Gripping thing, is it buddy, where every second counts? (4)
I believe the answer is:
stud
'gripping thing' is the definition.
(a stud fastens or secures things)
'is it buddy where every second counts?' is the wordplay.
'where every second counts?' means one should take alternating letters (every second letter is selected).
'is'+'it'+'buddy'='isitbuddy'
The alternating letters of 'isitbuddy' are 'STUD'.
(Other definitions for stud that I've seen before include "old wooden post" , "Collar fastener - form of poker" , "equine establishment" , "What makes shoe skidproof" , "virile fellow" .)