I was a bit skeptical that the tie clip wouldn't hold the tie on the shirt without the alligator clip. Others with an alligator clip often slip or lose their position (staying perfectly horizontal), but the Wurkin Stiffs tie clip does a great job of holding my tie to my shirt. An added bonus is that the right edge of the bar stays flush with the tie (others often stick out a bit). I'd say my silver is 95% gone, but I can think of a few other occasions where I might need black or gold. The price ($40) is definitely higher for just one I could use almost all the time, for 3 that work really well I'd happily get them if you keep buying new ones because your old ones don't work. Does not work too. I am very satisfied and have not used my old tie rods since receiving them.