What is a utility clamp and a clamp holder and how are they used?

A utility clamp is spring-loaded open-jaw clamp that can be tightened down to hold something securely in place. They are commonly made with three prongs (two on one side and one on the other), or with two rounded prongs, with one on each side. They are commonly used to hold laboratory glassware, such as erlenmeyer flasks, distillation flasks, glass tubing, round bottom flasks, thermometers, etc. Utility clamps have a long rod attached to the clamping part that allows it's position to be carefully adjusted by using a clamp holder, which is described below.

A clamp holder is used to secure an extension-type utility clamp to a support stand (or ring stand). Sometimes it's used to clamp a couple of support rods together, or to clamp an iron ring or other attachment to a metal bar.

See the Web Links and Related Questions for more information and pictures of a utility clamp and a clamp holder.

First answer by JEK. Last edit by JEK. Contributor trust: 2048 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 21 [recommend question]