Purlin Clips
Purlin clips are specialized fasteners used to connect ceiling wire, threaded rod, or jack chain directly to steel purlin beams, typically C-shaped or Z-shaped flanges. Designed for speed and efficiency, these clips eliminate the need for drilling or welding, making them ideal for overhead installations in commercial and industrial environments.
Their clamp-on or spring-tension design allows for fast, secure attachment to purlin flanges without damaging the structural steel. Commonly used in ceiling suspension systems, lighting grids, HVAC ducting, and cable containment setups, purlin clips provide a reliable mounting solution where access is limited and time is critical.
Why Purlin Clips Are Essential for Overhead Installations
In commercial and industrial builds, purlin clips are a go-to solution for overhead support. While beam clamps/clips are often used for I-beams, purlin clips are purpose-built for Z- and C-shaped purlins. Unlike traditional fixings, they don’t require drilling or clamping onto steel beams, which helps reduce labor time and avoids compromising the beam’s strength. Installers can lock clips into place quickly by hand or with a designated purlin clip tool.
Purlin clips are a popular alternative to overhead drilling and anchoring in steel beams, offering a safer, faster install method with no damage to the substrate.
These clips are ideal for a range of overhead applications. Ceiling fit-out contractors often use them to suspend wire for suspended ceiling grid systems, while electricians and data cabling specialists use them to support conduit or cable trays. Mechanical installers rely on them for ductwork suspension or lightweight equipment bracing.
The biggest advantage is their adaptability. Purlin clips are available for both C-shaped and Z-shaped flanges and can be purchased pre-assembled with rod hangers in various thread sizes. This makes them suitable for a wide variety of load requirements and ceiling layouts. Whether you're retrofitting an existing space or working on a new build, purlin clips offer a dependable and efficient solution.
Common Types of Purlin Clips and Their Applications
Purlin clips come in a variety of forms to suit different tasks and structural conditions. Standard Z Purlin Clips, for example, are designed to hook onto the edge of a Z-flange and include a hole for wire or rod attachment. C Purlin Joist Clips, on the other hand, offer a deeper profile suited to C-shaped beams, allowing for more secure placement without slippage.
Some clips are assembled with integrated rod hangers such as 1/4"-20 or 3/8"-16 threaded versions, which allow for direct attachment of drop rods or cable supports. These models help reduce the number of parts needed on-site and simplify alignment during installation. For ceiling wire suspension or jack chain support, spring steel purlin clips are commonly used, offering fast and flexible positioning along the flange.
Purlin clip installation tools are also available, designed to connect with telescoping poles. These allow users to mount clips from floor level, making installations safer and faster, particularly in high-ceiling environments.
Material Options and Compatibility with Ceiling Wire
Most purlin clips are manufactured from mild or spring steel, offering a balance between flexibility and strength. Spring steel variants are favored for quick manual installation, as they can flex into place over flanges and retain grip without fasteners. This is especially useful when working on steel beams between 1/8" to 1/4" thick, as commonly found in commercial roofing systems.
Clips made from mild steel offer a more rigid structure, ideal for heavier loads or threaded rod fasteners in suspended systems. Some clips are zinc-coated to provide corrosion resistance in standard indoor environments. In cases where higher durability is required, such as damp locations or exposed ceiling cavities, galvanized or stainless options may be preferable, though availability varies by model.
All models are compatible with common ceiling suspension elements, including steel wire, jack chain, threaded rod, and electrical conduit accessories. The correct clip selection depends on the shape of the purlin flange, the weight of the suspended load, and the type of fastener used.
Similar to angle clips, purlin clips provide dependable support in steel-based layouts where access and flexibility are key.
Real-World Uses: Electrical, HVAC, and Grid Mounting
Across construction and fit-out projects, purlin clips solve the problem of how to safely suspend fixtures from overhead steel structures. Electrical contractors often use them to hang cable management systems like trays or containment frames without drilling into beams. Lighting installers use them to support T-bar ceiling grids or LED light rows.
In HVAC applications, purlin clips are used to mount flexible ducting, sheet metal trunking, or air diffusers. When paired with threaded rod hangers, they provide stable support with minimal sway or movement, ensuring that building services remain secure and aligned over time.
Even in warehouse or commercial retail settings, purlin clips are used to hang signage, lighting tracks, or speakers. Because they’re easy to install and remove, they’re also useful in temporary structures or for reconfigurable layouts where mounting needs may change over time.
Choosing the Right Purlin Clip for Your Project
Choosing the right clip starts with identifying the beam flange type, either C or Z profile, and its thickness. From there, you’ll need to determine the type of suspension system being used, such as ceiling wire, jack chain, or threaded rod. For lighter applications, spring steel clips with wire holes are often sufficient. For heavier loads, opt for clips assembled with rod hangers rated for the appropriate thread size.
Consider the installation environment as well. For indoor, dry locations, zinc-plated mild steel is typically sufficient. For higher-moisture or open-ceiling installs, choose clips with a stronger finish or added corrosion resistance. If you’re working at height or in hard-to-reach areas, an installation tool paired with extension poles can drastically improve safety and speed.
Need Help with Purlin Clips or Bulk Orders?
Hook and Hanger supplies a wide variety of joist clips for a multitude of different uses. We also supply speciality Purlin clip installation tools that can be attached to an extension pole. Purlin clips can easily be installed with these tools on any beam flange of a suitable size. We offer different-sized joist clips that can accommodate various-sized threaded or drop rods at an easily adjustable height.
The majority of our joist clips are made from a combination of mild and spring steel, which is due to their durability and resistance to breakage through misshaping (which can occur with heavier loads) or impacts. This ensures they are hard-wearing and suitable for most applications.
Contact us for further information, such as product technical specifications or details. We aim to be a one-stop shop at Hook and Hanger, providing you with the highest quality products at the best prices. Please get in touch with us if you cannot find the product you require or have further queries. We will do our best to assist you.
