hive tools

Eric Bosworth · September 05, 2015, 11:48:33 AM

Perhaps it is just me but could somebody please tell me they have this issue as well. In 100 years somebody with a metal detector is going to find countless hive tools around where I have bees. I seem to need to attach my hive tool to myself with a string because I always set it down someplace while I am working on the hives and then can't find it. I don't know if I knock it off of things and it falls on the ground in the weeds or if I just set it on the ground and lose it in the weeds but I never seem to be able to keep it in my hand for an entire hive inspection. Please tell me that I am not the only person with this problem.

mikecva · September 05, 2015, 12:04:44 PM

Sorry, you are the only one.

Ok did you believe that.

I had problems with weeds and decided to use a weed and grass killer (at night) to knock down the weeds. After the grass died off I found two of my tools. I have not lost a too; since. -Mike

Michael Bush · September 05, 2015, 12:10:06 PM

Here's my favorite hive tool:
http://www.dadant.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1102

And it comes with the hole you can tie the string through...

I bought a dozen from Brushy Mt. back when they had them. I think I can still find six. I didn't use the string method...

iddee · September 05, 2015, 12:23:47 PM

Buy one a month and lose one a month for years to come.

Buy a dozen and never lose another one.

Yours truly,

Murphy

CBT · September 05, 2015, 07:37:51 PM

I think the sand around here eats all kinds of tools.

BeeMaster2 · September 05, 2015, 08:04:13 PM

I try to always put my hive tool in my back pocket. If I don't put it in my pocket, I end up playing hide and seek.
Jim

Michael Bush · September 05, 2015, 08:53:36 PM

>Buy one a month and lose one a month for years to come.
>Buy a dozen and never lose another one.
>Yours truly, Murphy

Sounds like Gumperson's law to me. "The probability of anything happening is inversely proportional to it's desirability."--Gumperson's Law.
Murphy's law is: "If anything can go wrong it will".

By buying a dozen you reduced the UNdesirability of losing them so you decreased the probability of it happening.

GSF · September 05, 2015, 10:04:38 PM

Eric, sort of along the lines of what Jim said; I had some new beeks over at my place from our club. Our president was there as well. He said "Gary, Can I make a suggestion?" I said sure, "Put your hive tool in your pocket".

I'm still trying to master that feat. Great idea though.

biggraham610 · September 05, 2015, 11:24:31 PM

I cant even keep it in my hand when I know its in my hand........ It always mysteriously winds up on the tailgate, or one of the hives top across the yard, or in the grass.............. I try to keep one at every yard, and 2 in the truck. Still, believe it or not, I have found myself glaring at the ground cussing with none in my hand.................

Eric Bosworth · September 06, 2015, 08:04:39 AM

Its a good thing I have to go to Waverley for work in the next few days I can pick some new ones up at Dadent. It does make me feel better knowing I'm not the only one with this problem. Sawdust I never use my back pockets... I am sure some shrink would trace it back to my childhood when I sat on something bad... I don't remember what it was but I have never used back pockets since.

AR Beekeeper · September 06, 2015, 09:44:32 AM

Buy or make an apron. Make pockets that are for each tool you carry. When you finish a colony inspection drop the tool in the apron pocket where it is handy to carry. Also the apron keeps propolis off your clothes.

Don't lose the apron.

rwlaw · September 06, 2015, 10:12:12 AM

I've have the long two j hook model for seven years now, I make sure it's sterilized and in the door pocket when I leave.
It's between arrival and departure that sometimes drives me batty. Can't understand why the hive tool disappears from the time I put the lid on one hive and go to crack another. There it is setting on the spare box in the van or somewhere else that's just as stupid. They have legs!

Michael Bush · September 06, 2015, 02:59:50 PM

> I make sure it's sterilized...

Really? I'lll bet there is not one documented case of a disease being spread by a hive tool...

rwlaw · September 06, 2015, 08:41:34 PM

Well, I know it's paranoia MB but I've been mentoring a couple 2nd year beeks ( I guess you can call it that cause they didn't learn anything but how to put bees in a box and yes, they do die over the winter). Sooo, working closely with them (like how to pull frames right LOL), the bees are not from me from me and their equip is handme downs, to err on the side of caution yada yada. Besides I'm finding it a lot nicer working with a tool not all crusty with propolis.

Joe D · September 06, 2015, 10:47:33 PM

I am kind a allergic to stings, with some of my bees I wear a full suit. I will put the hive tool and propane smoker lighter in one front pocket and a bee brush in the other. I am still using the original on all three. I have had to hunt them once in awhile. I do try to clean my hive tool a couple times or so a year.
Now I do have my hives on concrete slabs or decks, not in the grass or on dirt.

Joe D

KeyLargoBees · September 08, 2015, 03:17:33 PM

Wont keep you from misplacing them but I have in the past painted things with blaze orange spray paint that had a tendancy to get set down and "disappear"....wont stop you from temporarily misplacing it but it sure is easier to find when it ends up on the ground.

Michael Bush · September 08, 2015, 05:04:52 PM

>I have in the past painted things with blaze orange spray paint that had a tendancy to get set down and "disappear"

I started doing that when I was doing concrete work. It wasn't so hard to find tools laying on the deck when I was a carpenter but laying in the dirt they get hidden pretty easily. Florescent orange does stand out better even when half covered with dirt or laying in the grass.

rookie2531 · September 08, 2015, 07:57:47 PM

I went out and bought a pair of canvas pants, (think that's what there called). They have a couple pockets on the outside thigh. Tool fits perfect and easy to slip in/out. I sometimes leave it on a lid, but easy to grab, since I inspect down the line. Still have my first one, but I do have more, (for sale), but if I lose it. I will have another.

mtnb · September 08, 2015, 08:45:43 PM

Haven't lost mine yet but my ground is not weeds but cacti. i carefully look where I put it. lol

Michael Bush · September 09, 2015, 09:18:45 AM

>I went out and bought a pair of canvas pants, (think that's what there called).

They are carpenter's pants and the reason for that pocket is to put your folding rule in. I haven't seen a carpenter carry a folding rule since I was a little kid... but the pocket is still there.