What really matters when choosing or replacing rail clips

At Inform Rail, we regularly review drawings that specify an existing rail clip for crane rail, a rail clip that’s no longer manufactured, or the two classic words: “or equivalent.”
But what does it really mean for you when pricing a project, replacing rail clips or designing a new crane rail system?

Let’s break it down.

What Brands of Crane Rail Clips Exist?

Widely recognised brands such as Grantrex and Gantrail are manufactured by Gantry Railing Limited, a UK‑headquartered company with a strong global presence. Molyneux rail clips, located in the United States, are also well known for their durability and reliability in heavy‑duty applications. Bemo Rail, based in the Netherlands, has supplied some of the world’s largest container terminals for many years. They have a wide range of rail clips designed to suit several rail systems.

Inform Rail is able to source all types of rail clips available on the market.

Today, most manufacturing occurs in China and Malaysia and these rail clips, and other brands on the market, are engineered to:

Secure crane rails to their support structure
Allow controlled lateral movement caused by thermal expansion, wheel forces or operational loads
Reduce wear and extend the life of the overall rail system

While Grantrex, Gantrail, Molyneux and Bemo are commonly known, numerous other manufacturers produce clips with similar form, function and load performance.

Regardless of brand, the primary purpose remains the same:
Hold the rail securely while allowing movement and reducing stress on the rail and structure.

How to Verify the Clips You Have

At Inform Rail, we specialise in identifying legacy and hard‑to‑find clip types. Feel free to send us photos of your existing clips – we’re happy to help!

Most crane rail clips, no matter the manufacturer, include identifying marks, often stamped or cast, such as:

The manufacturer’s name or logo
A model or series number

These markings are usually found on the cam or body of the clip.

For accurate comparison or replacement, product data sheets remain the most reliable source for:

Load capacity
Material specifications
Installation requirements
Performance characteristics

We have an extensive archive of historical product data sheets, enabling us to assist with identifying older or discontinued clip types.

Replacing Existing Clips: Should You Use the Same Ones?

Not always.

While replacing your clips with identical models might feel like the simplest choice, it may not be the best or most compliant one.

Your current installation may:

No longer meet modern design standards
Have been originally built with non-optimised components
Use clips that are now obsolete or outperformed by newer designs

Before replacing any clips, it’s important to review:

Original design intent – does it still apply to current operations?
Changes in operational load or crane frequency
Rail alignment issues or new wear patterns
Why the existing clips failed or wore out

Updated product alternatives may offer better:

Load performance
Adjustment capability
Installation efficiency
Long-term durability

Giving Inform Rail a call, engaging an engineer or reviewing the original design documentation helps to ensure replacement clips are fit for purpose and align with current standards and site conditions.

So, what are fishplates?

Fishplates, also known as rail joints or joint bars, are steel components used to connect two rail sections end-to-end. They are bolted to the sides of the rail web and serve several important functions in crane rail and railway systems.

Melbourne Tram Rail: A legacy of local industry and global change

When sourcing crane rail for industrial applications, whether for overhead cranes, port terminals or fabrication yards, understanding where your rail is made is essential. The origin of your rail affects not only quality and compliance but also availability, lead times and long-term performance.

Whyalla’s Origins: Building Australia’s Rail Capacity

Whyalla has long stood at the centre of Australia’s rail infrastructure story. From its early days under BHP to its current role as the nation’s only domestic producer of steel rail, Whyalla’s contribution to crane & rail systems is unmatched in scale, quality, and strategic importance.