Hive tools and frame grips

How to choose the hive tool or frame lifter

The hive tool is probably one of the most-used tools in beekeeping, and yet many people buy it as if it didn't matter. It does matter. A good hive tool or frame lifter lets you open the hive, separate propolised frames, scrape wax, clean off burr comb and work without forcing more than necessary. The typical mistake is to use screwdrivers, knives or DIY tools: in the end you damage the wood, mark the frames, crush more bees and work worse. For a few hives, a simple American or European hive tool is usually enough. If you work very propolised hives, many boxes or heavy frames, I'd then look at a sturdier tool, with good leverage and a comfortable grip.

My advice is to choose it according to your hive and your hand. In Langstroth and Dadant, a classic hive tool works very well to separate boxes, lift frames and clean the top bars. In Layens, where the frames sometimes come tighter or more propolised, a specific frame lifter can save a lot of effort and avoid abrupt yanks. I'd also have a separate scraper or cleaning tool for floors, queen excluders, grooves and propolis residue. Before buying, I'd look at the stiffness of the steel, the shape of the hook, the thickness, ergonomics, ease of cleaning and whether it lets you lever without bending. And here I'll take a clear stand: I prefer a simple but solid tool over a multi-tool full of shapes you then don't use. A good hive tool doesn't do the work for you, but it saves you many clumsy movements inside the hive.