Fletcher SpringMate Spring Clip Tool

Those little frame clippies are harder than heck to install or retract without this little tool. Works like a charm.

This tool is not as easy to use as the directions would indicate. Sometimes the clip is wider than the slot for the clip and when trying to insert the tool on the clip the clip is pushed to far into the frame making retrieval very difficult. Other times the clip cannot be griped adequately and the clip cannot be removed. Several times the clip has broken when the tool is twisted as per the instructions.

For years, I simply pushed the springclips in with my fingers. I finally bought this tool but, frankly, I find it is more time-consuming and tedious to use than to simply push the springclips in by hand.However, once I get the springclips in position between the frame and the matboard, the tool is helpful in quickly pushing the clips all the way in so that they are less likely to pop out unexpectedly like a bunch of grasshoppers.I also find the tool helpful in extracting the clips. It's not well-designed for that purpose, but it's been a little easier than when I was using my fingers or pliers.