What is the service life of E-type rail clip fasteners?

Dec 25, 2025 Leave a message

E-type rail clip can provide durable alignment which can protect the steel rail and the fastenings from high pressure. The materials of e clip is spring steel which make e clip of high strength. There are many types of e clip: E1609, E1809, E1817, E2007, E2009, E2055, etc.

 

rail fasteners

 

Model Diameter Material Under Pressure HRC Weight
E1609 Ø 16mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.43kg/pc
E1809 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.61kg/pc
E1813 Ø 18mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.62kg/pc
E2001 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.80kg/pc
E2009 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.80kg/pc
E2039 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.80kg/pc
E2007 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.80kg/pc
E2055 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.80kg/pc
E2056 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.80kg/pc
E2063 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.80kg/pc

 

What is the service life of E-type rail clip fasteners?

 

E-type rail clip fasteners generally have a long service life, often cited as 15 to over 20 years (15-25 years), but this depends heavily on conditions, with clips themselves lasting 20-30 years, while pads degrade faster (10-15 years) and need earlier replacement, extending life with proper coatings and maintenance.


Factors Influencing Service Life

 

 

  • Material & Coatings: High-quality spring steel with anti-corrosion treatments (galvanization, Dacro) significantly boosts durability, especially in harsh environments.

 

rail fastening

 

Material 60Si2MnA 60Si2CrA 55Si2Mn 38Si7
Chemical composition(%) C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.60-2.00, Cr:≤0.35, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.40-0.70, Si:1.40-1.80,Cr:0.70-1.00 P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 C:0.52-0.60, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.50-2.00,Cr:≤0.35 P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 C:0.35-0.42, Mn:0.50-0.80, Si:1.50-1.80, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03

 

  • Environmental Conditions: Coastal areas with salt or high UV exposure can shorten pad life.

 

  • Traffic Load: Heavier loads and higher speeds (fatigue cycles) can reduce lifespan compared to lighter-use tracks.

 

  • Maintenance: Regular re-torquing of bolts and timely pad replacement are crucial.

 

How to extend the lifespan of e-railway clips?

 

To extend e-railway clip lifespan, focus on proper installation, reducing vibration with better rail pads, preventing corrosion with coatings, and consistent maintenance like cleaning and lubrication, while addressing rail corrugation to minimize stress and using high-quality, compatible components for optimal performance and longevity.


Installation & Design

 

 

  • Correct Fit: Ensure clips, insulators, and pads are correctly seated and matched for three-point contact with the rail base.

 

railway clip

 

  • Material Quality: Use clips made from quality materials, as coarse or inhomogeneous metal can reduce life.

 

  • Component Matching: Use compatible rail pads and insulators (e.g., don't mix deep-post insulators with standard pads) to prevent shifting.

 

GNEE RAIL offer an extensive range of rail clips with optimum quality, these rail clips are designed with high precision and made up of premium grade spring steel. GNEE has been the largest and most competitive production base of rail clip in China after more than 18 years' rail clip producing experience, and have qualification to tender nationally large and medium scaled rail projects. What's more, our rail clip can be customized according to clients' requirements.

 

For more information – Get in touch now!