Hive tool facts for kids
Standard 10" hive tool
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| Classification | Beekeeping |
|---|---|
| Types | Standard J-Hook Frame Grip |
| Used with | Bee smoker |
| Inventor | unknown |
| Manufacturer | various |
A hive tool is a special tool used by beekeepers to take care of beehives. It's like a multi-purpose tool designed just for bees! This handy tool helps beekeepers check on their bees and keep the hive healthy.
It's one of the most important tools a beekeeper has. Only a beekeeping veil (to protect their face) and a bee smoker (to calm the bees) are more important. There are two main kinds of hive tools: the standard type and the J-hook type.
A standard hive tool has flat edges for prying things open. The J-hook hive tool has a hook on one side. Both types might have a small hole for pulling out tiny nails. Hive tools are super helpful for lifting frames inside the hive, especially when they are stuck with a sticky substance called propolis.
Using a regular chisel or screwdriver instead of a hive tool can damage the beehive. These ordinary tools might not fit right or could break parts of the hive. A proper hive tool is designed to work safely and effectively with all parts of a beehive.
Contents
What Hive Tools Do
Hive tools are used for two main jobs:
- Prying things apart
- Scraping things off
Beekeepers use their hive tool a lot when they check on their bees. Here are some common ways they use it:
- Prying open the hive cover if it's glued shut with propolis.
- Separating different sections of the hive that are stuck together.
- Loosening the frames where bees build their comb.
- Removing extra bits of comb that bees build in the wrong places. These are called burr comb, bridge comb, or brace comb.
- Scraping off propolis or other dirt from the hive parts.
- Opening the lid of a bee package when new bees arrive.
- Carefully removing bee stingers from their skin without squeezing out more venom.
Types of Hive Tools
There are a few different styles of hive tools, each with its own special features.
Standard Hive Tool
The standard hive tool is usually a flat piece of metal bent at a 90-degree angle. It has a straight edge on one side and a slightly angled edge on the other. This design makes it good for prying and scraping.
J-Hook Hive Tool
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The J-hook hive tool has a curved hook on one end. This hook is flat, just like the prying part of the tool. The hook is mainly used to gently pry the hive frames loose. It helps prevent damage to both the frame and the honeycomb. When using a J-hook tool, the hook goes into the space where bees move, and a small notch rests on the hive wall. This helps lift the frames without breaking them.
Frame Grip
A frame grip works a lot like a pair of pliers. It can be used instead of a J-hook hive tool. Beekeepers often use frame grips when dealing with more active or defensive hives. This tool allows them to quickly and easily inspect the frames. Some frame grips can also be used to pull out small nails.
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Materiales de apicultura para niños
