The Hive Tool is the most frequently used hand tool in beekeeping. Bees seal every gap in the hive with propolis, making opening a hive and separating frames by hand alone practically impossible after just a few weeks. The Hive Tool provides the prying leverage and scraping edge needed to break these seals cleanly at every inspection without damaging the hive or injuring bees.
What Is the Hive Tool?
The Hive Tool is a hive inspection accessory used at the colony management and harvesting stage of beekeeping. Most experienced beekeepers carry two hive tools to every inspection. Pair with a Frame Grip and Bee Smoker for complete hive inspection readiness.
What Is the Price of the Hive Tool in Kenya?
The Hive Tool is priced at KSh 650 at Urban Beekeepers in Nairobi. In stock ā no lead time. Same-day delivery within Nairobi. Nationwide delivery available to all major towns. Urban Beekeepers accepts M-Pesa, card, cash and bank transfer payments. Urban Beekeepers takes bulk orders. Call 0797 764 747 or message via WhatsApp to discuss.
š¬ Order Now on WhatsApp ā KSh 650
Key Features and Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| What’s Included | One Hive Tool |
| Ends | Flat prying end and curved hook end |
| Function | Opening hives, separating frames, scraping propolis and wax |
| Compatible Hive | Langstroth and Kenya Top Bar Bee Hive |
| Price | KSh 650 |
Who Needs the Hive Tool?
- All Beekeepers in Kenya: Every beekeeper regardless of hive type, scale, or experience level must have a hive tool.
- New Beekeepers: The hive tool is the first tool every new beekeeper must purchase before opening their first hive.
- Commercial Honey Farmers: Farmers who carry a hive tool to every apiary visit and use it at every hive.
- CBOs and Shared Apiaries: Community groups where the hive tool is a primary shared inspection tool.
How to Use the Hive Tool
- Break the crown board seal. Insert the flat end under the crown board edge and lever gently around all four sides before lifting.
- Separate propolis-sealed frames. Insert the flat end between adjacent frame lugs and twist gently to break the propolis bond.
- Lift frames by the lug. Use the curved hook end to lift the frame lug once it is separated from its neighbours.
- Scrape propolis and wax. Use the flat blade edge to scrape buildup from frame rests, hive box edges, and the crown board regularly.
- Clean after use. Scrape excess propolis from the blade. Heat the blade briefly over a flame every few inspections to remove hardened residue.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care extends the working life of your Hive Tool and keeps it performing effectively season after season.
- Scrape major propolis deposits from the blade after each inspection to maintain edge effectiveness.
- Heat the blade over a flame every few inspections to burn off hardened propolis. Wipe clean while warm.
- Address any surface rust with fine steel wool and a thin coat of food-safe oil.
Why Buy From Urban Beekeepers?
- Kenya’s best beekeeping equipment shop ā stocking high-quality and genuine beekeeping equipment
- In stock ā same-day delivery within Nairobi
- Nationwide delivery to all major towns across Kenya
- Call or WhatsApp: 0797 764 747
- Trusted by commercial farmers, CBOs, and NGOs across Kenya
- Urban Beekeepers accepts M-Pesa, card, cash and bank transfer payments
Shipping and Delivery
Urban Beekeepers delivers countrywide to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Machakos, Kitengela, Kitui, and all major towns across Kenya. Same-day delivery within Nairobi. Call 0797 764 747 to confirm delivery timelines for your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a hive tool?
Bees seal every joint in the hive with propolis. Without a hive tool, separating the crown board and removing frames is effectively impossible. The Hive Tool provides the leverage needed to break propolis seals cleanly at every inspection.
How many hive tools should I own?
Most experienced beekeepers carry at least two to every inspection. This ensures you can continue if one is dropped into the hive or becomes too propolis-laden to use effectively.
Does Urban Beekeepers deliver the Hive Tool outside Nairobi?
Urban Beekeepers delivers countrywide to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Machakos, Kitengela, Kitui, and all major towns across Kenya. Same-day delivery within Nairobi. Call 0797 764 747 to confirm delivery timelines for your location.
