Handy Frame Stand for Beeyard

[charlescfry]

I spent 15 minutes in the shop one rainy day and made what has to be my handiest beekeeping tool. Maybe this is obvious, but I thought I would pass it along...

For a while I have admired the "frame hangers" that hook over the edge of a super and have small rods projecting to hold frames outside the super. Nice idea, but I never managed to order one and I didn't like the idea of hooking on to a super. On the other hand, there never seems to be a good place to set down frames once I pull them. So...

Using a length of 1/4" (6 mm or so) mild steel rod (a couple dollars at the hardware) and a bench vice, I bent the rod in to a flattened "u" shape so the ends stick out about 6" and are just far enough apart to hold a frame. This took about 5 minutes and I used an empty frame to check the fit.

Next I took a length of 1/2" (13 mm) pipe and attached the metal holder to the top of the pipe. I welded mine together, but any secure attachment would work.

Finally I put a step on the pipe about 12" (30 cm) up from the bottom and hammered the bottom end of the pipe flat.

To use my frame stand, I just go to the hive I am working, stick the end of the pipe in the ground (using the step) and then place one to three frames on the hanger as I need. I made the pipe "about the right height" for me to inspect the frames without stooping over too much, so everything is right at eye level. When I want to move to another part of the bee yard, I pull the pipe out of the ground and relocate. Simple!

As a final touch I painted the thing bright orange so I don't lose it, then just leave it outside in the bee yard all the time. One less thing to carry back and forth.

If anyone wants more details, I guess I could take some measurements and pictures, but the entire thing really took 15 minutes to build. Try it - be you like it.

[Cindi]

Charles, that sounds like a wonderful invention.  I am the kind of person that has extreme difficulty following instructions on building stuff.  I, for one, would truly appreciate it if you would take some pictures.  In my mind's eye, I can "make" things 1000 times easier if I can see a picture.  A bunch of words is very difficult for me to sort out to attempt a build.  Please do this thing.  I think many other forum members would also appreciate it.  I know about where to put the frames, it is a dilemma for sure.  I always stand them on the ground, on the end beside another colony at the back, but then sometimes grass gets stuck to them and that bugs me.  I have never bothered to order a frame hanger, too much bother.  So, I would certainly love to build one of these (or ask my wonderful Husband) to build it for me, bring it on dude!!!  Have the most wonderful day, love life.  Cindi