Let’s Dive into Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes, Plain, Kimble Chase 45060 25150
For those of us in the outdoor and tactical world, the need for reliable equipment extends far beyond just knives and packs. Even seemingly simple items, like culture tubes, can play a crucial role in field research, water testing, and even DIY projects. The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes, Plain, Kimble Chase 45060 25150 from Kimble Chase promise high quality and chemical resistance for a variety of applications. These tubes are designed to withstand the rigors of fieldwork.
My foray into the world of culture tubes came from a rather unexpected need: creating portable water testing kits for remote hunting camps. Ensuring water safety is paramount, and pre-prepared kits minimize the risk of contamination. I needed durable, chemically inert tubes to house the reagents and samples, and the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes seemed like a perfect fit.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the clarity and uniformity of the glass. They felt substantial, reassuringly solid. The fire-polished top rim suggested careful manufacturing, promising a smooth, safe edge.
Comparing these to some generic, cheaper tubes I’d used previously was night and day. Those had inconsistent wall thicknesses and rough edges. The Kimble/Kontes tubes felt like a precision instrument, while the others felt like disposable items.
My initial reaction was excitement. These tubes looked like they could handle the demands of the field. I was eager to put them to the test and see if they lived up to their promise of durability and chemical resistance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes, Plain, Kimble Chase 45060 25150 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes was a multi-day survival skills course I run in the Appalachian Mountains. We focused on water purification and safety, and the tubes were instrumental in collecting and storing water samples from various sources. I subjected them to a range of conditions: direct sunlight, freezing temperatures overnight, and the inevitable bumps and jostles inside a packed rucksack.
The tubes performed admirably in all conditions. The uniform wall thickness ensured even heating when sterilizing samples over a portable stove. They also showed no signs of cracking or shattering despite the temperature fluctuations.
Using the tubes was straightforward. The fire-polished rim made them easy to fill and seal with stoppers, even with gloved hands. I quickly developed a system for labeling and organizing the samples, streamlining the testing process.
The only initial hiccup was finding appropriately sized stoppers. Because the tubes don’t come with them, I had to source them separately. This added an extra step to the setup process.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of repeated use, the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes have proven to be remarkably durable. There’s been no noticeable degradation of the glass, even after repeated exposure to various chemicals and cleaning solutions. They’ve withstood numerous trips, cleanings, and sterilizations.
I’ve observed no signs of wear and tear beyond minor scratches from normal handling. The glass remains crystal clear. This is a significant improvement over cheaper tubes that tend to cloud over time.
Cleaning and maintenance are simple. A quick wash with soap and water is usually sufficient, followed by sterilization in an autoclave or boiling water. The smooth glass surface prevents residue buildup, making them easy to keep clean.
In comparison to my previous experiences with lower-quality tubes, the Kimble/Kontes tubes are a clear winner. They offer superior durability, chemical resistance, and ease of use. This translates to greater reliability and peace of mind in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes, Plain, Kimble Chase 45060 25150
Specifications
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes, Plain, Kimble Chase 45060 25150 are manufactured by Kimble Chase and designed to meet ASTM Specification E982, Type IV requirements. They feature:
- Size: 25 x 150 mm. This provides a good balance between sample volume and ease of handling.
- Volume: 55 mL. Sufficient for most common culture and testing applications.
- Material: KIMAX-51 borosilicate glass. This glass offers exceptional chemical resistance and thermal stability.
- Design: Round bottom with fire-polished top rim. This ensures even heating and a smooth, safe edge.
- Other: Plain, without marking area or cap. Allows for customization and labeling as needed.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the tube’s performance and usability in demanding environments. The borosilicate glass ensures that the tubes can withstand temperature fluctuations and exposure to harsh chemicals without degrading or contaminating the samples. The size and volume are practical for field use, while the fire-polished rim enhances safety and ease of handling.
Performance & Functionality
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes excel at their primary job: containing and protecting samples. Their chemical resistance ensures that the samples remain pure and uncontaminated. The uniform wall thickness promotes even heating and cooling, essential for accurate results in temperature-sensitive applications.
The strength of these tubes is their reliability and consistency. There are no imperfections in the glass that could compromise their integrity. A potential weakness is the lack of a pre-defined marking area. This requires users to apply their own labels, which can be time-consuming and prone to error.
These tubes meet and exceed expectations for quality and performance. They provide a level of reliability that is essential for anyone who needs to store and transport samples in demanding conditions.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes is excellent. The KIMAX-51 borosilicate glass feels substantial and durable. The weight is appropriate for their size.
The tubes are comfortable to handle, even with gloved hands. The smooth, fire-polished rim prevents cuts and abrasions. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
These tubes are built to last. With proper care, they can withstand years of repeated use.
Maintenance is simple. Cleaning with soap and water, followed by sterilization, is all that’s required. The smooth glass surface minimizes residue buildup and simplifies the cleaning process.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes do not come with any accessories. Users will need to source stoppers, caps, or other closures separately.
Customization options are limited to labeling and marking. However, the plain surface allows for easy application of labels and other identifying marks. The tubes are compatible with a wide range of standard stoppers and caps, allowing users to tailor them to their specific needs.
Pros and Cons of Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes, Plain, Kimble Chase 45060 25150
Pros
- Exceptional Chemical Resistance: The KIMAX-51 borosilicate glass ensures that the tubes can withstand exposure to a wide range of chemicals without degrading or contaminating samples.
- Superior Durability: The uniform wall thickness and high-quality glass make these tubes exceptionally resistant to breakage and cracking.
- Fire-Polished Rim: The smooth, fire-polished rim provides a safe and comfortable edge for handling and filling.
- Consistent Performance: The tubes are manufactured to strict specifications, ensuring consistent performance and reliability.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for a wide range of applications, including culture work, water testing, and sample storage.
Cons
- No Stoppers or Caps Included: Users must purchase closures separately, adding to the overall cost and setup time.
- No Marking Area: Requires users to apply their own labels, which can be time-consuming and prone to error.
Who Should Buy Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes, Plain, Kimble Chase 45060 25150?
These Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes are perfect for:
- Field Researchers: Those conducting scientific research in remote locations will appreciate the tubes’ durability and chemical resistance.
- Survivalists and Preppers: Ideal for creating portable water testing kits and storing essential supplies.
- DIY Enthusiasts: Useful for a variety of projects, such as storing small parts, mixing chemicals, and creating custom solutions.
Who should skip this product? Someone looking for pre-assembled kits with closures included, or those who only need disposable, single-use tubes.
A must-have accessory is a set of appropriately sized stoppers or caps. A permanent marker for labeling is also essential.
Conclusion on Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes, Plain, Kimble Chase 45060 25150
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes, Plain, Kimble Chase 45060 25150 are a high-quality, durable, and reliable option for anyone who needs to store and transport samples in demanding conditions. While they may be more expensive than generic tubes, their superior performance and longevity justify the cost. The price of $243.99 is justified by the quality and long term use.
I would personally recommend these tubes to anyone who values quality and reliability. They are an essential tool for field research, survival preparedness, and a variety of DIY projects. If you need culture tubes that can withstand the rigors of the field, look no further than the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Culture Tubes.