Abstract: A strip 10 of slips 12 is characterized by breaking portions 62,64 at which each individual clip 12a, 12b, 12c is separable from its longitudinal neighbors these portions being coextensive, longitudinally of the strip, with the line of separation 60 which divides off each clip from its longitudinal neighbors and which is formed without removal of material of the strip. This line is achieved by shearing the material of the strip while bowing it about a longitudinal axis so as to present a curved surface to an oncoming shearing tool which has an oppositely curved surface. The extent of intersection of the opposite curve defines the length of the line of the separation. The breaking portion is adjacent each end of the line. The clips during severence suffer apparent lateral contraction but no longitudinal distortion.

Abstract: A strip 10 of slips 12 is characterized by breaking portions 62,64 at which each individual clip 12a, 12b, 12c is separable from its longitudinal neighbors these portions being coextensive, longitudinally of the strip, with the line of separation 60 which divides off each clip from its longitudinal neighbors and which is formed without removal of material of the strip. This line is achieved by shearing the material of the strip while bowing it about a longitudinal axis so as to present a curved surface to an oncoming shearing tool which has an oppositely curved surface. The extent of the intersection of the opposite curve defines the length of the line of the separation. The breaking portion is adjacent each end of the line. The clips during severence suffer apparent lateral contraction but no longitudinal distortion.