BBKA Forum

There is a local Thornes stockist near me which can be very handy- but these are, to my knowledge, not advertised anywhere. Or are they? Does anyone know?

Not hat I’m aware of. I have only seen an advert to become a Thorne's distributor (£2000 first order), so maybe their office would be the best place to start?

There are loads of hive tools. Whats best?

Spike wrote: ↑

31 Jan 2019, 20:00

There are loads of hive tools. Whats best?

Well I have two a Stainless "J" and a Stainless ordinary flat one, although I must admit I only use the "J".

Spike wrote: ↑

31 Jan 2019, 20:00

There are loads of hive tools. Whats best?

The one that suits you. Not what somebody else tells you is the hive tool that suits them.
Two most popular the "ordinary" and "J" as cable Fairy has already posted. Try them both and see which you prefer.

I use both as they have slightly different functions. The J shape is better for lifting frames vertically. The traditional shape is better for prizing frames apart. However I suspect this is an area beekeepers will disagree on and there will be "correct" ways of using hive tools.

I use J tool or a 1" wood chisel if I can't find it!

I use a J tool for seperating and lifting frames. I find a good sharp pocket knife the best tool for seperating hive body's, crown boards and QE and its good for removing brace comb and propolis from frames.

I have the j hive tool, an extra long one from thornes which is good for scraping down the side of boxes and the America style, all three are quite good.