The hive tool and the smoker are the two most essential pieces of beekeeping equipment. The hive tool is used for prying and scraping. It’s a little like a small pry bar. It should be kept sharp. You would be surprised at how hard it can be to lift boxes or frames that have been glued together with beeswax and propolis. Your hive tool will help you slice through the sticky and pry apart the stuck. Like smokers, there are numerous styles, but the most important thing is getting used to using it. I use any nearby hive tool.
