Hi Y'all,

> The taper of the pliers gently and
> smoothly wedges the frames apart without the usual disturbance that a hive
> tool gives.
>

As Steve explains it is advantageous at times to sneak a peak or work a
colony without undue disturbance, I find the "Maxant Hive Tool" sold by many
bee supply companies does the same as Steve describes needle nose pliers do.
The hooked end will do the same exact thing gently separating the frames
with the added advantage of using lateral leverage. Also the hooked end can
be used to put under the frame lug, tipped back it will lift it up for help
in getting that first frame out when inspecting a colony. When in a hurry it
also facilitates working fast. In addition to making separating and lifting
frames easy this specially designed hive tool has all the advantages of
normal hive tools having the scraper on it too. Since getting it and using
it for many years it is the only hive tool for inspections I find I need
making it the only tool in my pocket. The first one I got was a gift from
Maxant Industries when I purchased my Maxant horizontal honey extractor.

Here's some links that shows one, I have the ten inch one.
http://www.dadant.com/catalog/images/M00856l.jpg
http://betterbee.com/products.asp?dept=532
http://www.dadant.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_29&products_id=55&osCsid=f1633bfc104af5cf7704aacdcf5f9a0d
http://www.mid-conagri.com/5104-3.HTM

 . ..   Keith Malone, Chugiak, Alaska USA, http://www.cer.org/,
c(((([ , Apiarian, http://takeoff.to/alaskahoney/,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/akbeekeepers/ ,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Norlandbeekeepers/ ,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ApiarianBreedersGuild/

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