Styrofoam hives

[buck]

I like the idea of using styrofoam brood boxes but I worry about how well they will hold up.  When I try to pry them and the frames apart it seems to cause too much damage.  Any one had much experience with these?

[Finsky]

I like the idea of using styrofoam brood boxes but I worry about how well they will hold up.  When I try to pry them and the frames apart it seems to cause too much damage.  Any one had much experience with these?

My oldest styrofoam boxes (not self made) are labeled year 1987.  They are as good condition as new ones.

The iron you pry them apart must be flat and not too sharp.
I use this one http://www.kalastusmestari.com/images/fiskarpuukko.jpg

On the groove where you put the frame shoulders it need to bee a hard plastic slice. And when you move frames apart you cannot touch the box, just put the tool between two frames.

If boxes are too tight you should first twist a little from several corner, and when you hear "snap" sound you lift boxes apart. If you lift heavy boxes with force it leaves bad depression into material.