Spring Clips

Spring clips, also known as a Terry clip, are fasteners used to hold cylindrical objects through spring tension. They allow objects to be quickly inserted and removed while maintaining a secure grip. You can learn more in our complete spring clips guide.

Spring clips come in a wide range of materials, including steel, plastic, coated metal, and other alloys. The material used and its thickness, as well as design, determine the holding strength of the clip. Shop a wide range of spring clips in various sizes and materials at RS New Zealand.

How Spring Clips Work

Spring clips use flexible arms made from steel or similar resilient materials to apply consistent tension around a cylindrical object. When an object is pushed into the clip, the arms flex outward and then spring back, holding it securely in place through pressure alone. This design allows for quick insertion and removal without the need for tools. Grip strength varies based on the material, thickness, and clip design, and clips are typically mounted to surfaces using screws or bolts through fixed mounting holes.

Types of Spring Clips

Spring clips are available in several materials and configurations to suit different load requirements and environments. Here is an overview of the main types available:

Steel Spring Clips

Steel spring clips are the standard choice for general-purpose fastening and tool storage. Their robust construction provides strong, reliable grip strength, making them well-suited to workshop environments, tool racks, and industrial storage applications where durability under regular use is important.

Stainless Steel Spring Clips

Stainless steel spring clips offer the same mechanical performance as standard steel variants but with added resistance to corrosion and moisture. They are commonly used in outdoor, marine, food processing, and other environments where exposure to humidity or chemicals would cause standard steel to degrade over time.

Plastic / Nylon-Coated Clips

Plastic and nylon-coated spring clips provide a protective layer that prevents surface damage to the objects they hold. They are commonly used for holding pipes, cables, and delicate cylindrical components where metal-on-metal contact could cause scratching or wear, and in applications that require electrical insulation.

Tool Clips (Wide Base / Narrow Base)

Tool clips are designed specifically for mounting tools and equipment to boards, racks, and panels. Wide base variants offer greater stability for heavier or thicker objects, while narrow base clips suit lighter tools and tighter installations. Both are widely used in workshops, vans, and site storage setups.

Key Benefits of Spring Clips

Spring clips offer a practical, reliable fastening solution across a wide range of applications. Key benefits include:

Quick and easy installation and removal: Spring clips require no tools to operate, allowing objects to be inserted and removed rapidly, which saves time during assembly, maintenance, and daily use.
Secure grip for tools, pipes, and cables: The spring tension mechanism holds cylindrical objects firmly in place, reducing the risk of slipping or movement during use or transit.
Reusable and repositionable: Spring clips can be removed and repositioned without damage, making them a cost-effective fastening solution for changing storage layouts or temporary fixtures.
Durable materials suitable for industrial and DIY use: Available in steel, stainless steel, and coated variants, spring clips are built to withstand demanding environments and repeated use.
Available in corrosion-resistant and protective coatings: Coated and stainless options extend the service life of the clip in wet, chemical, or outdoor environments where standard materials would deteriorate.
Helps organise and store equipment efficiently: By securing tools, pipes, and cables in designated positions, spring clips contribute to organised, accessible, and safer workspaces.

How to Choose the Right Spring Clip

Choosing the right spring clip depends on the object being held, the environment it will be used in, and how it will be mounted. Consider the following factors:

Material: Steel offers high strength for demanding applications, stainless steel provides corrosion resistance for wet or outdoor environments, and plastic-coated options protect sensitive surfaces from damage.
Clip diameter: Match the clip size to the diameter of the object being held. Correct sizing and material selection are key for reliable performance and a secure, stable hold.
Holding strength: The grip strength of a spring clip depends on the thickness of the material and the clip design. Heavier or more load-bearing applications require clips with greater material thickness.
Mounting type: Consider whether single or double fixing holes are required for your installation. Double fixing holes offer greater stability, particularly for heavier loads or high-vibration environments.
Application type: Identify whether the clip will be used for tool storage, pipe holding, cable management, or general fastening, as each use case may favour a specific clip design or material.
Environment: Indoor applications may be suited to standard steel, while outdoor, marine, or chemical environments call for stainless steel or coated variants to prevent corrosion and deterioration.

Applications of Spring Clips

Spring clips are used across a broad range of domestic, commercial, and industrial settings wherever a quick, reliable, and tool-free fastening solution is needed. Common applications include:

Tool storage: Spring clips are widely used to hold tools such as hammers, handles, and equipment on boards, racks, and panels, keeping workspaces organised and tools readily accessible.
Pipe and hose fixing: Metal spring clips are commonly used to secure cylindrical pipes and hoses in position, preventing movement and reducing wear on fittings and connections.
Cable management: Wire spring clip solutions are used to organise wires and electrical components in both residential and commercial installations. They are a common inclusion in an electrician's tool kit, offering a fast and tidy way to route and retain cables.
Automotive and industrial use: Spring clips play an important role in retaining components, hoses, and equipment in automotive and industrial environments where vibration and movement require reliable fastening.
DIY and home use: Terry clips and standard spring clip options are popular for general organisation and mounting solutions around the home, from garage storage to shed organisation.

Your Trusted Supplier & Distributor of Spring Clips in New Zealand

RS New Zealand is a trusted supplier and distributor of high-quality terry clips and fastening solutions. We offer an extensive range of tool clips from reputable brands, such as MIKALOR, Bott, and RS PRO, ensuring you have access to reliable, high-performance products for any application.

Beyond spring clips, we also offer a range of fasteners and fixing components, such as cap screws and spring washers, to complete any storage or assembly requirement.

Explore our user-friendly online site for the full range of products and have them shipped directly to your site or home at your convenience. With our flexible delivery options, you can receive your products precisely when needed. For comprehensive details on delivery times and fees across New Zealand, please consult ourDelivery page.