Edge clips are spring steel fasteners designed to grip two abutting panels or sheet edges, creating a vibration-resistant joint without screws or welding. In assemblies with plastics or thin sheets, edge clips offer a low-cost, reliable method to join components, clamp covers, or align parts. Their spring action ensures a firm hold while allowing disassembly or servicing.
Advantages
> Eliminates holes and screws
> Resists vibration
Material
CS60, CS70 carbon steel, austempered
Method of Assembly
Push the edge clip over the two edges that are required to be held together. The inner barbs on the fastener will prevent any separation.
When specifying, please state:
- Quantity
- Prefix (CBEC)
- Part No.
- Finish code (e.g. 4000 CBEC-0761-13)
How Edge Clips Work
Edge clips are inserted over two mating panel edges (or over a folded lip) so that internal barbs or fingers bite into the material. The spring steel clip applies radial or lateral pressure, pulling the panels together. Some clips have barbs on both sides, preventing separation and resisting vibration forces. Because they clip externally, they require no clearance or threading inside the panels.
During installation, the clip simply pushes over the edges; the barbs engage and hold. The design ensures that the clip cannot be pulled off without deflecting the spring clip (i.e. tool removal). Edge clips are especially useful when space is constrained or a clean outer surface is needed (no visible screws).
How Edge Clips Work
Panel Thickness & Material Compatibility
Clips are specified for particular panel thickness ranges (e.g. 1.4 – 1.83 mm). Choose spring steel with compatible coatings (zinc, phosphate) to reduce corrosion or wear with plastic or coated surfaces.
Grip & Barb Design
Clip inner barbs should engage both panels for positive retention. Barb angle and height must be balanced—too aggressive, and they dig or crack plastic; too shallow, and clips slip.
Clearance & Fit
Panels must align within tolerances to ensure even compression. Edges should be smooth and free of burrs that could prevent engagement or cause stress.
Installation & Removal
Slide or press the clip over the edges until the barbs engage. Removal typically requires spreading or bending the clip slightly to release grip—avoid damaging the panels. Install from one side or both depending on clip style (some are one-side removable, others fixed on both edges).
Dimensional Data & Sizes
Dimensions in millimetres