Ever watched a beekeeper at work? If yes, you must have noticed a tool always at their disposal. High chance that it's the hive tool. Small but mighty, this is a must-have that makes managing hives possible. So, what does this tool do? And are there different types to choose from? We answer all your curious questions. Let’s begin.
What is a hive tool?
Did you ever stop to think about how do beekeepers open a beehive without disturbing the bees too much? Or clean up excess wax? That’s where the hive tool comes in handy. Think of it as an all-in-one tool for:
- Prying hive boxes open sealed shut with propolis
- Lifting and loosening the hive frames for inspection
- Scrapping away excess wax and propolis
- Resetting loose nails or staples
- Opening a stubborn bee smoker
Without it, even the most mundane beekeeping task would be super frustrating and highly inefficient. Plus, most beekeepers end up needing more than just one since these are most notorious for disappearing mid-inspection, only to turn up later in the most obvious place.
Types of hive tools
Different styles serve different functions, and you need to choose the right one that fits your beekeeping needs. Here are the major types of hive tools to consider.
Regular hive tool
The classic go-to option for beekeepers. This one looks much like a small, flat crowbar with a beveled end for scraping and a curved end for prying. Consider starting with the regular one if you are new to beekeeping.
J-hook hive tool
The J-hook has a curved end that is designed specifically to lift hive frames, making it a favorite for beekeepers who need to inspect their hives daily. If you find yourself struggling to get the frames out without damaging them, this could be the best option for you.
Multifunction hive tool
This one comes with additional features like a hammer for knocking things into place and teeth for cleaning queen excluders. Though it might seem pricier, this has multiple tools baked in. The multifunction hive tool is great for knocking things into place and cleaning queen excluders.
Italian hive tool
Sleek and extra long, the Italian hive tool is great for leverage. If you have bees that love sealing everything with propolis, the Italian can help you loosen up these bonds and open the hive easily.
Kent William hive tool
The Kent William hive tool is a hybrid option that combines the regular and J-hook tools. This design adds a pull scraper instead of a standard notch. If you prefer the functionality of both styles but don’t want to carry two tools, this is a solid compromise.
How to choose the right hive tool?
Shape
- Flat blade: Great for pushing, prying, and general hive maintenance.
- Bent over blade: Works well as a lever and for scraping.
- Hooked end: Great to lift heavy frames, especially if stuck.
Most of the hive tools on the market combine at least two of these shapes, giving you more versatility.
Size
- 8-10 inches: This is the most common size that offers a great balance of leverage and ease of use.
- 14 inches: This is when you need that extra leverage to pry open stubborn hive boxes.
- Compact sizes: Great for those who need a lightweight option or those with smaller hands.
Blade width
- Thin blade: Slips easily into small cracks, which makes it great for separating hive boxes gently.
- Thicker bevel: Stronger for breaking apart stubborn sections. But this comes at a risk of causing slight damage to the wooden edges.
Keeping your hive tool clean
There is a lot of dirty work your hive tool has to do throughout the day. Plenty of opportunities to get dirty. And a sticky hive tool is not just annoying; it can spread disease between hives. Here are some simple tips to help keep your hive tool clean and ready to use. Follow this after use every day for the best results.
- Scrape off the excess wax and propolis stuck on the surface after each use.
- To do this, simply add a bleach-based cleanser to hot water and wash the hive tool with it.
- Consider soaking the hive tool in rubbing alcohol if you are working with multiple hives. This helps prevent contamination.
Parting thoughts
In beekeeping terminology, you will here a lot about these tools. Hive tools are made to make beekeeping easy, and the right one will obviously depend on your style of beekeeping. As you gain experience and as you learn more about effective beekeeping, you will find that a J-hook or even a multifunction tool suits more to your style. But until you start, you won’t know. So, don’t take the choice too seriously; you will have plenty of time to find the right one. No matter what you choose, your hive tool will be a trusty sidekick in the fascinating world of beekeeping.
There is so much to learn about bees and beekeeping. Try out our other awesome posts on our complete blog here, and join us in the revolution to save the bees.
