Lab Clamps & Boss Heads

Lab clamps and boss heads are structural essentials in pharmaceutical production labs, chemical research departments, analytical testing facilities, and school chemistry classrooms across South Africa. SmartLabs stocks retort clamps, burette clamps, retort rings, test tube holders, and Keck glassware joint clips for professional and educational laboratory use, from R32 for a wire test tube holder to R315 for a heavy-duty adjustable retort clamp with bosshead.

How to choose the right clamp

In a professional lab setting, rubber jaw retort clamps are the standard choice for securing glassware: they grip without cracking the glass, even under reflux or distillation conditions. Cork jaw clamps handle irregular-shaped components. For titration work, a double burette clamp holds two burettes upright on a single stand, keeping the bench clear during high-throughput analytical runs. Keck clips are essential in distillation and reflux setups to lock ground-glass joints and prevent separation under pressure or heat.

Frequently asked questions

What is a boss head used for?

A boss head connects a clamp or retort ring to a retort stand rod, locking at any height and angle. It is the key component that makes a retort stand adaptable to any apparatus configuration.

What is the difference between a burette clamp and a retort clamp?

A burette clamp holds one or two burettes vertically on a stand during titration. A retort clamp is a general-purpose clamp for supporting flasks, condensers, columns, and cylindrical glassware.

Can you supply clamps for a full laboratory fit-out?

Yes. Contact SmartLabs for bulk pricing on retort clamps, burette clamps, and boss heads for professional lab setups and refurbishments.