Hive Tool

[bassman1977]

I lost my hive tool and need to buy another.  Anyone ever use one of these?  If so, what are your likes/dislikes about it?  Thanks.

http://www.mannlakeltd.com/ProductDetail.asp?idproduct=876&idCategory=

[oldenglish]

That is a good price for that style, or you could get this one.

http://bee-outside.com/hivetool.aspx

Reaaly depends which you prefer, this is one of the few things I have seen where the design never changed but the price range was huge, I have seen both types selling for $15+

[BjornBee]

I have one, and like it. But back at the shop and even in the field, I use the hook for lifting frames far less then the standard "bent" end on a normal hive tool which I use for scraping, etc. So I think it's nice to have one in the tool box, but I just end up using my standard hive tool 99% of the time anyways.

[Brian D. Bray]

The one oldenglish posted can be bought at most hardware stores.  there it is called a Cabinet molding bar, goes for under $10.00.  If you need one in a hurry.

[rdy-b]

Better buy two-(I think they grow legs)- RDY-B

[Greg Peck]

I have one and would advise anyone to get one. Using the "old" style I have already broken box corners trying to pry a frame out or broke top bars trying to get them out. The style you are talking about is great, it lifts a frame out by using the frame next to it with really no chance for cracking the top bars. With this type you hold the tool horizontal and put the J part down between two frames then pivot the tool vertically. Half the frame is lifted up about 1 inch, I grab that side with one hand then use the tool to get the other side out and grab it with my other hand and lift it out.  I dont think I even have the old style anymore. You will not be disappointed if you get the J style.

[mudlake]

Yes buy more than one. They have been around a long time, that is what my dad got me started on. I had 3 now have 2 order an extra.  Tony 

[mlewis48]

 I have 2 of them and really like them. I keep 1 in my tool box, in the truck and 1 at the shop,so I don't loose it. I think that Dadant is cheaper.
                                Good luck,
                                 Marc

[Michael Bush]

I have one.  I never use it.  I use this one:
http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/prodinfo.asp?number=591

[mathispollenators]

I have one of them and like it too.  I like the J-hook end makes it easy to pry sticky frames out. And it don't have the sharp bent end to cut into truck seats if I forget it in my back pocket.    Not that I ever cut a truck seat with a hive tool but somebody might have I know of.     They are nice to have and that's a great price even if you decide you don't like it.

[Natalie]

Well, I actually bought all of the ones that are shown. I didn't know which ones I would like so I got a few different styles, since I figure I will probably lose one anyway.
Having said that I have not used them yet since I don't get bees until this spring.
The reason why I am posting is that Brushy Mountain is offering a free hive tool for each customer throughout the whole 2009 year, the code for redeeming the tool is FHT.
Its the basic 10 inch tool that is the silver and red color on their website, but I am mentioning it because if you order the newer j hook style or whatever you decide on you can still get this one for free and keep it as a spare.

[Robo]

I use to use that style, but have switched to the Betterbee giant hive tool and love it.   It is so sharp compared to any other hive tool I have ever used, you could almost shave with it. Much less damage when scraping propolis since you don't need to use as much force.   I also find the 2 different length J hooks come in quite handy.  I misplaced it one day and had to revert to the old tool and said never again and got 3 more of the giants.


http://www.betterbee.com/products.asp?dept=1526

[bassman1977]

Wow.  Lots of responses!  Thanks.  The one oldenglish posted is the type I had lost.  Same color too actually....maybe that is mine.     You are right too...that is a good price.  Maybe I will get both.  Thanks again for the responses and Greg, thanks for detailing how they are used, I wasn't sure how that worked exactly.

[poka-bee]

OOhh Robo, I'd hurt myself with that thing..no running w/hive tools! :Looks like a good burgler beater though!  roll:   J

[sc-bee]

I have the one from Brushy that MB posted. Will buy one like Robo has if iI remember !

Will only return to the standard old style if I can't find my J hook!!!

[dpence]

I have both the old style scraper and the J-hook.  Like other have posted, the one at the beginning of the thread is good for prying frames up and the scraper type for separating boxes or the combination of the two to get the job done.  I like the one Robo listed, might have to order one to try it out.  Looks hell for stout.

David

[oldenglish]

Fond this page in the mann lake catalog,

http://www.mannlakeltd.com/infopage.asp?idPage=50

good selection and by far the best price I have found so far.

[justgojumpit]

I have the J-style.  I like it very much, but have never used any of the others.

justgojumpit

[my-smokepole]

THe Last time I had a  spray can of bright yellow out I paint both of them just for that reason.
My-smokepole

[BULLSEYE BILL]

The Maxant hive tool, (the one you are calling the J hook) is the only type I use.  I have bought a lot of them, I like to keep one in every yard, one in each truck, one in each tool box and a couple of extras in the house and honey house.  Haven't lost one yet!

Beware of the cheap ones!  They are not as sturdy as the true Maxant tools and will bend.

[Dan Williamson]

These maxant tools are what I use 95% of the time.  Occasionally I'll use the standard tool but I mostly use the "hook" end tool.

[Natalie]

I got my free hive tool from Brushy Mountain in my last order.
They are giving them away,one per customer when you place your order throughout the year.
Code # FHT or put free hive tool in the customer comment box on your order form.

[BjornBee]

Free! Now were in my price range.....

[heaflaw]

I use the J Hook one, too.  Back when I was using the old style, I was killing too many bees by trying to pry the frame out.

Why is the Italian one that Brushy Mtn sells better?

[woodchopper]

I use the J Hook one, too.  Back when I was using the old style, I was killing too many bees by trying to pry the frame out.

Why is the Italian one that Brushy Mtn sells better?

I have the Italian one that Brushy sells and only use it if I can't find my lower priced ones. I actually like the one that they're giving away over the long yellow one. I find that I damage my supers trying to break them apart with a dull hive tool. The stout ones made by Dadant and Brushy aren't sharp enough for my liking but they do work well for pulling frames once the supers are broken apart.

[DM]

I use the giant hive tool from BetterBee. Made of Stainless steel and is easy to clean. The J hook works well breaking the frames loose and not damaging them.

Dennis

[Michael Bush]

>The stout ones made by Dadant and Brushy aren't sharp enough for my liking

That's what grindstones were made for...

[woodchopper]

>The stout ones made by Dadant and Brushy aren't sharp enough for my liking

That's what grindstones were made for...

I shouldn't have to do anything to a brand new tool after I just paid more for it than the ones that don't need to be sharpened.

[Michael Bush]

They are dull on purpose.  That's so you can pry the box or frame apart without it cutting into the wood.  But if you WANT it sharp, that can be remedied.

[woodchopper]

I didn't realize they were sold that way on purpose. I've got a couple cheap ones that are nice and sharp. I prefer them because the sharpness makes it easier for me to break the supers apart with less damage to the wood.

[Robo]

Greg,

Get the giant hive tool from Betterbee,  you won't be disappointed.  I think you could almost shave with the thing.

[woodchopper]

Greg,

Get the giant hive tool from Betterbee,  you won't be disappointed.  I think you could almost shave with the thing.

We got the new catalog a few weeks ago. I'll look it up and buy it next time we put a order in with them. Thanks.

[MAXANT]

Just to let you all know, there imports out there from other "big" companies. We have had several people call us claiming they broke or bent their Maxant hive tool. Upon sending them back to us we find 99.9% they are imports/fakes/knock offs.

[asciibaron]

i lost my J tool this winter - my only gripe with the J end is trying to wedge it in between hive bodies - if i have to smack it with my hand to get it under the body, it usually hurts my hand.  other than that, i love it.  a big flat head screwdriver is no replacement - ordering a replacement today.  which means i'll find the missing one tonight.

-steve

[BarneyG]

i think glorey bee ineugene oregon was having a sale for the month of march ,for the  hive tool that oldenglish posted cost was i think on sale $1.95 each    Barney

[Bee-Bop]

I agree with Asciibaron;

The J hook end ain't worth a darn if you have to smack it with your palm to break open box's !

I carry a regular tool just for that, and use the J hook tool to pop the frames up
and for working in the hive!

Poking around trying to get the blade in between box's chews up the wood, a good smack with the palm drives the tool into the crack !

My opinion for what its worth !
Bee-Bop

[Scadsobees]

 I carry my j tool and regular tool too...for frames and for seperating boxes.  I was using a frame gripper until the J tool, and I found that soo much easier than the gripper.

Rick

[SlickMick]

I have a wheel brace off a car from another life that I use. The only thing that it is difficult to do is scrape off burr comb or propolis. Other than that it separates and lifts frames, squashes SHB and a hundred and one other jobs. After all this great discussion on hive tools I have been thinking of buying one but the price over here is quite out of the question.

So I guess that I will continue to use the wheel brace that has done me well for over 15 years 

Mick