A clipping device is provided for closing at least one closure, like a closure clip, in a packaging machine, for closing tubular or bag-shaped packaging casings as well as a method for controlling a clipping device. The clipping device includes a first closing tool and a second closing tool, wherein at least the first closing tool is reversibly movable towards the second closing tool, between an opened position and a closed position, for closing the at least one closure means and a drive for reversibly moving at least the first closing tool towards the second closing tool in a closing direction. In the clipping device, a monitoring device is provided in the region of the second closing tool for monitoring the second closing tool being prepared for the next clipping cycle.