Crate Clip Selection and Application Guide: Easier Assembly, Removal and Reuse for Wooden Crates

A detachable wooden crate works well only when its fasteners match the panel joint. The right crate clip can simplify assembly at the joint and make it practical to open, inspect and reassemble the box. This guide explains how to select ORIENS stamped and double-wire clips, what to confirm before production, and how to plan a custom design.

1. What is a crate clip?

A crate clip is a metal fitting used to hold designed joints in a wooden or plywood crate. Clips may secure side panels, end panels or a lid. At a joint designed for clip fastening, the panels can be connected without adding nails at that joint. The clip is one part of the packaging system: the panels, joint geometry, clip positions and complete crate design determine how the box performs in handling and transport.

ORIENS supplies the metal hardware, including crate clips for wooden and plywood boxes. A complete wooden crate is not included in a standard clip quotation.

2. What are the benefits?

Simpler assembly at the clip joint. When the panels and clip have been designed together, operators can fasten the specified joints in a repeatable sequence. The C057 and C058 stamped clips can be pressed by hand onto their matching joints.

Planned disassembly and reuse. A suitable crate can be opened and its panels separated for inspection, storage and later reassembly. Reuse depends on the condition of both the clips and the wood; damaged or loose components should be replaced.

More consistent packaging work. An approved drawing can define clip type, quantity, spacing, orientation and inspection points. Any savings in labor, storage space or total cost should be measured against the customer's actual crate and logistics process. See our wooden crate assembly and removal guide for the sequence used with C057 and C058.

3. Which types and sizes are available?

Start with the panel thickness, then check the entire joint profile and perform a sample fit test. ORIENS offers stamped C057/C058 clips, six documented double-wire size variants, and custom designs.

Stamped clips: C057 and C058

The confirmed material is Chinese Grade 50 carbon steel, heat-treated to 42–46 HRC. Zinc plating and electrophoretic coating are confirmed finish options for these two models. Panel thickness alone does not establish compatibility; compare the edge profile, clearances and engagement points with the approved drawing and sample. Our crate clip selection FAQ provides further specifications.

Double-wire clips: six size designations

All six variants in the ORIENS double-wire product guide use 4 mm diameter spring-steel wire, a 34 mm transverse width, heat treatment for spring action, and a zinc-plated finish. The names below describe the long and short dimensions on the clip drawing; they are size designations, not formal model numbers or crate dimensions.

For these six designs, the panel-thickness selection value is the long dimension minus the short dimension; for example, 118 − 90 = 28 mm. This rule narrows the choice but does not replace a check of the joint geometry, assembly clearance and sample fit. Watch the ORIENS double-wire clip close-up to see the construction.

Custom clips

When a standard clip does not fit, ORIENS can evaluate a customer drawing or sample for a custom size, shape or material. Logo application and surface color can also be assessed. Feasibility depends on the selected structure and process: a logo or finish available on one stamped design should not be assumed to be a standard feature of every wire clip.

4. How are crate clips made?

C057 and C058 are formed from Grade 50 carbon-steel sheet, then heat-treated to their confirmed hardness range. The six double-wire variants are formed from spring-steel wire, heat-treated for spring action and zinc-plated. Because the two constructions differ, their material thickness, hardness, packing and operating instructions should not be interchanged.

Before volume production, the customer and supplier should agree on the drawing, sample, key dimensions, finish and acceptance criteria. Where corrosion performance matters, specify the service environment and any required test method in the order. A coating description alone cannot establish a fixed salt-spray rating or rust-free period. Learn about our manufacturing support and quality control information.

5. How are clips installed and removed?

For matching C057/C058 joints: check the panels and clip model; align the base, sides and ends; press each clip into its approved position by hand; fit the lid; then inspect every engagement point. The clip should retain a correctly aligned joint, not pull mismatched panels into shape. To remove it, support the panel, engage a suitable pry bar in the clip's release slot, and use controlled leverage. Installation is by hand, while removal requires a tool. The assembly video illustrates the sequence.

For double-wire and custom clips: confirm the installation positions, clearance, removal method and any required tools on the actual crate. Do not apply the stamped-clip removal procedure to a different construction without testing it.

Before reuse, inspect the clip for permanent deformation, cracking, corrosion, damaged coating or loose engagement. Inspect the wood around the joint as well. No universal load rating or fixed number of reuse cycles applies to every clip and crate.

6. Where are crate clips used?

Clip-fastened wooden or plywood crates can be considered for industrial equipment, components and electronics when the complete packaging design has been validated for the packed load and intended handling. A packaging company may combine clips with toggle latches for a lid or pallet collar hinges where the box design calls for them. The required clip count and spacing depend on the crate dimensions, load, transport and handling conditions.

7. Why choose ORIENS as a supplier?

ORIENS combines customer communication and order coordination with manufacturing support from its controlled facility in Cangzhou, China. Established in 2009, the company supplies standard and custom industrial metal hardware. For a crate clip project, we can review the panel joint, discuss a suitable construction, confirm a sample and agree on production requirements.

Our published UK packaging customer case study describes an ongoing 13-year supply relationship, six clip designs and a combined annual supply exceeding 400,000 pieces across those designs. Different box configurations called for different fasteners rather than one universal clip.

Customer-exclusive designs remain confidential. ORIENS protects customer drawings, samples, logos and specifications. We manufacture and supply exclusive custom products only for the agreed project; without the customer's written authorization, we do not display or sell those designs to other buyers or markets.

8. Frequently asked questions

Is panel thickness enough to select a clip?

No. Check the edge profile, grooves or recesses, tolerances, engagement points and installation clearance. Test a sample on the actual joint before ordering production quantities.

Are 118–90 and 116–89 official model numbers?

No. They are size designations derived from dimensions shown on the double-wire drawings. Quote the designation together with the drawing or sample and the measured panel thickness.

Can every double-wire clip be installed by hand and removed with the C057/C058 pry bar?

That has not been established for all six variants. Confirm the method with the selected clip and box assembly.

Can a custom clip include a logo, alternative material or color?

These options can be evaluated from a drawing or sample. The final material, marking method, finish and appearance should be approved on a sample before production.

How many clips does one crate need, and how often can they be reused?

Both answers depend on the complete crate design, load, handling and component condition. Define the clip arrangement in the approved packaging design, and inspect parts before each reuse.

What are the minimum order and lead time?

Our current selection FAQ lists an MOQ of 500 pieces and a normal 20–35 day production lead time for C057/C058, subject to order confirmation. For double-wire or custom clips, confirm lead time and any mixed-size order terms in the quotation.

9. How do I request a quotation?

Send the measured panel thickness, joint drawing or clear photographs, crate dimensions, packed load, required clip type or existing sample, finish, order quantity, service environment and delivery destination. For custom work, include your size, material, logo and color requirements, along with any confidentiality or exclusive-supply requirements. The more complete the joint information, the easier it is to confirm a suitable sample and quotation.

Explore our Crate Clip product range, contact ORIENS, or email sales@oriensmetal.com.