
( Brand: Kimble ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 850100-0008 ), ( Part Type: Stopper ), ( Country Of Origin: United States ), ( Unit Type: Unit )
The **Kimble 850100-0008 Glass Pennyhead Stopper** is a precision-engineered laboratory accessory designed to provide a secure, leak-proof seal for glassware, ensuring the integrity of experiments and sample preservation. Crafted from high-quality borosilicate glass, this stopper features a distinctive **pennyhead design**, characterized by its flat, rounded top that allows for easy gripping and insertion while minimizing the risk of breakage during handling. The smooth, polished surface of the glass ensures compatibility with a wide range of laboratory containers, including flasks, beakers, and bottles, making it a versatile choice for both routine and specialized applications. Its **standard taper fit** is engineered to create an airtight seal when properly inserted, preventing contamination and evaporation, which is critical in chemical, biological, and pharmaceutical research. The stopper s durability is further enhanced by its **heat-resistant properties**, allowing it to withstand moderate thermal fluctuations without compromising its structural integrity. Whether used in analytical chemistry for storing volatile solvents or in microbiology for maintaining sterile conditions, this stopper exemplifies reliability and precision. Its transparent nature also enables visual confirmation of the seal s effectiveness, ensuring that users can quickly assess whether the container remains properly closed. With its combination of functionality, ease of use, and compatibility with standard laboratory glassware, the Kimble 850100-0008 Pennyhead Stopper is an indispensable tool for maintaining the highest standards of experimental accuracy and safety in any scientific setting.
### **Pros and Cons of buying a Kimble 850100-0008 Glass Pennyhead Stopper**
#### **Pros:**1. **Durability and Longevity** Made from borosilicate glass, this stopper is highly resistant to chemical corrosion, heat, and mechanical stress, making it suitable for long-term use in laboratory settings.
2. **Compatibility with Standard Labware** Designed to fit standard laboratory glassware, including Erlenmeyer flasks, beakers, and reagent bottles, ensuring a secure seal without modification.
3. **Chemical Resistance** Resists most acids, bases, and organic solvents, making it ideal for experiments involving aggressive reagents.
4. **Easy to Clean and Sterilize** Can be washed with soap and water or sterilized using autoclaving (if not cracked), reducing contamination risks.
5. **Cost-Effective for Bulk Use** While individual stoppers may seem expensive, they are durable enough to justify their cost in high-volume laboratory applications.
6. **Standardized Size** The pennyhead design (10/30 standard taper) ensures compatibility with most laboratory glassware, reducing the need for custom fittings.
7. **Low Maintenance** Unlike rubber or plastic stoppers, glass does not degrade over time, eliminating the need for frequent replacements.
#### **Cons:**1. **Fragility** Glass is brittle and can shatter if dropped or subjected to sudden temperature changes, posing a safety risk in busy lab environments.
2. **Weight** Heavier than plastic or rubber stoppers, which can make handling cumbersome, especially when working with multiple containers.
3. **Potential for Contamination** If not properly cleaned, glass surfaces can harbor residues or microbial growth, though this is mitigated by regular maintenance.
4. **Limited Flexibility** Unlike rubber or silicone stoppers, glass cannot conform to irregular container shapes, which may lead to leaks if not seated properly.
5. **Cost per Unit** Individual glass stoppers are more expensive than bulk plastic alternatives, though they may be cost-effective in the long run for high-use labs.
6. **Potential for Breakage in Extreme Conditions** While borosilicate glass is heat-resistant, extreme thermal shock (e.g., rapid heating or cooling) can still cause cracking.
7. **Not Ideal for Vacuum Applications** Unlike ground-glass stoppers, the standard taper design may not provide an airtight seal under vacuum conditions without additional lubrication or sealing methods.
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### **Conclusion**
The **Kimble 850100-0008 glass pennyhead stopper** is a reliable, long-lasting choice for laboratories requiring chemical resistance and compatibility with standard glassware. Its durability and resistance to degradation make it suitable for demanding applications, particularly in research, pharmaceutical, and industrial settings where contamination control is critical. However, its fragility and higher cost per unit may make it less ideal for low-budget or high-risk environments where breakage could lead to safety hazards.
For most standard laboratory uses such as sealing reagent bottles, flasks, or beakers in non-vacuum applications the benefits of borosilicate glass outweigh the drawbacks. If budget is a concern, purchasing in bulk or considering alternative materials (e.g., high-quality rubber or PTFE-lined stoppers) may be worth evaluating.
### **Recommendation:** **Buy the Kimble 850100-0008 glass stopper if:**- You require a long-term, chemically resistant solution for standard laboratory glassware.
- Your lab prioritizes durability and compatibility with borosilicate glass systems.
- You can mitigate risks (e.g., handling carefully, storing securely) to avoid breakage.
**Consider alternatives if:**- Your budget is tight and you can use a more cost-effective material (e.g., high-grade rubber or PTFE stoppers).
- Your applications involve frequent handling or high-risk environments where breakage could be problematic.
- You require vacuum-tight seals, in which case a ground-glass or PTFE-lined stopper may be better.
For most general laboratory uses, this stopper is a **strong, practical choice** given its performance and longevity.
KIMBLE Glass Pennyhead Stopper, Size 8: Specifications. Specifications Stopper Size8.