:Iron ring (laboratory)

{{short description|Item of laboratory equipment}}

File:Iron ring - laboratory.jpg

An iron ring or ring clamp is an item of laboratory equipment which comprises a conjoined metal ring and radially-extending rod.{{cite web |url=http://www.mreisley.com/tutorials/equipment/supports.html |title=Tutorial on Supports |access-date=December 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052129/http://www.mreisley.com/tutorials/equipment/supports.html |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }} In some cases, the rod terminates in a screw clamp for attachment to a retort stand or other support; in others, the rod may be attached to a stand by means of a laboratory clamp holder.{{cite web |url=http://visual.merriam-webster.com/science/chemistry/laboratory-equipment_1.php |title=Holder |access-date=December 17, 2014 }} Iron rings are commonly used in chemistry laboratories for supporting apparatus above the work surface, for example:

• a tapered item such as a filter funnel or separatory funnel.
• a clay triangle, which itself supports an item such as a crucible.
• a wire gauze, which itself supports a flat-bottomed beaker or conical flask.
• a large, and therefore heavy, round-bottom flask.

In some cases, a slot is cut in the side of the ring opposite the rod. This is to allow a funnel to be placed upon and removed from the ring from the side rather than from above, a safer procedure.