What is one type of hive tool used in beekeeping?

The Maxant (J Hook) is a specific type of hive tool that is designed to assist beekeepers in managing bee colonies efficiently. This tool is particularly useful for tasks such as lifting frames out of the hive body and manipulating components within the hive. Its design features a hook that allows beekeepers to grasp and lift frames with ease, reducing the risk of damaging the frame or disturbing the bees unnecessarily.

While other items listed, such as the smoker, frame lifter, and bee brush, are also vital in beekeeping, they serve different functions. The smoker is used to calm bees during inspections, the frame lifter helps in removing or adjusting frames but is a more general term for various types of tools, and the bee brush is used to gently move bees off frames or other surfaces. The distinct design of the Maxant (J Hook) makes it particularly effective and specialized for frame manipulation within the hive.