Large versions of these clips, called automotive clips or battery clamps, are made of solid copper for low electrical resistance, and are used with thick insulated copper cables to make connections between automobile batteries.

Small versions, ranging in size from 15–40 mm (0.59–1.57 in) in length, are used in electrical laboratory work. The clip is typically covered by a plastic shroud or 'boot' to prevent accidental short-circuits. When manufactured for electronics testing and evaluation, one jaw of the clip is typically permanently crimped or soldered to a wire, or is bent to form the inner tubular contact of a ~4 mm (0.16 in) female banana jack, enabling quick non-permanent connection between a circuit under test and laboratory equipment or to another electrical circuit. Functioning much like a spring-loaded clothespin, the clip's tapered, serrated jaws are forced together by a spring to grip an object. It is used to clamp and grab onto a bare electrical cable to a lead on a battery or some other electrical component. This simple mechanical device gets its name from the resemblance of its serrated jaws to the toothed jaws of a crocodile or alligator. This device is a variation of Dusinberre's original crocodile clip design Crocodile clips, also called automotive clips, on a set of jumper cables Three crocodile clips: a bare standard-sized clip a miniature clip in a yellow plastic boot a large red Square D multi-function clipĪ crocodile clip or alligator clip is a plier-like spring-tensioned metal clip with elongated, serrated jaws that is used for creating a temporary electrical connection.

JSTOR ( May 2013) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)Īlligator clip A crocodile clip manufactured by Mueller Electric.

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316 ss alligator clip