{"id":5251,"date":"2023-12-19T11:12:43","date_gmt":"2023-12-19T16:12:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beekeepingfornewbies.com\/?p=5251"},"modified":"2023-12-28T09:58:34","modified_gmt":"2023-12-28T14:58:34","slug":"what-is-a-hive-tool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beekeepingfornewbies.com\/what-is-a-hive-tool\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is A Hive Tool? (An Every Day Beekeeping Tool)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated on December 28th, 2023<\/p>\n

In addition to protective beekeeping clothing and a bee smoker, beginning beekeepers should get a hive tool and learn how to use it properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A hive tool is a multipurpose implement designed for beekeeping. Hive tools come in different designs, but all serve two primary functions. First, hive tools separate and lift hive components stuck together by propolis. Second, they scrape off excess propolis and comb. A hive tool is the most used beekeeping tool.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two most common hive tools are the \u201cstandard\u201d hive tool and the J-Hook hive tool<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article discusses how to use a hive tool properly, variations on hive tool designs, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do You Need A Hive Tool?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You Need A Hive Tool Because Bees Make Propolis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Honey bees collect fluids secreted by plants (such as sap) and mix it with beeswax and saliva, creating propolis (also called bee glue).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bees seal small cracks and openings with propolis.<\/strong> These spaces exist anyplace hive components meet: between boxes, frames, frames and boxes, boxes and covers, inner and outer covers, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without a tool, separating hive components for inspection can become very difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hive tool designs primarily help beekeepers pry apart glued hive components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You Need A Hive Tool To Remove Burr And Cross Comb<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It would be nice if your bees stayed within the confines of a hive frame when building comb. Unfortunately for beekeepers, honey bees are not always so cooperative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bees sometimes build comb in undesirable locations<\/strong>: frame top and bottom bars, covers, or hive walls. Remove this burr comb with a hive tool before it becomes a problem for your inspections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a hive is not level side-to-side, bees may build wax across multiple frames. This cross-combing can make a real mess for a beekeeper. Use a hive tool to remove the cross comb as soon as you find it. Then try to correct the problem that caused the bees to cross comb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Uses For A Hive Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Use a hive tool for any other task you see fit: scraping off a bee stinger, hammering in a loose nail, removing a nail, opening a stuck bee smoker, or anything else that works for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Use Other Tools Instead Of A Hive Tool?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You could use an assortment of other tools to perform all the tasks of a hive tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before hive tools became commonplace, beekeepers made do with screwdrivers, paint scrapers, putty knives, knives, and anything else that might be handy.[1]<\/a> Some beekeepers may still use some of these items in place of a hive tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hive tools, however, are explicitly designed for beekeeping tasks.<\/strong> As such, one multipurpose hive tool can do the job of several other instruments, making it a better option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may not need a bee smoker for every hive inspection (though we recommend you bring it along); however, you will need a hive tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The cost of a hive tool or two is a relatively small portion of your beginning beekeeping budget. We recommend you get at least two hive tools, as they can easily be misplaced or lost. An extra one is well worth the cost.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Looking
Some days, this is what it feels like looking for my hive tool.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Features Of A Hive Tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Quality hive tools are generally stainless steel<\/strong> for strength and rust protection. Some may have wood or plastic grips in the middle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hive tools range in length from 6\u201d (152mm) for a pocket tool up to as long as about 15\u201d (381mm). Most J-Hook and standard tools are about 9\u201d to 10-1\/2 \u201d (229mm to 266MM).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A portion of many hive tools is brightly colored, making them much easier to find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, paint can wear off, and some tools are plain steel. Adding bright reflective tape may save you from spending too much time looking for a tool in the grass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beveled End Of A Hive Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One end of the hive tool has a sharpened, beveled edge. The beveled edge lets you insert the tool between hive boxes. Once inserted, the hive tool is a pry bar<\/strong> to lift the box, breaking the propolis seal. (The same edge can push hive frames apart.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bevel is sharpened to function as a push scraper<\/strong> to remove propolis and unwanted comb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Standard<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"J-hook<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pivot End Of A Hive Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The pivot end of the hive tool differs between a standard tool and a J-Hook tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the standard tool, the opposite bends perpendicular to the bar. This end works as a pull scraper<\/strong>. In addition, the bend in the bar serves as a fulcrum, or pivot point, for separating frames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

J-Hook tools have one end in the shape of, you guessed it, a “J.” The end is also notched to rest on top of a frame, while the hook fits under an adjoining frame. Using the notch as a lever, pulling the bar lifts the hooked frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is The Hole In A Hive Tool Used For?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most hive tools have a hole on the pivot end of the bar. The hole in a hive tool is a nail puller. It also works great for hanging your hive tool in a convenient location<\/strong>. (I have never pulled a nail with a hive tool, but I always hang it.)<\/p>\n\n\n