The all new hive tensioner using 1/8th chain.
By John Dobson July 2002

This gadget may not be for you, but then again, after reading this, who knows? There will always be someone interested and keen to buy and try new products. Some have seen it at the recent conference in Auckland, and of course we have tried and tested it on our own hives.

I am basically a lazy person, and seem to make heaps of work for myself by dreaming of ways to make life and work easier! Consequently, this new and unique idea for holding our hives together has evolved. Many times our hives are attended to not by us, but animals of a different variety, and sometimes much larger than myself. This chain tensioner has many wonderful benefits in my view, and so far has exceeded all my expectations.

How many of you are frustrated with the method by which you strap your hives?
Plastic or steel strapping is sometimes difficult to undo and time consuming. When left on the ground, strapping or cords can be tripped over, causing one to fall over and drop a box of honey in the process. Sometimes, cords or strapping can be eaten by stock, or accidentally pulled out from under hives.

Using 1/8th chain will eliminate all these problems and even secure your hives in a flood, violent earthquake or volcanic eruption. Toppled hives can be seriously damaged, resulting in less hives for pollination, lost honey production, and lots more work!

Well, I guess you get what you pay for. These chain tensioners are rather expensive as an alternative to other methods of strapping hives. However, as I’m not planning on retiring for at least another twenty years, I am expecting them to outlast me in my bee farming lifestyle. You could say that this gadget is cost effective as well. Spread the cost over many years and you’ll see how small it is on a yearly basis. I’ve been thinking like that for a few years now, and have ended up with better gear and vehicles. A better quality of life can be enjoyed as well, even though there is not much spare cash sometimes!

How it works
The chain clamp simply works by hooking the tightest chain link into a slot, and moving the handle over to apply tension to the rest of the chain, which is placed under and over the hive. Depending on the length of the chain, one or two hives, or even a whole stack of boxes can be clamped tight for protection.