Safe Gap Deleting

Is there a way to delete a gap without deleting the clip(s) that I have lifted from the storyline?

I usually lift clips that I'm considering leaving out, but still want around until I decide for sure. I thought it worked that way when I started learning Final Cut about two months ago. Now the clips above the gap are disappearing when I delete the gap. Is there a setting that may have changed?

Thanks,
Steve

The connected clips are attached to the gap. If you press `-delete, the gap will delete, the timeline will close up, but the connected clips will remain where they were.