Spring Clips
Spring clips, also widely known as Terry clips, are simple yet effective fasteners designed to securely hold cylindrical objects in place using spring tension. While plastic clips are often used for electrical and cable-fastening applications, steel clips provide superior strength, temperature resistance, and durability, making them ideal for heavy-duty retaining and clamping tasks.
Key Uses of Spring Clips
Thanks to their simple design and easy installation, spring clips are versatile components used across a wide range of industries in Australia for clamping, retaining, and securing parts:
- Cable and Wire Management: In electrical and electronic systems, spring clips are widely used for securing wiring and retaining cables. They provide a firm grip without damaging insulation, making them ideal for organising cable runs along surfaces or within electronic devices and enclosures.
- Pipe and Hose Clamping: For plumbing and fluid systems, spring clips are used to securely hold pipes and hoses in place. They provide a quick and easy method for mounting pipework to walls, chassis, or other structural surfaces.
- Mechanical and Automotive Assembly: In general machinery and automotive assembly, steel spring clips are used for a variety of retaining tasks. They are often used to secure cylindrical components, hold tools and equipment in place on a panel, or clamp parts within a larger assembly.
Types of Spring Clips
While spring clips are available in various materials, steel is a popular choice for applications requiring strength and durability. The type of steel and its protective finish determine its suitability for different environments.
Steel Spring Clips
These are the standard, uncoated version of metal spring clips, typically made from carbon or alloy steel.
- Main Feature: Excellent strength and stability for high-stress holding and clamping.
- Suitable for: Indoor environments with minimal corrosion risk, such as on machinery, tool boards, or internal assembly lines.
Galvanised Steel Spring Clips
These metal spring clips are made from steel that has been coated with a protective layer of zinc.
- Main Feature: Enhanced durability with excellent protection against rust and corrosion.
- Suitable for: Outdoor use, marine applications, construction sites, and any environment where the clip may be exposed to moisture.
How to Choose the Right Spring Clip
Selecting the right spring clip is essential for ensuring a secure, long-lasting hold. To find the best fastener for your needs, you must match the clip's design and material properties to the object being held and the environment it will be in.
Consider the Material
The material is a critical factor in the clip's performance. Plastic clips are a lightweight and cost-effective choice, well-suited for lighter applications like organising small cables.
For strength and durability, steel and stainless steel spring clips are the superior option, offering the high performance needed for industrial and high-stress environments.
Clip Design and Diameter
The clip must securely fit the object it is intended to hold. The internal diameter of the spring clip should closely match the external diameter of the pipe, cable, or tool being secured. A clip that is too large will not provide enough tension, while one that is too small will not fit or may over-stress the material.
Durability and Resistance
For long-term reliability, assess the clip's durability against its operating environment. Consider its tensile strength for heavy loads, its temperature resistance for use near heat sources, and its corrosion resistance.
For outdoor, coastal, or humid applications across Australia, stainless steel metal spring clips are the best choice for preventing rust and ensuring long-lasting performance.
Common Industry Applications
Spring clips are a versatile and widely used fastening solution, found in workshops, on worksites, and in manufacturing facilities across Australia. Their simple and effective design makes them indispensable for a range of common tasks.
- Construction and Trades: On construction sites and in general trades, spring clips are extensively used by electricians and plumbers. They provide a quick method for securing electrical conduits, cables, and pipes to walls, beams, and inside service panels.
- Manufacturing and Engineering: In manufacturing and engineering workshops, steel spring clips are used for a variety of retaining and clamping jobs. They are commonly found holding tools on storage boards, securing components within machinery, and temporarily clamping parts during assembly processes.
- Automotive and Maintenance: Within the automotive sector, mechanics and fitters use spring clips to retain hoses, secure wiring looms, and mount components to the chassis or body of vehicles.
How to Order Spring Clips from RS Australia?
Find the right spring clips for your clamping and retaining needs at RS Australia. As a leading supplier of fasteners and hardware, we stock a comprehensive range of high-quality spring clips from trusted manufacturers like MIKALOR, Bott, UVOX, and our own RS PRO range. Explore our full online catalogue to find the perfect spring clips, compression springs, and pipe clips for your project.
Purchasing your components from RS is a simple and secure process. Simply select the products you require, add them to your basket, and follow the steps in our streamlined online checkout to complete your order. We offer a range of payment methods to suit your business or personal needs. For all information regarding our delivery options, shipping costs, and service coverage throughout Australia, please refer to our dedicated Delivery Information page.
