We felled a couple last year & that was 'fun', we did learn from the process though that it was prudent to get a pro in for the ones that had the ability to harm the house!
That said, the pro approach to personal safety left me cringing, or perhaps I'm just too cautious. Although you do only get 2 arms, 2 legs and one life!
This is exactly what I've been looking at doing. Might sound OTT but I was wondering if there is something more permanent you could get done to the clips to keep them shiny. Some kind of plating?
You could get them chrome plated or painted, but I think with either over time they will need attention. I only do 2k per year normally in dry weather do should be ok though with some clear lacquer. That's the plan anyway.