Stirring Rod: Uses and How to Use It
Stirring Rod: Uses and How to Use It
A stirring rod is a solid glass rod with rounded ends used to stir solutions, help dissolve substances and guide liquid when pouring so it does not spill or splash.
What is a stirring rod used for?
- Stirring and speeding up dissolving in a beaker.
- Guiding liquid when pouring, especially into a funnel.
- Transferring a drop of solution to indicator paper.
- Scraping precipitate off vessel walls when fitted with a rubber tip (policeman).
Parts of a stirring rod
- 1Rounded end – fire-polished so it does not scratch glass
- 2Solid glass rod – usually borosilicate glass
How to use a stirring rod
Stir in circles without hitting the walls
Move the rod in circles through the solution (1). Avoid knocking the walls or pressing hard on the bottom, which can crack the beaker.
Pour along the rod
Hold the rod against the beaker spout and point its end into the receiver (1). The liquid runs down the rod without wetting the outside of the beaker.
Rest it on a watch glass
When not in use, rest the rod on a watch glass or holder (1), not on the bench, so it stays clean and does not roll off.
Common mistakes
- Using a thermometer as a stirrer: it breaks easily.
- Using one rod for several solutions without rinsing: cross-contamination.
Care and safety
- Rinse with distilled water after use and before moving to another solution.
- Discard rods with chipped or sharp ends.
SOP for using a stirring rod
A summary of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for a stirring rod that your laboratory can adapt. Each step is explained in the how-to section above.
1Protective equipment
- A buttoned, long-sleeved lab coat.
- Safety glasses; goggles where corrosive splashes are possible.
- Nitrile gloves suited to the chemicals handled; heat-resistant gloves for hot items.
2Before use
- Check for cracks, chips and deep scratches. Do not use damaged glassware; set it aside and discard it in the broken-glass bin.
- Make sure it is clean and dry, or rinsed with the solution to be used.
- Read the SDS of every chemical you will handle.
4After use
- Rinse with distilled water, dry and store in a rack or container.
5Verification & calibration
- A stirring rod is not a measuring device and is not calibrated.
6Emergencies
- Breakage: never pick up shards by hand. Use a brush and dustpan or tongs and put them in the broken-glass bin.
- Chemical spill: warn people nearby, secure the area and clean up with a spill kit according to the SDS.
- Chemical on skin or in eyes: rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes (eyewash or safety shower), then report to the lab supervisor.
A print-ready version with purpose, scope, illustrated procedure, verification and sign-off boxes. Fill in your own document number and effective date.
Download the SOP (PDF, A4)Types and sizes
Common lengths are 150–300 mm with 5–8 mm diameters. Besides glass there are PTFE rods that resist all chemicals and rubber policeman tips for scraping precipitates.
Stirring Rod at AMI Scientific
Examples of stirring rod available in our store. Prices exclude VAT.
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
What is a stirring rod used for?
Stirring solutions, helping substances dissolve and guiding liquid when pouring.
Why pour along a stirring rod?
So the liquid flows straight into the receiver without running down the outside or splashing.
Related equipment
Compiled by the AMI Scientific team from standard laboratory practice. Illustrations: AMI Scientific. Updated: 06-11-2026.
Need a stirring rod for your laboratory?
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Available at AMI Scientific
Iwaki Glass Stirring Rod ROD-6-250 / ROD-7-250
From Rp31.000