Hi MaskofMany,
I took a look at the original TFA prop (seen in a case in the Star Wars Celebration exhibiton) and a screen shot from TLJ and the clips you refer to look as though they might not be actual clips but modified Wire Spade/Ring Terminal connectors. They look something like this:
The red insulation is removed and the metal plate beneath it is cut, shaped and folded round to grip the wire, while the actual loop shaped part is slotted into grooves on the hilt body (probably epoxied in place or again bent to hold it in place).
I might be wrong but it might be something worth looking into. Hope it helps.