RC Body Clips: Size & Type Guide | Choose Right!

Radio-controlled (RC) enthusiasts understand the critical role of maintaining the integrity of their model vehicles, particularly during operation and maintenance. RPM, a notable manufacturer of RC accessories, designs products mindful of the importance of secure body mounting. The humble body clips rc, often overlooked, are paramount in securing the body shell to the chassis of various RC models. This guide helps navigate the selection of appropriate size and type of body clips rc, ensuring compatibility with models ranging from 1/10 scale touring cars to larger off-road trucks, improving overall durability.

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RC Body Clips: A Comprehensive Size and Type Guide for Optimal Performance

Choosing the right body clips for your RC vehicle is crucial for securing the body shell effectively, protecting the internal components, and ensuring peak performance during operation. This guide provides a detailed overview of body clips, focusing on their sizes, types, and the factors to consider when selecting the best ones for your specific RC needs.

Understanding the importance of correctly sized and appropriate type of body clips goes beyond simple aesthetics. Poorly fitted clips can lead to several issues:

Body shell detaching mid-run, causing damage to both the shell and the underlying chassis.
Excessive vibration due to insecure mounting, potentially affecting the electronics and overall stability.
Premature wear and tear on the body shell mounting holes.

This guide will enable you to make informed decisions and maintain the integrity of your RC vehicle.

Size Matters: Understanding Body Clip Dimensions

The diameter and length of body clips are the primary size considerations. Different RC models, from smaller 1/16 scale vehicles to larger 1/8 scale trucks and buggies, require different sized clips. Choosing clips that are too small might fail to hold the body securely, while clips that are too large could be difficult to insert and remove or cause damage to the body posts.

Diameter: Refers to the thickness of the wire used in the clip. A thicker diameter provides greater strength and holding power. Typically, larger scale models require clips with larger diameters.
Length: Indicates the overall length of the clip. A longer clip is better suited for body posts that extend further or for body shells with thicker mounting areas.

A general sizing guideline, although always best to verify with your specific RC model’s documentation:

1/16 and 1/18 Scale: These smaller models typically use clips with a smaller diameter wire (around 1mm to 1.2mm) and shorter length (around 15mm to 18mm).
1/10 Scale: A common size for on-road and off-road vehicles. Clip diameter is typically around 1.5mm to 1.8mm with lengths around 20mm to 25mm.
1/8 Scale: Larger buggies and truggies usually require robust clips. Diameters around 2mm or larger and lengths exceeding 25mm are common.

It’s always recommended to check your RC vehicle’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific body clip size recommendations.

Exploring Different Types of Body Clips

While the basic design remains the same, body clips come in a variety of materials and designs to suit various preferences and applications.

Standard Metal Body Clips: These are the most common and economical type, typically made from spring steel. They provide reliable holding power and are readily available.
Plastic Body Clips: Often made from durable nylon or composite materials, these clips are lighter than metal clips and are less likely to scratch or damage the body shell. However, they might not be as strong as metal clips.
Body Clip Retainers (Lanyards): These prevent body clips from being lost when removed. They typically consist of a small cord or wire that attaches the clip to the body post or chassis. A valuable addition for preventing lost clips.
Bent Style Body Clips: A slight bend in the clip makes it easier to grip and remove. This design also helps keep the clip from easily sliding out of the body post holes.
Body Clip Washers: These small washers fit between the body clip and the body shell. They help distribute the pressure of the clip, preventing the body shell from cracking or tearing around the mounting holes.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Body Clips

Selecting the right body clips involves considering several factors beyond just size:

Durability: Choose clips made from high-quality materials that can withstand repeated use and stress. Spring steel is a good choice for metal clips, while nylon or composite materials are suitable for plastic clips.
Ease of Use: Consider the ease of inserting and removing the clips, especially if you frequently change the body shell. Bent style clips and those with integrated handles can be easier to manipulate.
Retention: Opt for clips that provide a secure grip on the body posts to prevent accidental dislodgement during operation. Test fit the clips to ensure they hold the body shell firmly in place.
Compatibility: Ensure that the clips are compatible with the size and type of body posts on your RC vehicle. Check the diameter of the posts and the size of the mounting holes on the body shell.
Aesthetics: While functionality is paramount, you can also consider the appearance of the clips. Choose clips that complement the overall look of your RC vehicle. Some clips come in different colors or with custom designs.
Driving Style: Aggressive driving with jumps and hard landings puts more stress on body clips. Choose sturdier clips and consider using body clip washers and retainers.

Body Clip Maintenance and Best Practices

Proper maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your body clips and ensure they continue to perform optimally.

Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the clips for signs of wear, such as bending, cracking, or rust. Replace damaged clips immediately.
Cleaning: Clean the clips regularly to remove dirt, debris, and grime. Use a mild detergent and water, and dry them thoroughly before use.
Storage: Store spare clips in a safe and organized place to prevent them from getting lost or damaged. A small container or parts organizer is ideal.
Avoid Over-Stretching: Avoid over-stretching the clips when removing them, as this can weaken the metal and reduce their holding power. Use a dedicated body clip removal tool if needed.
Lubrication (Optional): Applying a small amount of silicone lubricant to the clips can help them slide smoothly onto the body posts and prevent rust. However, avoid using petroleum-based lubricants, as they can damage plastic body shells.

FAQs: RC Body Clips

What’s the most common body clip size and when should I use it?

The most common body clip size is 1/10 scale, around 1.25" long. These are typically used on 1/10 scale RC cars and trucks. Use them when the body post diameter matches the clip diameter and the clip provides adequate holding force for the body.

Are all RC body clips the same material?

No, RC body clips come in various materials. Standard clips are often made of spring steel, which offers good durability. You can also find body clips rc made of stainless steel for better rust resistance, and sometimes even plastic clips for very light-duty applications.

Can I use larger body clips if my current ones keep falling out?

While tempting, using significantly larger body clips rc might not be ideal. First, ensure your body posts are secure. If they are, consider clips with a tighter grip or those with an attached tether. A clip that’s too big might not sit flush or could damage your body.

What are body clip retainers and how do they help?

Body clip retainers, also known as body clip keepers, are small accessories that attach to the RC body clips and the chassis. They prevent the body clips rc from getting lost when removed from the body posts, a common frustration for RC enthusiasts.

Alright, that pretty much covers the basics of RC body clips! Hopefully, this guide helps you navigate the world of these tiny-but-mighty fasteners and choose the right ones for your ride. Now get out there, bash around, and don’t worry too much about losing those body clips rc – we all do it!