Wire spring clips are used for component holding with the use of constant force application on the connection part. Wire spring force is based on the material and dimension of the design, which also defines deflection and fatigue life.
Spring clips are also used for other applications in industry; they are part of simple machines and also different medical devices. Here we will go over details for spring clips, features, and related factors.
Spring clips in fastener engineering
- Normal spring clips are self-retaining, one-component fasteners that slip into a mounting hole or panel edge. Secondary fastening devices like rivets, studs, or screws are not used since clips are supported with spring tension and do not become loose through vibration.
- Clips are compensated based on tolerance buildup and misalignment.
- The spring clip material normally is steel that comes with 0.50 to 0.80 percent carbon. Normally fasteners are hardened for Rockwell C 45 to 50.
- Different spring tensions are achieved through regulating width and steel thickness.
- Other metals are also used but are not as good, like high-carbon steel. Plastic fasteners come with replaced metal springs in different applications.
- Plastic designs are limited with holding features and also affected by environmental conditions.
- Coatings used for special features, such as one metallic part and neoprene and vinyl dips, make a soft cushion for avoiding damage.
- We also use zinc mechanical plating to ensure a good finish, free from hydrogen embrittlement.
- Different plastic clamps and fasteners are self-retained for panels through the main dart shape and high-strength contact adhesive.
- Dart-shaped panel retaining spring clips come with grips for handling in panel or component holes.
- It is also used for the connection of two panel surfaces, like in refrigerator door liners.
- Other combinations are used for fastening cables, molding trim, and fabrics.
- Different DAR clip types are easy to remove and need a mounting hole and area behind the mounting panel to handle the dart.
- They are connected with low pressure for light loads and use tools for heavy loads.
Types of Spring Clips
Transistor clips:
- small sheet metal clips that screw down on the circuit board and connect the transistor with the heat sink
R-clips or R-pins:
- The spring pin that comes with the straight part is bent to make a ring at the head and comes with a curved part returning offset from the straight pin.
- • A straight pin is made to be pushed through a hole in the shaft, with the curved part clipped over the external side of the shaft, and to hold the pin in that point.
- You can put a finger through the ring at the head for pulling the pin out of the hole.
Command Spring Clips
- They are small and lightweight clips with strong adhesion features. It is good to use for handing different things like bags, jackets, pictures, etc.
Spring Button Clip
- • The spring button has features to hold two-part sliding tube parts in different engineering applications. They come with a button in an internal tube that is put into holes existing in the external tube to provide a strong connection of the tube.
Heavy-Duty Terry Clips
- They are used for different applications, such as the connection of heavy objects like hammer racks and chisels with walls. It has been used since it has a durable nature.
Linchpin:
- the pin having a separate ring connected. It is used in applications where an R clip is used. A pin is put through a hole in the shaft, and the ring is folded over to avoid pin removal. The ring comes with each side connected to a pin with an offset, resulting in it staying clipped in a closed or open state.
- Linchpins are good to use at the end of the shaft, and R clips are used over the shaft.
Spring hose clamps:
- clamp made for holding hose on spigot, works as a jubilee clip and provides fast connection and disconnection. The other part of the clamp comes with a small diameter as compared to the pipe clamped, and the two handles are squeezed together for providing a diameter for easy fitting and removal.
Flat Spring Clip
- Flat clips are a basic type of clip and come in a U shape. It holds thin parts, cards, and paper.
Wire Spring Clips
- It is used for different applications such as pressure distribution and clamping and housing greenhouse glass panes.
Small Metal Spring Clips
- The small metal spring clips come with connection cards with lanyards and badge reel connections that are good for holding ID cards and clothes.
Circular Spring Clips
- These clips are circle-like in design and are used for hooks and keyrings.
U-Shaped Metal Spring Clips
- The main use of U-shaped metal Terry clips is the connection of furniture springs and special parts such as flanges or glass panels. They make connections of pipes and valves.
 Spring Clip Material
Stainless Steel
- It is a commonly used metal for manufacturing Terry clips. Steel has a good grip, is durable, and provides resistance for temperature changes.
- Spring steel clips are protective coatings made with vinyl and neoprene that reduce abrasion and chafing effects for inserted products.
- The nylon coating provides good scratch protection. These are plated with zinc, have a good visual look, and have resistance to longer embrittlement of steel by hydrogen.
Plastic
- Plastic terry clips are also used since they are low cost and the manufacturing process is easy. Plastic does not provide as high a grip as steel, but plastic is a good insulator and the best option for electrical devices and cables.
- Tool clips have a coating of polythene or plastic.
- Small plastic spring clips are dart-shaped with an expandable base and used for sealant connection.
- Mounting panels come with space for handling at the time of connection and fitting process.
- Plastic clips are coated in different colors; black plastic is mainly used.
Some other materials are as follows.
- Oil-Tempered
- Music Wire (Piano Wire)
- Phosphor Bronze
- Elgiloy
- 300 Series Stainless Steels
- 17-4PH and 17-7PH Series Stainless Steels
- Inconel X750
- Beryllium Copper
Spring Clip Applications
- It has features to hold circular handles such as screwdrivers and spanners.
- It holds phones and tablets for easy access.
- It also fastens phones, pagers, and other devices to clothing.
- It holds wires and cables in electrical systems.
- It is used for dampening vibrations in machines for different movable components.
- It secures pipes, tubing, floors, or radiators.
- It is also used for vehicle engine bays and building sites.
- It is used for picture framing and clamping frames with backboards.
- It also works as hangers for a protective window screen.
FAQs
What are spring clips used by climbers?
- The carabiner short form is biner, which is called a clip. It is a type of shackle, a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate that is used for making connections and in safety systems.
What are spring clamps used for?
- Spring clamps are used for clamping wood, metals, and plastic. They work well for clamping stop blocks on fences, clamping power cords, and easy clamping.
What do leaf spring clips do?
- These clips are used for holding cylindrical objects like tools that are put through spring tension. It is also used for the connection of moving components of engines and other mechanical devices.
Can you use banana plugs with spring clips?
- Standard banana plugs not operated with spring clip terminals. The Deadbolt Flex Pin Connectors are made for fitting terminals like regular speaker wire.