#114 rail clip used for steel rail

The #114 rail clip is a critical component in railway fastening systems, designed to secure steel rails, particularly ASCE crane rails ranging from 8 lb to 40 lb, to underlying structures such as tie plates, beams, or girders. This clip ensures track stability, maintains proper gauge, and allows limited longitudinal movement to accommodate thermal expansion and vibration, preventing rail misalignment or derailment. Its robust design and versatility make it widely used in railway, crane, and industrial applications across North and South America.

Design and Specifications

The #114 rail clip is typically a single-piece, heavy-duty metal component manufactured from high-quality alloy spring steel, known for its excellent clamping force and durability. It features a standard 21/32" diameter hole (or 5/8" in some specifications) for bolting, though it can also be welded for added flexibility in installation. The clip is compatible with rail sizes including 8 lb, 12 lb, 16 lb, 20 lb, 25 lb, 30 lb, and 40 lb ASCE rails, making it suitable for lightweight to medium-duty rail systems, such as those used in ports, factories, or overhead crane setups. Custom hole shapes, such as oval or nonstandard round, can be provided upon request to meet specific project needs. The clip’s weldable design enhances its adaptability, allowing secure attachment without compromising structural integrity.

Functionality and Performance

The primary function of the #114 rail clip is to fasten the rail’s base to a supporting structure while maintaining lateral stability and allowing controlled longitudinal movement. This is crucial for mitigating stresses from temperature changes or dynamic loads caused by train or crane operations. The clip’s spring steel construction provides a clamping force of approximately 4,000–5,600 lbs, with a nominal toe load of around 2,000–2,780 lbs, ensuring the rail remains securely in place without risk of rollover. Its forged microstructure, achieved through hot forging at 950–1000°C, offers superior strength and uniformity compared to other metal-forming processes, enhancing resistance to vibration and corrosion.

Manufacturing and Quality Control

The production of #114 rail clips involves precise steps to ensure reliability. Spring steel bars are sheared to length, heated to forging temperature, and shaped using power presses with multiple dies. The forged clips are quenched in oil to achieve a hardness of 40–48 HRC, followed by tempering at 350–500°C to balance toughness and resilience. Rigorous inspections verify dimensional accuracy, quench hardness, and overall quality, adhering to standards like AREMA, DIN, and UIC. Manufacturers like AGICO and Kimes Steel emphasize domestic steel and advanced production lines, with lead times of one to two weeks for nonstock orders under 5,000 pieces.

Applications and Availability

The #114 rail clip is used in railway tracks, crane rail systems, and material handling setups, offering a cost-effective, durable solution for securing rails. Suppliers like Railroad Tools and Solutions, Kimes Steel, and J & J Rail Sales maintain large inventories, with prices starting at around $3.63 per unit, though additional components like nuts, bolts, or washers are sold separately. Its design supports both boltable and weldable installations, making it a versatile choice for diverse industrial needs. For tailored solutions, manufacturers can customize clips to client specifications, ensuring compatibility with various rail profiles and support structures.