Automotive Wire Harness Clips: The Ultimate Guide

Whether marine or automotive, it’s best to store wires, cables, and hoses neatly and out of the way. That’s where clips come in. They help organize your wire harness and electrical system. Read on to learn about automotive wire harness clips, including how to use them.

What Are Cable Clips?

Cable clips feature a loop or cradle and hook, which holds it neatly in place after you fold the wiring. Then, depending on the type, cable clips will have or not have holes, which will determine how you use them. 

For clips with holes, you need nails, pins, or screws to fasten them to the surface. Just ensure the nail or screw size is correct. 

But if the clips don’t have holes, they’ll have an adhesive strip instead. All you need to do is peel off the backing and stick the clip to the surface.

What’s the Difference Between a Cable Clamp and a Cable Clip

Cable clips are tools used to mount wires or cables. Many refer to them as cable mounts or wire mounts.

On the other hand, cable clamps assist with clearly defining how cable and wire installations get mounted. In addition to holding the wires or cables in place, they restrict movement and clearly define a cable path from where it starts to its destination.

Types of Cable Clips and Their Uses

Below is an outline of different cable clip types and their uses:

Self-Adhesive Cable Clips

These clips have an adhesive strip (sticky surface) covered with a backing layer. Simply peel off the backing and affix the clip. Note, though, that the strength of the adhesive strip varies depending on the gauge wire it’s meant to secure.

Normally, self-adhesive cable clips are best for securing cables or harnesses where drilling holes is not an option.  

Metal Cable Clips

Usually, manufacturers use steel, stainless steel, and brass to make cable clips. That’s primarily because the clips are highly wear-resistant and not susceptible to damage from chemicals, heat, humidity, or water. 

Some examples of metal cable clips include routing clips and wire loom clips. 

Nail Cable Clips

These are the most commonly used professional and DIY clips. Usually, they have a hole with a nail or pin for fixing onto a surface.

Image of a nail cable clip

Nail cable clips are round or rectangular and come in several sizes and materials. And this diversity contributes to their popularity.

In addition to their use in cars, people use these clips for running wires for lighting or power, keeping TV and ethernet cables neatly, and motors and machinery.

Image of running cable tucked neatly using a nail cable clip

Screw-in Cable Clips

Coaxial cable clips make mounting wiring and cable easy. And when it’s necessary to make any changes, these clips are easy to remove and replace. 

The two primary coaxial cable clips are nail and rounded push-puns, both plastic and available in black or white.

Mostly, people use coaxial clips for stereo wiring.

Image of white coaxial cable clips

P Clips

As the name suggests, P clips, when closed, appear like the letter P in shape. What’s interesting about these clips is that they wrap around the wiring or cable bundle, and then you can fix the bundle into position using a screw. 

Further, P clips come in varying materials to suit different environments. And they’re also available in various sizes depending on bundle diameter.

Usually, people use P clips where chafing and damage to car components are likely. 

Saddle Cable Clips

Saddle cable clips enable securing wiring and cable slightly away from the surface onto which you’re affixing them. That way, there’s less chafing or strain. Additionally, these clips have snap-in bases that make installing them easy and tops that lock so you can add or reduce wires as desired.

Further, saddle clips consist of molded plastics ànd metals. Usually, people use these clips for various automotive, industrial, and home applications.

Adjustable Cable Clips

Like the saddle cable clips, these clips allow adding or removing wire to suit your rerouting changes. What’s great about the adjustable cable clip is that it won’t open until you release the tab. 

Metal Cable Clips Vs. Plastic Cable Clips

Metal cable clips in electrical wiring are stainless steel, steel, aluminum, or copper. And in case you’re wondering, the metal clips are all corrosion-resistant. As you know, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper are corrosion-free,  and the steel clips are zinc-plated. 

Some examples of steel clips are P clips. These have a rubber ring that absorbs vibration and provides electrical insulation.

However, rapid corrosion occurs when metals like copper or brass come into contact with galvanized steel. Therefore, you’re better off choosing another material like plastic. Nylon cable clips, for example, are a great option that’s pocket friendly.

Additionally,  you must consider where you’re using the clips when choosing between metal and plastic. For example, metal is suitable when exposed to extreme heat as it won’t melt. But for most other applications, it’s safe to go with plastic.

Conclusion

There are several types of cable clips. Your choice depends on the wires or cables you want to mount and where you’ll install them. At Cloom Tech, we pride ourselves on superior cable assembly capability and expertise. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to contact us.