Frame Grip for Langstroth and Dadant JERO®

01 · THE THREE FUNCTIONS

Grip, lever and flat tip, without swapping tools

The grip takes the frame by the top bar and holds it while your other hand is free for the smoker or the notebook. The built-in lever breaks frames stuck with propolis using little force, bearing on the edge of the box. And the flat screwdriver-style tip scrapes wax, separates parts and works as a hive tool without putting the lifter down. The soft spring needs little pressure to open the grip, which is what you appreciate three hours into an inspection.

02 · THE SPRING

It is the wear part, and it is worth knowing beforehand

Straight out, because it is what comes up most in the reviews: the spring is the weak point. With use it tends to come out of its seat, and it is the first thing to break or go missing. The good news is that a replacement spring is available and costs almost nothing, so a tool with a broken spring is not a lost tool. When you fit it, make sure it seats properly in its housing: most of the ones that jump out were only half engaged.

03 · HOW TO HOLD IT

The grip is not symmetrical: there is a right way round

A detail that throws people at first and was never explained: the two jaws of the grip are not identical, so the tool has a natural orientation. If the top bar does not feel properly held when you squeeze, you are probably holding it the wrong way round — turn it over and the frame sits first time. With thick gloves it is hard to feel, and that accounts for a good share of the «it does not grip» complaints.

04 · BEFORE YOU BUY

It weighs 360 g and works the same on Langstroth and Dadant frames. It is the budget model of the family: if you want a lifter for heavy daily use, the catalogue has models with a reinforced lever for a little more.