Do You Know How to Assemble Frames for Beehives

For the new beekeeper, beekeeping equipment is a topic filled with many new terms and ideas.  It seems impossible to learn the name of each component in the first year.  That’s okay -you just need to know the basics.  One of the most important items in modern beekeeping is the beehive frames.  While it is relatively easy to find assembled frames for sale, some beekeepers choose to put their frames together.  This is not a bad idea as you will know for sure that they are assembled correctly.  Let’s learn how to assemble frames for beehives.

Instructions:

1.Gather the parts for each frame. For each frame you need 4 parts.

A top bar, a bottom bar and 2 end bars of the same size. Your end bars will be the correct size to fit in the chosen size box or super.

2.Remove the Wedge Strip on the Top Bar. Use your hive tool to pop off the wedge stir attached to the top bar.

You will be using this to hold your sheet of foundation in place. Don’t throw it away!

3.Use hive tool or knife to remove excess wood. After the strip is removed, use a sharp edge to scrape away any left over slivers of wood on the top bar. We want a smooth surface for the foundation to sit later.

4.Fit First Side Bar to Top Bar

Check the fit of the wide ends of the side bars to the notch in the top bars. You may need to shave away a little wood. The fit should be tight but not so much that it breaks the wood.

5.Add Glue to Frame Top and End Bar

Add a small amount of wood glue to the wide end of one side bar and one notch of the top bar. This will help make your frame very sturdy.

6.Assemble both side bars. Repeat for other side – both side bars are attached to the top bar. Yes, it will fall apart so be careful.

7.Bottom bar angle. Your split bottom bar has a up side and a down side.

Check the angle of the slot/split with your hive tool. We want the angle to be inside the frame – it helps the foundation slide into the split.

8.Check square of frame. Now your 4 main components of the frame are glued together (rather loosely).

Check to see that all the seams fit well together. Some beekeepers use a tool to check that the frame is actually square – I usually don’t but maybe I should.

9.Nail wooden frames together. Now it is time to securely nail your wooden frame parts together. The glue is still wet so be careful while turning them around.

I start on the bottom and use 2 small nails on each end of the bottom bar. You will see a lot of guidelines about the size of nail to use.

Honestly, it just needs to be long enough to connect the parts and small enough in diameter to “not” split your wood.

10.Attach top bar with nails. Once each end of the bottom bar is attached, flip the frame over and put 2 small nails in the notches of the top bar.

We are nailing through the top bar into the side bars. We know have a total of 8 nails – four on the bottom and four on the top.

11.Extra nail for support. As a final tip, adding one more nail to your beehive frame will pay off big in the years to come.

If you have a very small nail 1″ or less, nail one side of the side bar ear into the side of the frame. This is optional.

12.Checking final assembly. Once all nails are in place, set your frame aside and let the glue dry. Wipe off any excess glue that squeezes out.

And, don’t throw away that extra wood strip – you will need it to install your foundation.