Hive tool

A hive tool is a handheld multipurpose tool used in maintaining and inspecting beehives. Hive tools come in multiple variants and styles, and is intended as an all-in-one tool for beekeepers.[1]

Hive tool
Standard 10" hive tool
ClassificationBeekeeping
TypesStandard
J-Hook
Frame Grip
Used withBee smoker
Inventorunknown
Manufacturervarious

Hive tool is the third most essential tool for the beekeeper after the beekeeping veil and bee smoker. There are two types of hive tool in common use - the standard hive tool and J-type hive tool.

The standard hive tool has a box levering edge and a frame levering edge. The J-type hive tool also has a box levering edge, but on the other side is a j-hook and a small notch either type may have a small possibly tapered hole which is intended for removing small nails like a claw hammer. The other job of the hive tool is to lift frames when the hive is propolized. J-type tool should be used in a specific way – the J goes into the bee space and the notch rests on the hive wall or the frame behind to provide lift. It is recommended not to use the J-hook under the lugs of the frames – it will not fit and may break the lugs off the frame. [2]

Using an ordinary chisel or screwdriver instead may result in damage to equipment or to beekeeper. Because an ordinary tool, such as a chisel or screwdriver, may break or damage a honey bee, it might not be worth the trouble when using these tools to protect the hive. This is especially true in the case where a beekeeper is using these tools directly to protect bee-safe material.

Uses

The hive tool is used for mainly two things:

  • Prying things apart
  • Scraping things off

The beekeeper will use it throughout hive inspections. Here are some uses:

  • Prying off the cover of the beehive glued with propolis[3]
  • Prying boxes apart stuck together with propolis[3]
  • Loosening frames from the hive body[3]
  • Removing burr comb, bridge comb or brace comb.[4]
  • Scraping off propolis or debris from parts of the hive
  • Remove the lid off a bee package[5]
  • Dislodging bee stingers from the skin without squeezing the venom sac.[6]

Variants

Standard

The standard hive tool is made of a plate piece of metal bend at 90°.[7]

J-Hook

The J-Hook variant describes any type of hive tool that utilizes a curved hook at either end. The hook is in the same plane as the prying part. The hook is used primarily for prying the hive frames loose while reducing potential damage done to both the frame and comb. It is traditionally a flat tool.[7]

Frame Grip

Operating very similarly to a pair of pliers, the frame grip can act as an alternative to a J-hook hive tool. Commonly used on more aggressive hives, the frame grip hive tool allows quick and efficient inspection of the hive frames. It can alternatively be used a nail puller.[7]

References
  1. "Top 10 Best Hive Tools for Beekeeping 2018 - BeeKeepClub". beekeepclub.com. Retrieved 2018-03-29.
  2. "Hive Tools to start beekeeping". makinghoney.info. 2018-12-18. Retrieved 2018-12-18.
  3. Dadant Catalog - Tool page - https://www.dadant.com/catalog/tools/tools
  4. "Strange comb in strange places - Honey Bee Suite". Honey Bee Suite. 2010-04-20. Retrieved 2018-03-29.
  5. How Do I Install Packages of Bees? Dadant - https://www.dadant.com/learn/install-package-bees/
  6. Bee Stings - HoneyBeeOnline - https://www.honeybeesonline.com/bee-stings/
  7. Best Hive Tool? - Bee Culture - https://www.beeculture.com/best-hive-tool/
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