[3dem] [EXTERNAL] Re: Problem getting top off pin type autogrid grid boxes

Fri Sep 24 07:42:28 PDT 2021

Hi Ben,    we had a go at modifying the lids with two small blind holes to fit a tool with matching pins. It worked very nicely but eventually we gave up due to the hassle and the tendency of the modified lids to get lost. If someone would manufacture them in a distinctive color, for example, it could be an attractive purchase. (gentle hint) Avoiding over-tightening works as well, whether with the pencil or the proper tool. I've never broken a pencil in LN2 but surely it's not the intended application.

best,
Michael

________________________________
From: Benjamin Apker <benjamin.apker at mitegen.com>
Sent: Friday, September 24, 2021 5:19:38 PM
To: Grassucci, Robert
Cc: Michael Elbaum; 3DEM List
Subject: Re: [3dem] [EXTERNAL] Re: Problem getting top off pin type autogrid grid boxes

Hi Bob,

Developing better tools for handling grid boxes is an area that we have been looking at recently. As mentioned, many labs are using the "off-label" mechanical/drafting pencil approach. These pencils are far from optimal for gripping or for use in LN2.

We would welcome input from the community on what they might like to see in an optimized gripper tool or other tools in the sample prep workflow.

Best wishes,
Ben
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Chief Executive Officer
MiTeGen

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On Fri, Sep 24, 2021 at 10:00 AM Grassucci, Robert <rg2502 at cumc.columbia.edu<mailto:rg2502 at cumc.columbia.edu>> wrote:
Hi Michael
I have tried that and the tip comes loose again.  I think I will try crazy glue or epoxy on it as suggested by Bill Rice.  What would be a better design would be reversing the threads so loosening the top would tighten the tip and tightening the top would loosen it.  That way you could not get tighten it in the first place.
Bob

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 24, 2021, at 9:53 AM, Michael Elbaum <michael.elbaum at weizmann.ac.il<mailto:michael.elbaum at weizmann.ac.il>> wrote:

Hi Bob,

Applying a bit more downward force than you'd first feel comfortable with seems to tighten up the threads in the tool so they don't slip. I've never broken the pin or anything else, but it's not inconceivable. Just push straight down. You can also swap out the official tool for a mechanical pencil (Staedler Mars technico 788), with which it's hard to overtighten in the first place.

best,
Michael

________________________________
From: 3dem <3dem-bounces at ncmir.ucsd.edu<mailto:3dem-bounces at ncmir.ucsd.edu>> on behalf of Walsh, Richard Michael <Richard_Walsh at hms.harvard.edu<mailto:Richard_Walsh at hms.harvard.edu>>
Sent: Friday, September 24, 2021 4:40:02 PM
To: Grassucci, Robert; 3DEM List
Subject: Re: [3dem] Problem getting top off pin type autogrid grid boxes

Hi Bob,
we use a different autogrid box tool for overtightened boxes. These tend to frost up pretty quickly but since there is no screw it does not come apart. We have this one: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.tedpella.com_grids-5Fhtml_gridbox.htm-23-5F160-2D46&d=DwIGaQ&c=-35OiAkTchMrZOngvJPOeA&r=L7-zyQ-04fFCMRqzLIOnx7H0exGZHwIQe_wMPuY600I&m=lbw6MY3O9l_3SexnaUlooZU-OKTqk2goDH98BFftchQ&s=p3eiidLjSRJZZ0rWV8DD4NshTq4ZgJkPxxiqF4rBmlY&e= <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.tedpella.com_grids-5Fhtml_gridbox.htm-23-5F160-2D46&d=DwMF-g&c=-35OiAkTchMrZOngvJPOeA&r=L7-zyQ-04fFCMRqzLIOnx7H0exGZHwIQe_wMPuY600I&m=VUuBFUPEngsryfz8lFsupolCcUBe4N3onXQrA9kYDuU&s=9Vz0DVD6xGW1W6nXr26jJVJ5gugMKgcnvylKDSIgxfg&e=> but it seems mitogen also makes something similar: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.mitegen.com_product_gripper-2Dtool-2Dfor-2Dmetal-2Dgrid-2Dboxes_&d=DwIGaQ&c=-35OiAkTchMrZOngvJPOeA&r=L7-zyQ-04fFCMRqzLIOnx7H0exGZHwIQe_wMPuY600I&m=lbw6MY3O9l_3SexnaUlooZU-OKTqk2goDH98BFftchQ&s=xUCwcZiN8gQ9NlppUei9KI6m8UYHMP7FPkVWOFtHF1I&e= <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.mitegen.com_product_gripper-2Dtool-2Dfor-2Dmetal-2Dgrid-2Dboxes_&d=DwMF-g&c=-35OiAkTchMrZOngvJPOeA&r=L7-zyQ-04fFCMRqzLIOnx7H0exGZHwIQe_wMPuY600I&m=VUuBFUPEngsryfz8lFsupolCcUBe4N3onXQrA9kYDuU&s=FImsT2YWrDoUFeZTzBQjJmYVUW83yqCGO6ImVbaBlMc&e=>
Gripper Tool for Grid Boxes | MiTeGen<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.mitegen.com_product_gripper-2Dtool-2Dfor-2Dmetal-2Dgrid-2Dboxes_&d=DwMF-g&c=-35OiAkTchMrZOngvJPOeA&r=L7-zyQ-04fFCMRqzLIOnx7H0exGZHwIQe_wMPuY600I&m=VUuBFUPEngsryfz8lFsupolCcUBe4N3onXQrA9kYDuU&s=FImsT2YWrDoUFeZTzBQjJmYVUW83yqCGO6ImVbaBlMc&e=>
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best regards,

Richard

Richard M. Walsh , Ph.D.

The Harvard Cryo-EM
Center for Structural Biology

Harvard Medical School
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SGM 102
Boston MA 02115

Phone: (617) 432-9042
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________________________________
From: 3dem <3dem-bounces at ncmir.ucsd.edu<mailto:3dem-bounces at ncmir.ucsd.edu>> on behalf of Grassucci, Robert <rg2502 at cumc.columbia.edu<mailto:rg2502 at cumc.columbia.edu>>
Sent: Friday, September 24, 2021 9:34 AM
To: 3DEM List <3dem at ncmir.ucsd.edu<mailto:3dem at ncmir.ucsd.edu>>
Subject: [3dem] Problem getting top off pin type autogrid grid boxes

Hi all
We have been having a problem where users tighten the tops of the autogrid grid boxes and the tool’s metal tip unscrews before the top does.  Has anyone found some way to better secure the metal tip of the grid box top tool so it won’t spin or ensured the grid box top would loosen before the tip of the tool?  Thank you.
Bob

Sent from my iPhone
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