A retort stand (also called a ring stand or clamp stand) is a heavy base with a vertical rod that holds clamps, rings and holders, so glassware and apparatus stay where you put them. Choosing one is a four-part decision: the base, the rod, the clamp jaws and how the pieces connect. This guide walks through each part and shows what ERE carries from OHAUS, which sells the stand, the clamps and the cylinder supports as separate parts you can combine.
In this guide
- What are the parts of a retort stand?
- How do you choose the base and the rod?
- Which lab clamp holds which apparatus?
- What do you need to hold a burette?
- When is a lab frame better than a single stand?
- How do you support a gas cylinder?
- How do you choose a stand and clamps, step by step?
- What lab supports does ERE carry?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Parts of a Retort Stand?
A retort stand has three functional layers: a base that keeps the assembly from tipping, a vertical rod that sets the working height, and the clamps or holders that grip the apparatus, joined to the rod by a connector. ERE lists each layer as its own OHAUS part family, so you build the set that fits the bench instead of accepting a fixed kit.
That matters in a testing or environmental lab because the load changes by job: a titration needs a vertical, steady burette, a distillation needs a clamp that reaches out over a hot plate, and a sample prep station may only need a rack. The same base and rod can carry all three if the clamps and connectors are chosen for the job.
How Do You Choose the Base and the Rod?
Match the base to the footprint and weight of what you will hang off the rod, and the rod to the working height. The OHAUS support stand base is offered in several sizes (part numbers CLR-RBASECS, CLR-RBASECM, CLR-RBASECL and CLR-RBASECX, plus T-base and U-base versions), and the support stand with rod comes as a complete base-and-rod unit in rod lengths coded from 046 to 152 in the part numbers (CLR-STRODC046 through CLR-STRODC152).
| Decision | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Base footprint | Larger base for taller rods and heavier glassware | A wider base resists tipping when the load sits off-centre |
| Rod length | Height needed for the longest item, such as a burette or condenser | The longest apparatus sets the minimum rod; extra length raises the centre of gravity |
| Base style | Flat rectangular base, T-base or U-base | The shape decides how close you can bring the stand to a hot plate or a balance |
| Complete unit or separate parts | Stand with rod, or base plus a separate lab frame rod | Separate parts let you swap rods without replacing the base |
The product records give the part numbers but not rod diameter, base weight or a rated load. Treat the table as a selection method, and ask us to confirm the length and size against the part number before you order.
Which Lab Clamp Holds Which Apparatus?
Pick the clamp by the object you are gripping, then by how far it has to reach from the rod. The OHAUS multi purpose clamps (LabJaws) are described in the product record as a range of over 85 options. Extension-arm clamps rotate 360 degrees to place apparatus at various distances from the frame or stand; swivel, fixed-position and thermometer clamps hold apparatus close to the rod and have a built-in holder for attaching to a frame or to the apparatus; flow control clamps come in seven styles.
| Job | Clamp style to look at | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Flask or round-bottom flask close to the rod | Fixed-position or swivel clamp | Swivel lets you angle the neck without moving the rod |
| Apparatus held out over a hot plate or stirrer | Extension-arm clamp | 360 degree rotation sets the distance from the stand |
| Thermometer or probe | Thermometer clamp | Built-in holder attaches to the frame or apparatus |
| Tubing flow control | Flow control clamp | Seven styles listed in the record |
| Connecting clamp to rod | Holder or connector | Regular, swivel, jumbo, all-purpose and ultra holders are listed |
Clamp sleeves for gripping glass are sold as accessories (fiberglass and vinyl sleeves in the multi purpose clamp accessories), which is the part to check if you are clamping thin or coated glass. If you are heating the flask on a hot plate, the magnetic stirrer guide covers the heat and stirring side of the setup.
What Do You Need to Hold a Burette?
You need a holder that grips the burette at two points on a vertical rod, so the scale stays plumb and readable. The OHAUS buret holder kit is listed in two versions (CLS-BTSETS and CLS-BTSETA) and pairs with a stand and rod. A single flask clamp will hold a burette, but a double holder keeps it vertical and is the arrangement shown in most titration set-ups.
For titration work the rod must be taller than the burette plus the working space beneath the tip, so choose the rod length from the burette, not from the bench height. The micropipette guide covers the other common manual liquid-handling option when a burette is more than the job needs.
When Is a Lab Frame Better Than a Single Stand?
A lab frame is better when several pieces of apparatus must stay in fixed relation, such as a condenser, flask and receiver in one run. ERE lists the OHAUS lab frame kit in several sizes and the lab frame rod in multiple lengths, and the flex system as a modular option. The lab lift is listed with a vertical support rod kit for raising and lowering a load beneath the clamped apparatus.
A single stand is the better choice for one-off set-ups and teaching benches because it moves easily and costs less. Move to a frame when the assembly stays up for days or the apparatus is long enough that a single rod becomes the weak point. Shaking and mixing equipment, covered in the orbital shaker guide, has its own platforms and does not use a stand.
How Do You Support a Gas Cylinder?
Use a support made for cylinders, fixed to a wall or rack, and keep the cylinder upright. The CCOHS gas cylinder fact sheet says to secure cylinders to a wall or rack in an upright position, to leave the cylinder cap in place until the cylinder is secured and ready for use, and to move cylinders with a hand truck or cart designed for the purpose. It adds that damaged cylinders can rocket or spin out of control, and that these incidents are often caused by an uncapped or unsecured cylinder being knocked over.
ERE lists the OHAUS gas cylinder supports in a range of part numbers (CLR-703, CLR-704, CLR-711 through CLR-717, with metric versions). The product record does not list cylinder diameters, so send us the cylinder size and we will match the part number. A stand and clamp is not a substitute for a cylinder support.
How Do You Choose a Stand and Clamps, Step by Step?
- List the apparatus and the tallest item. Burette, condenser, flask, thermometer: the tallest sets the rod length.
- Pick the base size from the load. Larger base for taller rods and heavier glassware, and keep the centre of gravity low.
- Pick the clamp for each object. Fixed, swivel, extension-arm, thermometer or burette holder, as in the table above.
- Choose the connector and holder. Confirm the holder fits the rod and the clamp fits the holder.
- Check the hazard. The apparatus often holds hazardous products; CCOHS confirms that WHMIS applies in laboratories, so check the SDS before clamping heated or reactive material.
What Lab Supports Does ERE Carry?
ERE carries the OHAUS rods, frames and supports range and the LabJaws clamps on the Lab Clamps and Supports collection: stand bases and rods, holders and connectors, buret holder kits, lab frame kits and rods, the flex system, lab lifts and gas cylinder supports. Pricing and availability are quoted live, so send us the apparatus, the rod height and the number of clamps and we will confirm the part numbers.
Need help specifying a stand or clamps?
ERE Inc. has supplied laboratory and environmental equipment to Canadian consultants and labs for 30+ years. Tell us what you are holding and we will match the base, rod and clamp.
→ Request a Quote | 1-888-287-EREC | Browse Lab Clamps and Supports | sales@ereinc.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a retort stand used for?
A retort stand holds laboratory glassware and apparatus, such as flasks, burettes and condensers, at a set height on a vertical rod. Clamps and holders attach to the rod, and the base keeps the assembly stable.
Is a retort stand the same as a ring stand?
Yes, in practice. Retort stand, ring stand and clamp stand all describe a base with a vertical rod that carries clamps and rings. The parts you add, not the name, decide what it can hold.
What clamp do I need for a burette?
A burette holder that grips the burette at two points on the rod, such as the OHAUS buret holder kit, keeps it vertical and the scale readable. Choose the rod length from the burette length.
How tall should the rod be?
Taller than the longest apparatus plus working space beneath it. A taller rod raises the centre of gravity, so pair it with a larger base.
Can a stand hold a gas cylinder?
No. CCOHS says to secure gas cylinders upright to a wall or rack and to keep the cap on until the cylinder is secured. Use a cylinder support made for the purpose.
Related articles
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- Orbital Shaker Guide: Choose by Orbit, Speed and Load
- Laboratory Centrifuge Guide: Choose by Tube, g-Force and Rotor
- Laboratory Incubator Guide: Choose by Chamber, Temperature Range and Shaking
Lire en français : Support de laboratoire : guide de choix des socles, tiges et pinces pour les laboratoires canadiens