Abstract: A common rack system is provided for sequentially anodizing and painting parts. The parts (14) are mounted on rack bars (18) and secured in place with straddle clips (16). An anodization bar (20) that is substantially thicker than the rack bar (18) is clamped to each rack bar (18) to provide the current-carrying capacity needed for good anodization. After the parts are anodized, the anodization bars (20) are then unclamped and removed from the rack bars (18), and the parts are painted while still mounted to the rack bars. The rack bars (18) are quite thin so as to minimize paint shadowing. Only minor touch-up painting is necessary after the parts (14) are subsequently removed from the rack bars (18).

Abstract: The invention is an improved clip for holding workpieces to racks during alodining, anodizing and/or painting operations. The clip is constructed of a torsion spring having a central coiled portion and laterally extending tines interconnected by the coil. The coil is biased so that the ends of the tines are normally forced toward each other for gripping a workpiece inbetween their ends. A handle is connected to the coil and extends laterally away therefrom. This may be rotated in a manner so as to oppose the coil's bias, thus causing the tines' ends to spread apart for releasing the workpiece.