Crocodile Clips

Crocodile clips, also known as alligator clips, operate on a simple yet effective mechanism. They consist of two metal arms that are spring-loaded, allowing them to open and close easily. When the arms are pressed together, the serrated edges, or small teeth, create a firm grip on the surface they are attached to, ensuring a secure electrical connection.

The spring mechanism holds these wire clips closed until they are manually released, providing a reliable connection for various applications, such as testing circuits or connecting wires. This design allows for quick and easy connections and disconnections, making crocodile clips indispensable in many electrical and electronic projects.

The official name for crocodile clips is "alligator clips." Both terms are commonly used interchangeably, but they refer to the same type of clip characterised by its spring-loaded mechanism and serrated jaws.

Discover more about the different types of crocodile clips and their uses in our crocodile clips guide.

Types of Crocodile Chips

Crocodile clips come in various types, each designed for specific applications to enhance safety and performance.

• Mini crocodile clips: Mini crocodile clips are compact and suitable for small-scale projects and tight spaces such as electronics and model building.
• Insulated crocodile clip: Insulated alligator or crocodile clips are suitable as electrical connectors protecting users from shocks.
• Plastic crocodile clip: Plastic crocodile clip features a plastic shell for robust insulation, ensuring safe electrical connections.
• Heavy-duty crocodile clip: Designed for high-current tasks and heavy industrial equipment, including power generators and battery chargers.
• Micro crocodile clip: Perfect for precise tasks, such as clipping test metres, grounding electrical equipment, and making battery connections.

What are the Benefits of Crocodile Clips Made from Different Materials?

Crocodile clips can be constructed from a variety of metals, but the most common are steel (stainless, nickel, or gold-plated) and copper.

• Stainless steel is incredibly hard-wearing and resistant to corrosion, making it a popular choice for crocodile clips. However, stainless steel can be a difficult material to solder due to its hardness and low electrical conductivity, which you may need to take into consideration when choosing the right crocodile clip for your application.
• Nickel-plated steel is also suited to a wide range of industries and (like stainless steel) provides you with excellent corrosion resistance. While nickel-plated clips do provide decent conductivity, they are generally not as effective as copper or gold-plated options. They are a solid choice for applications where moderate performance is acceptable.
• Gold-plated steel crocodile clips are typically more expensive than other steel counterparts but ideal for applications that require a low level of resistance and a high level of conductivity. Gold plating wears fairly easily, so you should only use this type of clip in situations where a large number of cycles are not required.
• Copper crocodile clips are suited to applications that require excellent electrical conduction, making them the go-to choice for applications that require efficient power transfer, such as in high-current situations. However, copper is less resistant to corrosion compared to stainless steel and nickel, which can limit its use in humid or outdoor environments unless adequately protected.

How to Choose the Right Crocodile Clip?

Choosing the right crocodile clip is essential for ensuring optimal performance in your electrical projects, and several key factors should be considered. Firstly, the current rating of the clip is crucial; ensure it can handle the specific amperage of your application to prevent overheating and potential failure.

Additionally, the material of the clip plays a significant role in conductivity and durability; for instance, clips made from copper provide excellent conductivity, while those with a nickel or zinc coating offer better resistance to corrosion.

Furthermore, consider the intended use of the crocodile clip; for example, lighter clips may suffice for low-power applications, while heavy-duty clips are necessary for high-current tasks, such as automotive work or industrial settings.

Industry Applications of Crocodile Clips

Crocodile clips and alligator clips are most commonly used for making temporary electrical connections. Clips can be used to connect two wires or to connect one lead directly to a device. They have several other industrial applications, as follows:

• Electrical engineering: Crocodile clips are used for temporary connections in-circuit testing, such as quickly connecting components in prototyping setups.
• Automotive industry: Larger-sized crocodile or alligator clips are typically used in the automotive industry. They can also be referred to as plier clips, plier-style clips or battery clamps. Plier clips can be used for jumper cables, battery chargers and welding applications. They are constructed from materials with low electrical resistance such as solid copper and are insulated.
• Essential for jump-starting vehicles, crocodile clips connect the battery of a working car to a dead one.
• Manufacturing: Employed in assembly lines to facilitate quick connections during quality control checks on electronic components.
• Educational institutions: Incredibly useful in laboratories, crocodile clips help demonstrate circuits and battery connections in physics and electronics classes.
• DIY and hobbyist projects: Popular among hobbyists for holding items together while gluing or modeling, ensuring precision in custom projects.
• Medical devices: Applied in testing medical equipment, crocodile clips provide reliable connections during diagnostic procedures.
• Renewable energy: Used in solar panel installations for quick connections and testing, ensuring efficient setup and operation.
• Miscellaneous applications: Crocodile clips are also utilised for holding identification badges on lanyards and in dentistry for securing bibs.

Your Trusted Crocodile Clips Supplier & Manufacturer

As a leading supplier of crocodile clips in Australia, RS offers an impressive selection for sale from top manufacturers like Mueller Electric, Electro PJP, Staubli, and others. What sets RS apart is our unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, ensuring that you receive reliable products tailored to meet your specific needs.

In addition, we understand the importance of timely delivery, which is why we provide fast shipping options throughout Australia, allowing you to get your essential tools without delay. For more details on our delivery services, please check our delivery page.