Crocodile clip

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Three alligator clips: a bare standard-sized clip; a miniature clip in a yellow plastic boot; a large red Square D multi-function clip.

A crocodile clip is a temporary electrical connector, named for its resemblance to a crocodile's jaws. Functioning much like a clothespin, the clip's two tapered, serrated jaws are forced together by a spring to make them grip a metal object, and one of the jaws usually has a wire permanently attached for connection to an electrical circuit. The clip may be partly covered by a plastic shroud or "boot" to prevent accidental short-circuits.

Smaller versions are used in electrical laboratory work. These have a slightly different shape and are called alligator clips.

Large versions of these clips, called automotive clips, made of bare copper, are fitted to car jump leads, which are used to transfer energy from a fully charged lead-acid battery to an empty one.

[edit] Other uses

Alligator clips are used in dental offices to attach a protective bib oven the patient's clothing.
Crocodile and alligator clips are frequently used in school physics laboratories to quickly and cheaply assemble circuits.
Alligator clips can be used as miniature clamps to hold parts together for gluing and wires together for soldering.
Drug users may use alligator clips as roach clips, to hold short marijuana cigarettes.