DIY pipette filler

This is an old trick that a surprising number of young electrophysiologists don't know. Usually young electrophysiologists from big labs that can afford MicroFil^TM pipette fillers. But times are hard now, what with war, hurricanes, tax cuts, and gas prices. So I reckon it's the right time to remind people of one of the budget-friendly Old Ways.

1. Take a 1 ml plastic syringe and remove the plunger from the barrel.



2. Hold the barrel horizontally with the middle section directly above a low-power bunsen flame. Gently rotate until the plastic starts to become clear (don't let it fully melt or catch fire!). Be sure to keep the tip of the barrel away from the heat, as you will need to touch this part in the next step.


3. Quickly remove the barrel from the flame and hold it upright with the tip pointing down. Grasp the tip with the thumb and forefinger of your free hand and tug gently. The tip should fall away, and as it does so it should pull the barrel to a fine point.

4. When you have the right shape (easy to learn, but takes several tries to master) allow the plastic to harden - perhaps by blowing gently on it a little.


5. Place the pulled barrel onto a bench, and use a razor to cut the narrow plastic thread about 3-4 inches from the barrel (enough to push down the length of a glass patch pipette). Reinsert the plunger, et voila!














Here's one I made earlier.

NOTE: Do NOT use latex gloves for this operation, and try hard not to let any of the plastic syringe melt onto your skin. Burny, burny etc...