What Are Candle Wick Clips?
Candle wick clips, also known as wick sustainers or candle wick tabs, are small metal bases used to secure a wick to the bottom of a candle container. These components hold the wick upright and centered while pouring wax and throughout the life of the candle, helping ensure a stable flame and an even melt pool.
Wick clips are an essential candle making supply for container candles because they prevent the wick from moving or floating during the wax pour. A properly secured wick improves candle performance by promoting consistent burning, reducing tunneling, and helping fragrance distribute evenly throughout the melt pool.
Most candle makers install wick clips by crimping the metal sustainer onto the wick and attaching it to the container using a wick sticker, glue dot, or small amount of hot glue. Once secured, the wick remains centered while the wax cools and hardens, creating a more reliable finished candle.
Wick sustainers are compatible with many common wick styles used in container candle making, including cotton wicks, paper-core wicks, zinc-core wicks, and wood wicks when paired with adapters. Because of their reliability and ease of use, wick clips are widely used by both hobby candle makers and large-scale candle manufacturers.
Why Wick Clips Are Important for Container Candles
Using a wick clip helps ensure:
• the wick stays centered while pouring wax
• the candle burns evenly from top to bottom
• the flame remains stable during burning
• the candle reaches the bottom of the container safely
Without a wick sustainer, the wick can shift or lean, which may lead to uneven burning or difficulty lighting the candle.
Common Uses for Wick Sustainers
Wick clips are used in many types of container candles, including:
• jar candles
• tumbler candles
• tin candles
• luxury container candles
• small batch artisan candles
They are one of the most widely used components in professional candle making because they help produce consistent, repeatable results.
Related Candle Making Supplies
Wick clips are commonly used together with:
• candle wicks
• wick stickers or wick adhesive
• wick centering tools
• candle containers or jars
Using the right combination of these supplies helps candle makers create cleaner, safer, and more professional candles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wick Clips
What is a wick clip in candle making?
A wick clip, also called a wick sustainer or wick tab, is a small metal base attached to the bottom of a candle wick. It secures the wick to the bottom of a container candle so the wick stays centered during pouring and burning.
Do candle wicks need a wick clip?
Most container candles use wick clips because they keep the wick upright and stable. Without a wick sustainer, the wick may shift or float during the wax pour, which can cause uneven burning.
How do you attach a wick clip to a candle container?
After crimping the wick into the metal sustainer, the wick clip is usually secured to the bottom of the container using a wick sticker, glue dot, or a small amount of hot glue.
Are wick clips compatible with all candle wicks?
Wick clips work with many common wick types used in container candles, including cotton wicks, paper-core wicks, and zinc-core wicks. Wood wicks typically require a separate wood wick clip adapter.
Can you reuse wick sustainers?
Wick sustainers are typically designed for single use. Because they are inexpensive and important for candle safety and stability, most candle makers use a new wick clip for each candle.
