Utility clamps are used to secure glassware and other equipment to a support stand. There are several different types of utility clamps, but all serve the same function and are more or less interchangeable.

Extension clamps are clamps used with an additional piece of hardware called a clamp holder. The holder attaches to the support stand and holds the clamp in place. Extension clamps are called extension clamps simply because the reach or extension of the clamp may be adjusted with the clamp holder. They may also be oriented in any direction, locked into a single direction with the clamp holder.

Adjustable-angle clamps usually have a clamp holder incorporated into their design, so they remain at a fixed distance from the support stand, unlike extension clamps. Adjustable-angle clamps may also be oriented in any direction and locked in a single direction using the wing nut in the center of the clamp. There are some clamps still circulating in the labs which resemble adjustable-angle clamps but have no central adjustment nut; these are called "fixed-angle" clamps.

Clamps will also either have three finger-like prongs or two wide prongs. 2-pronged clamps are suitable only for holding glassware with a cylindrical cross-section, whereas 3-pronged clamps are more versatile in the equipment they can hold. All prongs should have a latex coating to protect the glassware they hold in place.

All utility clamps and clamp holders are probably the most harshly-treated pieces of equipment in the organic chemistry labs since they are used in almost every application. Thus they tend to deteriorate. Common problems with clamps include:

• stripping of adjustment nuts or tightening screws,
• loss of adjustment nuts or tightening screws,
• clamps with a prong or two missing or corroded,
• clamps with bare metal prongs (as opposed to latex-coated prongs), etc.

If you have a clamp exhibiting any signs of damage, please come to the stockroom to exchange it for one in better shape.

There should be 4 utility clamps (with accompanying clamp holders, if necessary) per common locker (or common drawer) in the lab rooms.

Note: There are not enough clamps for everyone to be supplied with their own! Clamps (and clamp holders) are stored in the common lockers (and/or common drawers) and should be returned there when you are done using them. If you store clamps in your equipment drawer, there won't be enough to go around, since there are several lab sections which use the same room at different times.