Hive Tools  


Traditional Hive Tool (edge view)
& Hitchhiker Style Hive Tool

J-Hook Hive Tool (top view)

Guidelines shown below are for Hive Box Separating Edges & Scraping Edges.

α

The hive box separating edge needs to be very acute so that it can be easily inserted between the boxes to separate them when the bees have been aggressively sealing the boxes together with propolis.

β

The scraping edge needs to be useful for scraping propolis and burr comb off the frames and hive boxes. A greater angle (than α) helps keep from damaging the woodenware, and also helps preserve the edge. This could be up to 60° if desired.

The overall goal for this tool's maintenance is that it make the tool's use easier which:

  1. makes the beekeeping work easier,
  2. reduces the disturbance to the bee's home, which should also reduce the bees getting as angry (i.e., from hammering the tool into the gap), and
  3. minimizes damage to the hive boxes.

For so work the honey bees, creatures that by a rule in nature, teach the act of order to a peopled kingdom.

William Shakespeare

Cautionary Note: Hive tool edges do not need to be overly sharp. They just need to be easily used. The edges need to be smooth and free from any nicks which would damage the hive boxes.

General Guidelines
Tool α
Hive Box Separating Edge 		β
Scraping Edge 		Notes
Primary Bevel Micro Bevel
Traditional Hive Tool

Hitchhiker Hive Tool

3° 30° - 45° 20° - 60°
My favourite tool (from Jero Beekeeping) has these angles:
  • α = 3°
  • α micro bevel = 30°
  • β = 20°

β could be as high as 60°, but 45° is recommended.

J-Hook Hive Tool 10° 45° n/a

The hive box separating edge (α) needs to be much more acute than typically delivered on new tools. I've seen new beekeepers really wrestle with inserting this tool between the boxes to separate them.

I have also noted that many new tools have a rather rough edge. This leads to more damage of the hive boxes than is necessary. Smoothing that edge is a worthwhile endeavour.

The scraping edge (β) needs to be useful for scraping propolis and burr comb off the frames and hive boxes. This is far less critical for this tool as it does not get used for that purpose very often. Typically the removal of propolis and burr comb off the frames and hive boxes is done using the end of the tool (α).

The J-hook tools I have all came with a 20° angle. I leave it at that.

Notes & Comments

Information regarding Grindstones
Hitchhiker Style Hive Tool

The hitchhiker style hive tool is sharpened in the same way as the traditional hive tool. The outstretched “thumb” should not be sharpened.

The Tormek SVH-60 Straight Edge Jig and SG-250 Grindstone work well for sharpening these tools.

When sharpening hive tools, be cautious about overheating them (if not using a Tormek). The steel's edge can become a bit brittle.

After sharpening your hive tools you should consider acquiring a belt-mounted magnetic tool holder; something like the Bee Smart Magnetic Tool Holder. This will reduce the damage to your pockets, and will help ensure you not leave the tool sitting around on a hive.

 

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About this site
Remember : The goal of sharpening is to produce sharp tools, and these tools can injure you if mishandled. Safety measures should be followed to protect yourself and those in your shop. Be sure to read and follow all instructions from the manufacturer, and and utilize proper safety equipment. Never consume alcohol or anything that could impair your judgement before sharpening tools, or using sharp tools. Comments can be sent via eMail to me at SharpeningHandbook@Gmail.com.