Stainless grating clips secure FRP molded or pultruded grating panels to structural support beams. Two material grades are available—304 for general industrial use and 316 for chloride-heavy marine atmospheres and chemical plant washdown zones. The saddle design distributes clamping force without crushing the grating bearing bar.
A stainless steel grating fastener is specified by grade for a reason. Type 304 stainless handles most indoor and freshwater environments without issue, and it represents the cost‑effective choice for grating in warehouses, assembly platforms, and inland water treatment galleries. Where the atmosphere pushes the corrosion risk higher—offshore topsides, coastal loading docks, chlorine storage buildings—the specification shifts to FRP grating clip stainless 316. The 2–3% molybdenum in 316 directly improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride service. For the engineer writing the fastener schedule, the decision between 304 and 316 turns on a simple question: will the clip face salt spray or acidic fumes during normal operation?
Mechanically, the saddle‑type corrosion proof grating clip spans the intersection of two bearing bars and the supporting steel or FRP beam below. Two bolts draw the saddle down onto the grating, transferring the load through the clip body rather than through the grating itself. The result is a fully demountable connection that does not rely on friction alone. Installation torque runs 15–25 N·m for both grades, and the clip can be set from above—important when the area below the grating is a live process zone. Both 304 and 316 clips ship passivated as standard, with electropolishing available for the most demanding service conditions.
Clip Specifications & Material Data
| Material grades | 304 (UNS S30400) and 316 (UNS S31600) |
|---|---|
| 304 composition | 18–20% Cr, 8–10.5% Ni; no molybdenum |
| 316 composition | 16–18% Cr, 10–14% Ni, 2.0–3.0% Mo |
| PREN (316) | ≥ 24 |
| Saddle thickness | 2.5–3.0 mm (0.10–0.12 in) |
| Bolt size | M8 or M10 (5/16″ or 3/8″), hex head |
| Installation torque | 15–25 N·m (11–18 ft·lbf) |
| Compatible grating depth | 25–50 mm (1–2 in) molded or pultruded panels |
| Finish | Passivated (standard); electropolished on request |
Each clip is supplied as a complete set with saddle, two bolts, flat washers, and lock washers, labelled by heat number for full material traceability. These fasteners integrate into the accessories and hardware family alongside carbon‑steel clips and FRP bolting kits, providing a single source for all grating attachment hardware. For installations that require a fully non‑metallic connection, the same saddle design is available in FRP—see the walkway systems section for application details.
Proven in Field
“We replaced over 2,000 grating clips on the offshore platform's helideck with 316 stainless saddles after the original galvanized clips failed within two years. Three winters of North Sea exposure later, every clip is intact, and the grating panels remain fully secure with zero edge uplift. For the onshore warehouse mezzanine, the 304 clips have performed identically well at a lower material cost.”
— Excerpt from Offshore Platform Grating Upgrade