
Crocodile clips, also known as alligator clips, are spring-loaded clips made from metal. [Crocodile clips](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/crocodile-clips-guide) are typically serrated and have small teeth. They are commonly used in electrical and electronic testing and prototyping to temporarily connect wires and components without soldering, allowing for quick and easy adjustments and measurements.

## **Types of Crocodile Clips**

### **Insulated Crocodile Clips**

Insulated alligator clips feature a protective covering over the metal jaws, enhancing safety by preventing accidental short circuits and improving grip on wires.

### **Non-Insulated Crocodile Clips**

Non-insulated crocodile clips lack protective covering, offering direct metal-to-metal contact. They are commonly used in applications where insulation is not necessary or would impede conductivity.

### **Heavy-Duty Crocodile Clips**

Heavy-duty crocodile clips are designed with stronger springs and more robust jaws, capable of securely gripping thicker wires and components, ideal for industrial and high-current applications.

### **Micro Crocodile Clips**

Micro crocodile clips are smaller in size, and designed for delicate electronic work or applications where space is limited, maintaining precision while ensuring reliable connections.

## **Materials Used in Crocodile Clips**

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

### **Stainless steel**

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, which you may need to take into consideration when choosing the right crocodile clip for your application.

### **Nickel-plated steel**

Nickel-plated steel is also used for making crocodile clips as this material is suited to a wide range of industries in NZ and (like stainless steel) provides you with excellent corrosion resistance.

### **Gold-plated steel**

Gold-plated steel crocodile clips are typically more expensive than other steel counterparts but are 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**

Copper crocodile clips are suited to applications that require excellent electrical conduction.

## **Applications of Crocodile Clips**

Crocodile clips and alligator clips are most commonly used for making temporary electrical connections. These cable [clamps](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/clamps-guide) can be used to connect two wires or to connect one lead directly to a device. Here are some of its useful applications:

- **Electrical testing and measurements:** Crocodile clips are used in electrical testing and measurements to temporarily connect wires, components, and testing equipment. Their spring-loaded jaws ensure a secure grip, allowing for reliable conductivity without soldering. In laboratories and workshops, they facilitate the testing of circuits, voltage measurements, and continuity checks. Their ease of use and versatility make them essential tools for engineers and electricians.
- **Educational demonstrations:** In educational environments, crocodile clips play a crucial role in hands-on learning activities focused on electrical principles. They are used by teachers and students to illustrate basic concepts such as circuitry, conductivity, and component connections. By connecting batteries, bulbs, and switches with crocodile clips, educators can create interactive demonstrations that enhance understanding and engagement in science and technology classes.
- **Automotive industry:** Large-sized crocodile clips are also used in the automotive industry for diagnostic and repair purposes. They can also be referred to as plier clips, plier-style clips or battery clamps. [Plier](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/pliers-guide) 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. Mechanics and technicians use them to create temporary connections to test electrical components, sensors, and circuits within vehicles.
- **Hobbyist projects:** In hobbyist circles, crocodile clips are prized for their versatility in DIY electronics projects and modelling activities. Hobbyists often use them to temporarily connect components during prototyping stages for quick adjustments and experimentation. Whether assembling electrical circuits, soldering components, or constructing miniature models, crocodile clips provide a flexible solution for holding parts together securely.

## **Shop Reliable Crocodile Clips Now!**

Discover the reliability and precision of crocodile or alligator clips from RS, a trusted global supplier and distributor of electronic components and tools in NZ. Whether you need insulated crocodile clips for safety, heavy-duty for industrial use, or micro clips for precision work, RS offers a wide range from top brands, including [Mueller Electric](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/b/mueller-electric/), [Hirschmann Test & Measurement](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/b/hirschmann-test---measurement/), [Staubli](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/b/staubli/) and more to suit every application. 

Browse our selection now and find the perfect solution for your electrical testing and hobbyist needs.

## **Ordering and Delivery Information for Crocodile Clips from RS**

Ordering crocodile or alligator clips from RS is easy. You can easily place your order online, which offers the convenience of next-day delivery to most areas across NZ. Alternatively, you can call us directly to speak with our knowledgeable staff and place your order over the phone.

Our delivery service ensures your products arrive promptly, typically the next working day, or you can choose a specific delivery date within the next 12 months to suit your schedule. For more details on delivery options and timelines, visit our [delivery information](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/content/support/all-articles/delivery) page.



Crocodile Clips

Test Connectors

Test & Measurement

Electrical, Automation & Cables

Automation & Control Gear

Automation Signalling

Contactors & Auxiliary Contacts

Electric Motors

Industrial Robots

PLCs, HMIs & Industrial Computing

Process Control

Sensors

Solenoids

Cables & Wires

AV Cables

Cable Glands & Fittings

Cable Joints & Cable Sleeving

Cable Management

Cable Ties & Fixings

Computer Cables

Electrical Power & Industrial Cables

Networking & Coaxial Cables

Single Core Cable

Wire to Board Cables & Ribbon Cable

Enclosures & Server Racks

19-Inch Racking

Enclosures

Enclosures & Racking Components

Fuses & Circuit Breakers

Circuit Breakers

Earth & Lightning Protection

Fuse Holders & Accessories

Fuses

HVAC, Fans & Thermal Management

Air Conditioning & Fans

Air Conditioning & Heating Accessories

Building Automation

Electronics Heating & Cooling Components

Fan Accessories

Lighting

Light Bulbs, Lamps & Tubes

Light Fittings, Fixtures & Luminaires

Lighting Components

Torches & Inspection Lamps

Relays & Signal Conditioning

Relay Accessories

Relays

Signal Conditioners & Isolators

Switches

Capacitive, Magnetic and Piezo Switches

DIP & Rotary Encoded Switches

Domestic Installation Switches

Foot Switches & Components

Joysticks & Components

Key Switches & Selector Switches

Keyboard & Keypad Switches

Limit & Position Switches

Micro Switches & Detector Switches

Push Button Switches & Components

Rocker Switches & Components

Rope Pull Switches & Components

Rotary Switches & Components

Safety Enabling & Control Switches

Safety Interlock Switches & Components

Switch Disconnectors & Components

Toggle Switches & Slide Switches

Electronic Components, Power & Connectors

Batteries & Chargers

Battery & Charger Accessories

Battery Chargers & Power Banks

Non-Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable Batteries

Connectors

AV Connectors

Automotive Electrical Connectors

Backplane & Rack Connectors

Circular Connectors

IC Sockets & Adapters

Mains & DC Power Connectors

Network & Telecom Connectors

PCB Connectors & Wire Housings

Power Connectors

RF Coaxial Connectors & Adapters

Terminal Blocks

USB, D Sub & Computing Connectors

Wire Terminals & Splices

Displays & Optoelectronics

Display Modules

Fibre Optic Components

Indicators & Indicator Components

LED Lighting Components

LEDs - Light Emitting Diodes

Laser Modules & Components

Optocouplers & Photodetectors

ESD Control, Cleanroom & PCB Prototyping

ESD Control & Clean Room

PCB Etching, Preparation & Developing

PCB Handling

PCB Spacers, Pillars & Supports

PCB Tools

Prototyping Boards

Passive Components

Antennas

Capacitors

Crystals, Oscillators & Resonators

EMI Filters & Protection

Fixed Resistors

Inductors

Passive Components Kits

Rotary Encoders

Sounder, Buzzer & Microphone Components

Surge Protection Components

Variable Resistors

Power Supplies & Transformers

Power Supplies

Renewable Energy

Transformers

Voltage Converters

Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ROCK, STEM Education & Development Tools

Arduino Shop

BBC micro:bit Shop

Development Tools & Single Board Computers

ROCK SBC Shop

Raspberry Pi Shop

STEM Education

Semiconductors

Amplifiers & Comparators

Audio & Video ICs

Chip Programmers & Debuggers

Clock, Timing & Frequency ICs

Communication & Wireless Module ICs

Data Converters

Discrete Semiconductors

Interface ICs

Logic ICs

Memory Chips

Power Management ICs

Processors & Microcontrollers

Programmable Logic ICs

Sensor ICs

Mechanical, Fluid Power & Tools

Access, Storage & Material Handling

Ladders & Steps

Material Lifting & Loading Equipment

Storage & Shelving

Transit & Equipment Cases

Trucks, Trolleys & Lifting Tables

Adhesives, Sealants & Tapes

Adhesive, Sealant & Tape Dispensers

Adhesives & Glues

Sealants & Resins

Tapes

Bearings & Seals

Gaskets, Seals & Packings

Linear Motion

Rotary Bearings & Housing Units

Engineering Materials & Industrial Hardware

Anti Vibration & Levelling Components

Carbon Fibre & Felt Sheets

Castors & Wheels

Ceramic Materials

Channel Support Systems

Conveyor Components

Insulation Materials

Knobs, Levers & Handles

Metal Materials

Plastic & Rubber Materials

Polishing & Finishing

Shim Stock

Structural Systems

Fasteners & Fixings

Clips & Springs

Girder Fixings

Magnets & Magnetic Strips

Nails & Rivets

Nuts & Washers

Pins, Keys & Retaining Clips

Screws & Bolts

Sheet Metal & Panel Fasteners

Spacers & Standoffs

Wall Plugs, Fixings & Anchors

Hand Tools

Cable, Connector & Crimping Tools

Clamps & Vices

Hammers & Demolition

Knives, Scissors & Saws

Manual Grease Guns & Accessories

Measuring & Marking

Pliers & Cutters

Sanding, Filing & Polishing

Screwdrivers, Hex & Torx Keys

Spanners, Sockets & Wrenches

Specialist Tools

Staplers & Riveters

Threading Tools

Tool Kits & Tool Storage

Mechanical Power Transmission

Belts & Pulleys

Brakes & Clutches

Bushes & Collars

Fluke Crocodile Clips

0 Products showing for Fluke Crocodile Clips

Popular Searches

Related links