3 Prong Extension/Swivel Clamp

A 3-Prong Extension/Swivel Clamp is a versatile and adjustable laboratory tool designed to securely hold and position laboratory glassware, instruments, or other equipment at various angles and heights. It consists of a clamp with three prongs, which provides a stable grip on objects, and it is used in combination with laboratory stands, rods, or other supporting structures. The swivel mechanism adds an additional layer of flexibility, allowing for rotational movement and adjustable positioning in multiple directions.

Key Features and Characteristics:

1. Three-Prong Design:

• The clamp has three prongs that spread out to provide a secure, stable grip on laboratory apparatus such as flasks, beakers, or test tubes. This design is particularly useful for holding objects of varying sizes or shapes.
• The prongs are often adjustable, allowing them to move closer together or further apart, depending on the size of the item being held. This ensures a tight, customized fit for different glassware or equipment.
• The prongs are usually made of metal (often stainless steel or galvanized steel), and they may have rubber or plastic coatings or tips to prevent damage to the glassware and ensure a firm, non-slip grip.

2. Extension Functionality:

• The term "extension" in the clamp's name refers to the ability to extend the clamp along a laboratory stand or rod. This feature allows for height adjustment so that the clamp can be positioned at the desired height or reach within an experimental setup.
• The extension typically involves a sliding mechanism or adjustable arm that can be locked into place at different heights. This is particularly helpful for positioning equipment above or below other apparatus in a complex setup, ensuring that everything is within reach or properly aligned.

3. Swivel Mechanism:

• The swivel clamp features a rotating mechanism that allows the clamp to rotate 360 degrees or to a specific range of angles. This functionality makes it easier to adjust the position of the held apparatus without having to physically move the entire clamp or stand.
• The swivel capability is particularly useful when working with apparatus that needs to be angled for specific experimental purposes, such as in distillation setups, refluxing, or titration processes.
• The clamp can be locked into place after rotating to prevent any unwanted movement during experiments.

4. Material Construction:

• The body of the 3-prong extension/swivel clamp is typically made of stainless steel, which offers strength, resistance to rust, and long-lasting durability. The prongs are coated with plastic to avoid damaging sensitive glassware or laboratory equipment.
• The swivel and extension mechanism features an additional locking screw or wing nut to hold the clamp securely in place once it is positioned at the desired height or angle.
• The swivel joint may be made of steel, often with an additional locking mechanism to prevent movement once adjusted.

5. Adjustability and Versatility:

• The clamp is highly adjustable, providing flexibility to securely hold a wide variety of equipment, including flasks, beakers, test tubes, burettes, and even some larger laboratory instruments. The ability to adjust the prongs ensures that the clamp can accommodate different shapes and sizes of glassware.
• The extension feature makes the clamp useful in setups that require height adjustments, such as when setting up a heating system or working with distillation apparatus where components must be kept at precise heights.
• The swivel feature allows the clamp to be positioned at different angles for easier access or to avoid interference with other equipment in crowded setups.

6. Applications:

• Distillation and Reflux: The 3-prong extension/swivel clamp is used to support and hold distillation flasks, condensers, and receiving flasks in distillation or refluxing setups. The ability to adjust the height and angle is crucial for ensuring the proper alignment of these components.
• Titration: The clamp can be used to hold burettes or other equipment in a titration setup. The adjustable nature allows the user to position the burette for easy dispensing and accurate measurement.
• Heating: When performing reactions that require heating, the 3-prong extension/swivel clamp can hold heating mantles, beakers, or flasks over a heat source while allowing easy adjustments in height and positioning.
• Vacuum Filtration: The clamp can be used to hold filter flasks or funnels in a vacuum filtration system. The ability to adjust and swivel the clamp ensures that the filter flask is positioned correctly for efficient filtration.
• General Laboratory Use: The 3-prong clamp is useful in a wide variety of general laboratory procedures where equipment needs to be suspended, positioned at specific angles, or easily adjusted in height.

7. Ease of Use and Setup:

• The clamp is easy to install onto a laboratory stand or rod. It simply slides onto the rod and is then secured with a screw or locking mechanism to prevent sliding or shifting during use.
• The extension and swivel adjustments can usually be made by loosening and tightening simple wing nuts or screws that hold the clamp in place. This makes the clamp user-friendly and fast to adjust during experiments.

8. Safety Considerations:

• Secure Locking: After adjusting the height or angle of the clamp, it is important to lock it securely in place to prevent accidental shifts or falls of the apparatus.
• Rubber-Coated Prongs: The rubber-coated prongs help prevent damage to glassware and reduce the risk of slippage, which could result in spills or accidents.
• Weight Limit: Ensure that the clamp is not overloaded with too heavy an apparatus, as this could cause the clamp or the supporting stand to fail, potentially leading to breakage or injury.

Summary:

A 3-Prong Extension/Swivel Clamp is a highly adjustable and versatile laboratory tool used for securely holding and positioning glassware and equipment in a wide range of experimental setups. The clamp features three prongs that can adjust to various sizes of equipment, an extension mechanism that allows for height adjustments, and a swivel mechanism that enables 360-degree rotation for flexible positioning. It is commonly used in distillation, titration, heating setups, and vacuum filtration, as well as in general laboratory applications requiring stable, adjustable support. The combination of a secure grip, flexible adjustment, and durable construction makes this clamp an essential piece of equipment in any laboratory setting.

Please note colors may vary.