What is an elastic rail clip?

This is an informational post, please check the rail clip page if you are searching for the product.

Elastic rail clip is one of the common railway fasteners in the railway system. In general, elastic rail clip is made of forged spring steel and has many applications. No matter as a part of rail fastening system or as a rail fastener, elastic rail clip is used with other railway track parts, such as railroad spike, rail pad, tie plate and plastic dowel.

Elastic rail clip function

Like other rail fasteners, the main function of rail clip is fastening railway sleeper and steel rail together. The rail clip is considered as one of the best ways to ensure that rails do not move, bend, warp, or rot. There are data shows that each elastic rail clip can bear about two tons of force upon a railway track.

Rail clip types

For different applications and national standards, elastic rail clips can be classified into various types, including rail e- clip, SKL rail clips, Nabla rail clip, Deenik clip, crane rail clip, Russia rail clip as well as other standard rail clips.

E-type rail clip

E rail clip provide positive and durable rail alignment under the harshest working conditions, which extend the life of railway track. Generally, e rail clips are available at the range from 18mm to 23mm diameter. Rail –e clip is usually made of spring steel. As an important type of elastic rail clips, E-rail clip has a lot of sizes, such as E1, E2, E3, E1609, E1809, E1817, E2001, E2006, E2009, E2055, E2056, etc.

SKL rail clip

SKL rail clip, also called skl tension clamp. German railway is the first to develop SKL elastic rail clips. And then, they are proved to be reliable on the concrete and wooden railroad ties. SKL rail clip include many sizes, such as skl1, skl3, skl12, skl14, and etc.

SKL Rail clip specification

Name	SKL tension clamp
Material	60Si2MnA        60Si2CrA        55Si2Mn         38Si7
Hardness	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 or according to customer requirement
Standard	DIN17221, BS970, GB/T1222

Nabla rail clip

Nabla rail clip is one of common elastic rail clips that usually work as a part of Nabla rail clip rail fastening system.

Nabla Rail clip specification