Crocodile clips are attachments with springs and have serrated edges with small teeth. They are commonly made from steel and copper and are known by other names such as plier clips, alligator clips, and battery clamps. These clips primarily create temporary, flexible, or experimental electrical connections in laboratories or industrial settings. For example, the connections could be between two wires or electrical lead and the anode or cathode of a gadget.
These clips are also widely used in education to demonstrate the working of batteries, bulbs, or circuitry. Larger-sized clips are commonly used in garages and car maintenance, where they are utilized for battery change and jump leads or welding tasks where they can absorb the excess heat. They also perform non-electrical functions like attaching identification badges or entry passes to clothes, holding dentistry bibs in place, etc.
How to Use Crocodile Clips
If you use crocodile clips normally to hold an item or two in place, then the working principle is very simple. However, if you want to create electrical connections, then things can get complicated. Follow the following steps to connect wires to a battery or other similar devices, then test the connection to make sure it is perfect:
- First, you must ensure that all electrical devices are disconnected from power.
- You can utilize wire strippers to remove the plastic present at the end of the wire. Pinch it lightly to cut through the plastic and then remove it smoothly.
- Thread the naked end of the wire through the hole at the back of the clip and then loop it around the fastening screw if one is present before you tighten it into place. If there is no screw present, you might have to crimp it into place using an appropriate crimp tool. There might also be some metal wings that can be bent into place with the help of pliers to secure the wire.
- Then you must apply solder. Apply a small amount of molten solder by putting the end of a heated soldering iron against a roll of substances, then apply this molten solder to the clip and wire connection and allow it to cool down and harden. It would help to be careful, as soldering can create high temperatures.
- A solid connection between the clip and the wire is now formed. Open the jaws by pressing the back and connecting it to the battery or the electrical device.
- To test it, you can use a standard voltage indicator to check the current is flowing efficiently.
Finishing of Crocodile Clips
Crocodile slips come in a variety of finishes and colours. Different metal clips are useful for particular applications; sometimes, the finishes are just a matter of aesthetics.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel clips are rust and corrosion-resistant. However, they are hard to sell; therefore, they might not be ideal for many applications. This is usually silver-colored.
Nickel Plates Steel
Nickel plates and steel clips are widely used in many industries. They can harden the surface of a substrate to improve corrosion resistance.
Gold Plates Steel
Gold commonly has higher electrical conductivity and stable contact resistance but is more expensive. This is used in applications where low resistance is crucial.
Copper
Copper is not always a very practical option, but they are esthetically appealing. Most circuit boards, semiconductors, and electronic parts use solid copper, not just copper plating.
