Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing card-clothed tops to the flats of revolving flat-type carding machines is disclosed, which obviates the necessity for specialist machines used for securing clipped tops to the flanges of the flats. A special type of top clip is provided which, besides being preformed to engage with the bottom side of the top as is usual, also has an inward hooked formation along its upper longitudinal edge. In addition, various kinds of tensioning elements are provided, each of which is engagable with the hooked formations on the clips, and is resiliently loaded, so that in the assembled condition, it causes the clips to pull the top tightly into engagement with the flanges of the flat.