What tools are typically used for installing rail clips?
Installing rail clips requires specialized tools to ensure the initial clamping force is precisely achieved, thereby guaranteeing the reliability of the entire track fastening system.
The most critical tool is the torque wrench, which primarily comes in two types: manual torque wrenches and hydraulic torque wrenches. Manual torque wrenches are suitable for routine maintenance and small-scale installations, allowing the operator to precisely control the torque applied to the fastening bolts, ensuring it meets the design specification requirements. For large-scale line construction or maintenance, efficient hydraulic torque wrenches are typically used. They can quickly and consistently fasten a large number of rail clips, significantly improving work efficiency while avoiding uneven torque caused by variations in human force.
Beyond the core torque wrench, a complete rail clip installation toolkit includes other auxiliary tools. Dedicated installation handles or sockets are indispensable; they are designed to perfectly fit the bolt heads or installation interface of specific rail clip models, preventing slippage or damage to components during application of force. In some complex fastening system designs, specialized positioning jigs or guide tools might also be used. These tools help operators precisely pre-position the clip correctly before final tightening.
For maintenance scenarios requiring the removal of old clips, hydraulic pullers or dedicated extraction tools can safely and efficiently remove clips that are seized due to corrosion or deformation, preventing damage to the rail or baseplate.
GNEE RAIL emphasizes that selecting the correct tools is as important as standardized installation procedures. It is fundamental not only for installation efficiency but also for ensuring the rail clips perform as designed and achieve their expected service life. We advise clients to strictly follow the operational guidelines provided by both the tool manufacturer and the rail clip supplier during installation work.
Major Rail Clip Types
Rail clip, or called elastic rail clip, is used to fasten steel rails to the underlying tie plate. Through bending and distortion, rail clip can put pressure on the rail, which prevents longitudinal movement of the rail, either from changes in temperature or through vibration. In general, rail clips are made of forged spring steel produced by hot forging process. Because of the most uniform microstructure, the forged rail clips are considered to be better than other metal forming process.
| 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 | |||
GNEE RAIL offers different kinds of railway fasteners to meet client's requirements, such as Elastic Rail Clip and Clamp, Rail Screw Spike, Plastic Dowel, High Tensile Track Bolt with Nut, Rail Base(Tie) Plate, Rail Fish Plate, Railway Shoulder(Insert), Fish Bolt, Railroad Rubber and EVA Pad, etc. Samples and drawings provided by customer, we will manufacture qualified products accordingly.
