Hello, I made a video showing how to close a top bar hive with a steel rod. I have been doing it for a while now and it really cuts down on the wasted time (and bee stings) associated with trying to close the hive. You could also use a steel bar or even a piece of wood ripped to 1/8, but the steel rod is inexpensive and easily found at Home Depot. Take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVhgzzsnH8M

Thanks,

James