Re: tie bar - is this a retaining clip
Tie bar, handle tie, used to tie two/three breaker handles together. I prefer the "regular" two or three pole breaker.
Note: Some breakers come with the tie handle such as the siemens 30/30. It is 2 1/2 size double pole 30 amp breakers. (Can't find a pic righht now. Will look)
Retaining clip is used to secure a backfed main breaker to the panel.