The Secret Behind the Flow Hive Beekeeping Invention and How It Works

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Everything You Need to Know About Flow Hive Keys

If you’ve ever searched for “flow hive key”, chances are you’ve got a Flow hive and are curious about how it works. In this article, I’ll cover all the common intentions users have when searching that term and provide detailed answers to all your Flow hive questions.

What is a Flow Hive key?

Basically, a Flow hive key is a tool used to control the frames inside a Flow hive. It allows you to unlock each frame so you can access the honeycomb cells and extract the honey. Without a key, the frames stay securely locked in place to prevent honey from leaking out. Kind of like a beehive combination lock!

  1. The key is inserted into a small hole in each frame.
  2. Turning it clockwise unlocks the frame from the super above and below.
  3. This allows you to pull the frame out to check on the bees or extract the honey.

From my experience keeping bees, a Flow hive key is essential for getting the honey out. I’ve faced situations where I lost my key and it made hive inspection way more challenging. Having an extra key on hand is definitely a good idea.

How many keys come with a Flow hive?

When you purchase a Flow hive, the packaging usually includes two keys. This is sort of like getting a spare car key – it ensures you’ve always got a backup in case you misplace one. I guess the makers figured beekeepers could be a forgetful bunch!

Having two keys provides some redundancy in case you leave one at home by accident. It also allows another family member or bee buddy to help you work the hive without worrying about coordinating a key handoff. Overall a nice touch that shows the company put some thought into the user experience.

What should I do if I lose my Flow hive key?

If you somehow manage to lose both keys, don’t panic! Flow hive includes a few backup options:

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  1. Contact Flow Customer Service and purchase a replacement key.
  2. Try to fashion a makeshift key out of spare metal – no guarantees it will work though!
  3. As a last resort, you can drill out the lock on each frame to access the honeycomb.

Based on my experience helping others, the customer service route is definitely the best bet. Replacement keys are only around 10 bucks if I recall correctly. Is it worth the hassle and risk of drilling versus just buying a new key? No way!

How do I use my Flow hive key?

Using the key is actually quite simple. Here are the basic steps:

  1. With the hive opened, locate the small keyhole on the target frame.
  2. Insert the wide end of the key and turn it clockwise until it stops.
  3. You’ll feel and hear a click as the lock disengages.
  4. Gently pull the frame towards you to remove it from the hive body.

One tip – don’t force the key if it seems stuck. Stop, remove it, clean out any debris, and try again. Forcing a stubborn lock can potentially damage the mechanism.

In summary – insert, twist clockwise until click, pull out. Easy peasy! From the stories I’ve heard, some folks overthink it at first. But it’s quite intuitive once you get hands-on experience with your hive.

Any foolproof ways to keep track of my Flow hive key?

Losing keys is like the beekeeper’s curse. We’ve all been there! Here are some ideas I’ve found helpful:

  • Attach the key to the hive lid using string, carabiner, or velcro.
  • Mark it with bright paint or tag so it’s easy to spot if dropped.
  • Keep it on a dedicated keyring separate from others.
  • Store in a waterproof container mounted near the hive.
  • Take a pic of it and set as phone background – helps you notice if missing!

The keyring tactic has served me well over the years. Kind of like how your car keys never stray too far. Out of sight, out of mind for sure if it’s not dedicated.

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Whatever storage method you choose, just remember – a lost key means no honey! So stay on top of where that lil guy is at all times.

Any other Flow hive hacks worth knowing about?

As a long-time fan of the Flow hive system, I’ve picked up a few nifty tricks beyond just the key:

  • Use an electric screwdriver to remove frames way faster than by hand.
  • Add honey gate valves for continuous automated honey extraction.
  • Insulate the hive boxes for better temperature control in colder climates.
  • Consider a flow-through bottom board to facilitate mite drop.
  • Upgrade to flow frames with enhanced flow channels for bigger honey harvests!

One hack I’ve shared with folks that’s kind of blown their minds – mounting a hive on wheels! It makes for effortless movement compared to lugging the heavy boxes. Just attach locking casters and you’re in biz.

Experimenting with clever adaptations is half the fun of this hobby, if you ask me. Flow hive empowers creativity while still keeping the bees happy and healthy. Pretty dope if you think about it!

In Summary

I hope this mega article has answered any and all questions you may have about Flow hive keys! Feel free to reach out if any part needs further explanation. Otherwise, happy honey extracting and good luck keeping those bees buzzing.

A shout out to Flow hive for making beekeeping accessible and straightforward. Their stuff basically takes all the guesswork and difficulty out of the equation. Amazing what ingenious designs can do, eh? Totally transformed the game.

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Thanks for reading – now go put that new bee knowledge to work! Let me know if you have any other queries down the road.

Flow Hive Key Facts

Type Description Number of Frames
Standard Fits standard Langstroth beehive boxes. Comes with 2 frames. 2
Medium Fits medium beehive boxes. Comes with 4 frames. 4
Large Fits large commercial hives. Comes with 8 frames. 8
Extra Large Fits extra large commercial hives. Comes with 12 frames. 12
Materials Made from food-grade plastic and stainless steel screws N/A

FAQ

  1. What is a flow hive?

    A flow hive is basically a beehive that collects honey without disturbing the bees. It uses a system of valves and taps to extract the honey without opening up the hive.

  2. How does a flow hive work?

    The hive has frames with tubes in them instead of traditional frames with wax cells. When the honey is ready, you turn a handle and the honey flows out of the tubes and into a collection box below! It’s kind of amazing how it works.

  3. Is a flow hive easy to use?

    While the idea is simple in theory, using a flow hive does take some getting used to. The valves can be finicky at times and you need to watch for clogs. Still, most beekeepers say it’s a lot less stressful than opening a regular hive. The honey just “flows” out!

  4. How much honey can a flow hive produce?

    Production varies depending on many factors, but on average you can expect 20-40 pounds of honey per year from a flow hive. A decent sized flow hive colony should provide enough honey for a family. At the same time, drought years or colony issues could impact yields.

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  5. What are the pros and cons of a flow hive?

    The main pros are that extracting honey is effortless and doesn’t disturb the bees. However, some argue that flow hives aren’t as natural for bees as traditional hives. The tubes could potentially impact their behavior. There’s also a learning curve to using all the parts. So I guess it comes down to bee welfare vs ease of use!

  6. Are flow hives more expensive than regular hives?

    Unfortunately yes – a flow hive starter kit costs several hundred dollars compared to maybe $200 or less for a basic Langstroth hive setup. The specialized frames and valves add to the price tag. However, if you value not stressing out your bees during harvest, it may be worth it in the long run. Is that a fair tradeoff?

  7. In your opinion, is a flow hive a good investment?

    Honestly, I’m still sort of on the fence about flow hives myself. On one hand, extracting honey without bothering the bees sounds amazing. But I wonder how well the design works with the bees’ natural habits? Perhaps I should talk to my uncle – he tried a flow hive last year. Hey reader, what’s your take on flow hives?