Product
Fiberglass Grating Clips: Types, Spacing and Count per Panel
Updated
Fiberglass grating clips hold panels down to the supporting steel. US guide specifications call for Type 316 stainless steel clips no more than 4 ft (1.22 m) apart, at least four per piece of grating. Strongrate's catalog lists six STRONGFIX clip types (L, M, C, W, J and G), mainly stainless steel, and recommends the M saddle clip for most gratings.
Which STRONGFIX clips does Strongrate’s catalog list?
| Catalog type | What it does, per the catalog | Used on |
|---|---|---|
| L clip1 | Lighter-duty alternative to the M clip; holds one load bar down to the support | FRP grating |
| M clip1 | Saddle clip that clamps two load bars to the support; the catalog’s recommended clip for stair tread panels | Most gratings: open mesh, mini mesh and pultruded |
| C clip1 | Joins two molded panels where their joint falls between supports, to limit differential deflection | Molded grating |
| W clip1 | Round fastener with a recessed center that sits flush, under 1/4" (6.4 mm) high | Plates and covered grating |
| J clamp1 | Bottom clamp used with a top clip, to fasten grating to a frame that cannot be drilled | Versions for each molded mesh and pultruded open area |
| G clamp1 | Fastened from above with hand tools; no drilling, tapping, cutting or welding | FRP grating |
Notes
- 1The catalog’s Chinese text also lists galvanized steel; the clip material is stated in your quote.
Other US makers use Type M for a saddle clip over two bars, Type J for a clip on one bar, Type F for an end or joining clip and Type G for a no-drill friction clip; pultruded grating uses hold-downs shaped for its bearing bars. Match the clip drawing to your grating: molded fiberglass grating or pultruded fiberglass grating.
How many clips does each panel need?
US guide specifications call for clips no more than 4 ft (1.22 m) apart, with at least four per piece of grating. Some suppliers ask for more: at least eight per 4 ft × 12 ft (1220 × 3660 mm) panel, or three per support per panel and two for panels 2 ft (0.61 m) wide or narrower, with at least 1-1/2" (38 mm) of bearing on each support.
| Source | Rule | Distance, in (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| US guide specifications | Type 316 stainless clips; at least 4 per piece of grating; maximum spacing | 48" (1219 mm) |
| US supplier rule | At least 8 per 4' × 12' panel | — |
| US maker rule | 3 per support per panel; 2 for panels 2 ft wide or narrower | — |
| US maker rule (bearing) | Minimum grating bearing on each support | 1-1/2" (38 mm) |
Why Type 316 stainless, and what about drilling?
US guide specifications name Type 316 stainless steel for hold-down clips; Strongrate’s catalog says its clips are mainly stainless steel, so state the grade your specification requires in the quote request. On pultruded grating, use hold-downs made for the bar shape: Fibergrate cautions that drilling pultruded grating can compromise its corrosion barrier.
How are clips quoted and shipped?
Add clips to your grating request so they are counted from the same layout: send the grating type and depth, the support shape and flange thickness, the panel layout and the clip type your specification names. Clip-only orders follow the grating rule: orders under about 500 sq ft of grating, or needed in under 3 weeks, are referred to US stocking importers. Prices are quoted per project: see fiberglass grating price per square foot or request a quote.
As of Oct 2026, Section 232 steel derivative products carry 50% duty on full value, and the derivative list includes hardware and fasteners, so stainless steel clips shipped with grating may be subject to it. Ask for clips to be invoiced as a separate line and confirm their classification with your licensed customs broker; see landed cost, duty and freight.
Frequently asked questions
Will Strongrate clips fit my support beams?
Send the support shape and flange thickness with your request so the clip type and bolt length can be matched to your steel.
Which grating clip needs no drilling?
The Type G friction clip is the common no-drill clip for molded grating, and Strongrate’s catalog describes its G clamp as fastened from above without drilling. Confirm with the supplier that it holds your grating under the loads and vibration it will see.
Are Strongrate clips made in the same factory as the grating?
Strongrate’s catalog lists its STRONGFIX clips but does not say where they are made. If your project specification sets origin rules, ask for the clips’ country of origin with your quote.
Request a quote
Add clips to your quote: send grating type and depth, support flange thickness, panel layout and delivery ZIP code. Quotes within 1 business day (US Central time).
Sources
- Fibergrate molded grating guide specification (Section 06610); Grating Pacific; Direct Metals: Type 316 clips, 4 ft spacing, 4 per piece (accessed Oct 15, 2026)
- Grating Pacific molded fiberglass grating page; Fibergrate; McNichols; Strongwell: clip types (accessed Oct 15, 2026)
- Direct Metals attachments and clips page; Bedford grating catalog: extra clip rules (accessed Oct 15, 2026)
- Bedford PROGrid and PROGrate Grating Catalog 2025 (PDF): minimum bearing (accessed Oct 15, 2026)
- Fibergrate FAQ: drilling pultruded grating (accessed Oct 15, 2026)
- Greenberg Traurig, Updates for importers on IEEPA refunds and Section 232 metals (Apr 2026) (accessed Oct 15, 2026)
- Strongrate product catalog “Your Best FRP Solution” (Sep 2023), supplied by the site owner: STRONGFIX clips (accessed Oct 17, 2026)