditions.
GNEE RAIL as the largest rail clip and clamp production base in China, which has been qualified to tender medium and large scaled railway projects. In addition, GNEE RAIL is approved elastic rail clip manufacturer by China's Railway Ministry and has been ISO9001-2008 certified. Our rail clip product is ideal for rail track assembly for advantages of easy fitment while track laying; economical maintenance; long durability and lifespan; fast replacement.
Click here to obtain the detailed product catalog of GNEE RAIL.
