Need hive tool input plz.

[Mr.Beeman]

I'm looking to purchase a few hive tools and would appreciate any input.
I would like to purchase ones that are made in the USA, but are open to any replies.

What is your favorite "go to" hive tool and why?

[Mike Gillmore]

I use 2 hive tools.

HD-584 I use this one for scraping wax and propolis from the frame rest on boxes and buildup on the edges of the frame side bars.
HD-620 I use for hive inspections. The hooked end comes in handy for breaking loose and lifting stubborn frames.

http://www.mannlakeltd.com/beekeepin...es/page56.html

[Dan in PA]

I use Mann Lake's standard 9.5" blue hive tools (HD-588 in their catalogue). Simple, well balanced and probably impossible to break on a beehive. $4.50 each for 12 or more.

[Mr.Beeman]

I appreciate the replies so far.... anyone else want to chime in?

[Irene S]

I have to agree with Mike Gillmore's suggestions. I also carry a good solid knife in my 'bee bucket', it comes in handy!

[Cleo C. Hogan Jr]

Mr Beeman...Get one that has a germination rate of at least 80%. I plant about a half dozen each year. Seemes mine never come up.

A bright color is nice when you lay it down around the hive and start looking for it. Look them over, some are so thin that they will bend, some are so thick they are hard to get between the boxes.

If you have a bee friend, try his/hers, before you buy. Get the one that you like. Hive tools are something that needs to suit you, and the way you use it.

cchoganjr

[tefer2]

HD-620 here, one style does it all.

[DC Bees]

What about the Ez-Pry has anybody tried it,i also use the HD-620.Was thinking of trying the Ez-Pry.

[Michael Bush]

My favorites are the Italian hive tool. It's long, thin, light, has a hook that fits between the frames. I have at least a dozen of them... I got rid of the rest. Use to be available from Brushy Mt. They don't seem to have them anymore but I saw them somewhere else... don't remember where as I have a good supply...

[Mr.Beeman]

I believe Dadant sells the italian hive tool.

M01948---Italian-Hive-Tool-.jpg



This looks to be a good hive tool.

d87dde22-f09c-409c-90da-8391b70f7c4c_145.jpg

[Tom B]

I bought a small pry bar at the local hardware emporium and then sharpened both ends on a bench grinder. Strong and virtually indestructible, fits nicely in my hand and in my pocket, not painted so no paint to chip off. Also recommend a multi-tool or (real) swiss army knife.

[Charlie B]

I got the Mann Lake HD581 Easy Pry stainless for Christmas. Wow, it's great for everything stuck together.
It has more prying surface contact so you damage frames.

[Ian]

I like the mann lake hive tool with the hook deal on the end of it. But the good old standard pry bar hive tool is my stand by

[JRG13]

620 here

[Spark]

Maxant makes one and it is American made

http://www.maxantindustries.com/tools.html

[toekneepea]

Maxant makes one and it is American made

http://www.maxantindustries.com/tools.html

That's the only one I KNOW that's American made. There may be others...

Tony P.

[HTC]

The basic hive tool is good , the old Jimmy bar. Sometimes a hard ware will have one but every one thinks you are going to pry open doors. Now I did cut the return of mine to 3.8 of an inch so I could go down between the frames and start lifting it up. Some times my fingers want work so well so it helps.

Hmm made in the USA good luck.

[hilreal]

I keep 2. I agree with Michael on the Italian hive tool. I keep several. Biggest issue with it is this size it can slip between the frames and fall all the way to the bottom of the hive. I am missing one and I am sure it is in the bottom of a hive some place. Keep meaning to tie a string to it but just never seem to get to it. I also keep a regular hive tool and like the bright yellow one from Blue Sky. I believe they carry both types.

[My-smokepole]

I all is repaint them yellow
David

[Adam Foster Collins]

My favorites are the Italian hive tool. It's long, thin, light, has a hook that fits between the frames. ...

Mike, do those Italian tool hooks fit between narrow frames? I'm finding some of my 9 frame 8's kind of tight...

Adam