Retrieving a stir bar from a hot solution by hand — using forceps, fishing around with a spatula, or inverting the vessel — is awkward, slow, and introduces contamination risk. In heated stirring applications, it can be outright dangerous. The Heathrow Scientific Stir Bar Retriever (120553) eliminates this problem entirely: insert the 30cm PTFE-encapsulated retrieval rod into the solution, let the internal Alnico magnet attract the stir bar, and withdraw cleanly in one smooth motion — even while the solution is still hot. No tongs, no spills, no contamination.
The PTFE encapsulation is chemically inert across virtually the entire range of laboratory solvents, acids, and bases — and autoclavable for applications requiring sterile technique. Each pack contains 5 retrievers, providing immediate replacements for high-throughput labs or distribution across multiple workstations. At $93 per pack of 5, this is a low-cost safety and workflow tool that pays for itself the first time it prevents a spilled hot solution or a contaminated sample.
Features and Benefits
Safe Retrieval from Hot Solutions: The 30cm (11.8 in) reach allows retrieval of stir bars from solutions at elevated temperatures — keeping hands and equipment safely away from hot liquids during extraction without requiring the solution to cool first.
PTFE Encapsulation — Fully Chemically Inert: Full PTFE coating resists all common laboratory solvents, concentrated acids, concentrated bases, and organic reagents — the retriever can be inserted into virtually any chemical solution without risk of contamination or degradation.
Alnico Magnet Core — Strong Retrieval Force: The internal Alnico magnet provides sufficient attraction to retrieve stir bars of all standard sizes and weights in a single smooth withdrawal — no multiple attempts, no stir bar dropping back into solution mid-retrieval.
Autoclavable for Sterile Applications: Can be autoclaved for use in cell culture, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other sterile mixing environments where stir bar retrieval must be performed under aseptic conditions.
Pack of 5 — Stock Multiple Workstations: Five retrievers per pack allows distribution across multiple stirrer workstations or provides immediate replacements — ensuring every bench that uses stir bars has a dedicated retriever without requiring shared equipment.
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 120553 |
| Brand | Heathrow Scientific |
| Material | PTFE encapsulation / Alnico magnet core |
| Length | 11.8 in (30 cm) |
| Color | White |
| Pack Size | Pack of 5 |
| Autoclavable | Yes |
| Country of Origin | China |
Laboratory Applications
Heated Stirring Protocols in Chemistry: Remove stir bars from hot solutions in titrations, reflux reactions, and synthesis workups without waiting for the solution to cool — the 30cm handle provides safe reach above the heat source and hot liquid surface.
Corrosive and Hazardous Chemical Handling: Retrieve stir bars from concentrated acid, base, and organic solvent solutions without introducing metal tools that could react with the solution or expose the operator to splash risk from forceps-based retrieval attempts.
Sterile Cell Culture & Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Autoclave the retriever for use in sterile mixing environments — enabling clean stir bar removal from culture vessels and pharmaceutical preparations without breaking aseptic conditions.
High-Throughput Stir Bar Management: In labs running multiple stirrers simultaneously, dedicated retrievers at each workstation eliminate the time wasted searching for shared tools and ensure stir bars are retrieved cleanly without cross-contaminating adjacent work areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Stir Bar Retriever be used in strongly acidic or basic solutions?
Yes. The full PTFE encapsulation is chemically inert to virtually all laboratory acids, bases, and organic solvents — including concentrated HCl, H₂SO₄, NaOH, and most organic solvents. PTFE is one of the most chemically resistant materials available for laboratory use.
Does the Stir Bar Retriever work with all stir bar sizes?
Yes. The Alnico magnet core provides sufficient attraction to retrieve all standard PTFE stir bar sizes — from small 10mm bars in vials up to 35mm bars in large beakers and flasks. The magnetic force is adequate for clean single-pass retrieval in most laboratory applications.
How do I clean the Stir Bar Retriever between uses?
Rinse with the appropriate solvent for the solution used (water for aqueous solutions, organic solvent rinse for organic reactions). For sterile applications, autoclave between uses. The PTFE surface is non-porous and does not absorb chemical residues, making cleaning straightforward.
Quality Assurance
Heathrow Scientific PTFE laboratory accessories are manufactured under rigorous quality standards with full PTFE encapsulation validated for chemical resistance and dimensional consistency. The Stir Bar Retriever is autoclavable and designed for repeated use in demanding laboratory environments.
Academic and Institutional Pricing
LabSupplies.com offers tiered quantity pricing for academic and research institutions. As an authorized dealer, we ship directly from USA inventory.