Clamps
Adjustable devices designed to securely hold two objects together or to hold an object in place; used with standard-taper and ball-and-socket joints, glass and tubing assemblies, and with ring stands. Available as plastic joint clips, stainless steel pinch clamps, and taper clips.
A laboratory clamp is an essential piece of equipment used to support and secure labware and other laboratory apparatus such as flasks, reaction vessels, tubing, thermometers, probes, columns, funnels, and overhead stirrers.
Some laboratory clamps consist of a shaft and boss head, secured with hand-tightened thumbscrews, knurled nuts, or wingnuts onto a supporting rod, stand or scaffold. They may also include two- or three-pronged, adjustable closing jaws designed for gripping objects safely and securely.
Laboratory clamps are constructed of metals such as stainless steel, nickel-plated zinc, plated brass or diecast aluminum alloy for enhanced chemical, heat, and corrosion resistance. However, some components such as the adjusting screws may be made of plastic, and the prongs may also be lined or covered with cork, plastic, glass-fiber, or rubber for enhanced grip with minimal damage or breakage.
Laboratory Clamp Styles and Designs
• Universal, general-purpose clamps that are fully adjustable for accommodating and securing a wide range of items of different sizes such as columns and thermometers
• Retort clamps for securing round-bottom flasks and similar glassware
• Fork clamps for securing and supporting cone-and-socket ground glassware joints
• Three-prong extension clamps, sometimes available with spring-loaded jaws, for holding irregularly shaped or outsized objects
• Specialized clamps for securing burettes and condensers or reaction vessels
• Chain clamps, which incorporate a circular, adjustable chain loop to hold cylinders and beakers
US Plastic Corporation Two-Prong Vinyl-Coated Retort Clamp with Boss Head
Ideal for use with beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, test tubes, boiling (Florence) flasks, and burettes, these retort clamps include a high-strength alloy boss head to secure the clamp to a frame or other apparatus. The clamps, constructed of solid die-cast zinc with a blue powder coating, have a metal adjustment screw that allows for precise pressure when gripping glass objects to avoid potential breakage. Each clamp is non-ferrous, rust-free, and long-lasting in any laboratory application and contains a swivel between the clamp and the boss head. The boss head will accept a rod up to 18mm in diameter, and, if needed, the boss head and clamp can be separated with a 5/32 Allen wrench. The vinyl-coated clamps (23458, 23460, 23461) are excellent for higher temperature applications, while it is not recommended that the cork-lined clamps (23459, 23466, 23467) be placed in direct heat.
