Retort Stand and Clamp: Uses and How to Use It
Retort Stand and Clamp: Uses and How to Use It
A retort stand is an upright metal rod on a heavy base, used with clamps and bosshead connectors to support glassware such as burettes, funnels, condensers and flasks during experiments. The clamp grips the apparatus; the bosshead fixes the clamp to the rod.
What is a retort stand and clamp used for?
- Holding a burette during titration.
- Holding a funnel for filtration and flasks for distillation or reflux.
- Keeping glassware at the right height above a heater.
Parts of a retort stand and clamp
- 1Heavy base – keeps the stand from tipping
- 2Rod – where the bosshead is fixed at the required height
- 3Bosshead and clamp – a rubber- or PVC-lined clamp grips the glassware
How to use a retort stand and clamp
Keep the load over the base
Turn the base so the clamped apparatus sits above it (1), not overhanging. The centre of gravity then falls over the base and the stand will not tip.
Tighten the bosshead, then the clamp just enough
Tighten the bosshead screw on the rod (1), then turn the clamp screw until the glass is held firmly but not squeezed (2). Overtightening can crack glass.
Set the height to suit the vessel below
Adjust the clamp height so the end of the apparatus (e.g. the funnel stem or burette tip) sits just inside the mouth of the receiving vessel (1) without touching the bottom.
Common mistakes
- Clamping heavy apparatus with the base pointing the other way: the stand tips over.
- Gripping glass with an unlined metal clamp or overtightening it.
Care and safety
- Wipe off chemical spills so the rod and base do not rust.
- Replace hardened or torn clamp linings.
SOP for using a retort stand and clamp
A summary of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for a retort stand and clamp 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
- The base is level and the rod is screwed in tight.
- Clamps have intact rubber or PVC linings.
- Bosshead and clamp screws turn freely.
3Procedure
4After use
- Hold the glassware first, then loosen the clamp to remove it.
- Wipe off spills so nothing rusts, then store.
5Verification & calibration
- No calibration needed; check stability and clamp linings before use.
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
Bases are rectangular or tripod-shaped with 50–100 cm rods. Clamps come for burettes (double), condensers, flasks and universal three- or four-prong use; bossheads can be fixed or swivel. Ring supports are also used for funnels.
Retort Stand and Clamp at AMI Scientific
Examples of retort stand and clamp available in our store. Prices exclude VAT.
Statif Ring Penyangga Labu Dasar Bulat OMMFrom Rp154.000
Klem Statif untuk Sambungan Bola OMMFrom Rp177.000
Klem Statif Ganda Sekrup Pengencang OMMFrom Rp191.000
Statif Kaki Tiga OMM 03.1490.00From Rp286.000
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
What is a retort stand used for?
Supporting glassware such as burettes, funnels and flasks with clamps and bossheads.
What is a bosshead?
A metal connector with two screws that fixes a clamp to the stand rod at a chosen height and angle.
Related equipment
Compiled by the AMI Scientific team from standard laboratory practice. Illustrations: AMI Scientific. Updated: 06-11-2026.
Need a retort stand and clamp for your laboratory?
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Available at AMI Scientific
Statif Ring Penyangga Labu Dasar Bulat OMM
From Rp154.000