Literally! - I have a box that is a bit too small and the frames are a tight fit at the best of times but the bees have done a good job with the propolis and filled any gap between the ends and built the comb out wider than usual clogging the whole thing up.
This box is on top of the brood box and will weigh in over 50Kg (110lb) so lifting off is out and the more I muck about trying to lever the frames out the more agitated the girls get.
Any ideas on loosening things up - only have to get one out and the job will be straight forward
Here is a long shot idea. If you can get some wax paper and try to slide it under the box you want to work then then liftone side up to make a exit for the girls then use honey robber fume board on top and let sit for 20 mins. This will get the girls out then place it back flat on the waxpaper. Tape the edge of the wax paper to the top box to catch any Honey. Then just pry the one frame out to start. Have a tub with lid big enough to hold the frames in and start pulling the frames and put in tub. Keep the tube covered. When it's light enough to lift remove it and put cover on. That should solve the problem of not drenching the brood camber.
Hope that helps.
John
Thanks Divemaster that's sounds like a plan - I use plastic tubs with lids now to hold my frames as I remove them so that is no biggy. Like the idea of wax paper - usually use news paper under boxes with frames in but they do get a bit "damp". Wonder how a glossy magazine page would go - bit stiffer for pushing under. Don't know about the fume board - never seen them in my travels will look around.
Let you all know how I get on
Would turning the box upside help any? (To see what you've got)
Lay the hive on its back...use a low table to rest it on.
Freezer paper or butcher paper. Anything with a wax coating to prevent it from leaking thru onto the brood.
Turning on its side still have to lift the load. If your body can't lift it. Sometimes just running wire between to loosen the top box and tilting to get the wax paper in-between can save your back and arms. Still hard work tho.
John