Horizontal wiring

String horizontal wires across foundationless frames to reinforce comb and prevent collapse. Thread 28-gauge stainless steel wire through holes drilled on opposite side bars, spacing wires roughly 5 cm (2 inches) apart. Secure each wire end with a staple or small nail and tension it firmly so it does not sag.

Why It Works

Horizontal wires provide lateral support across the widest span of the comb, which is where gravity-induced sagging is greatest. Bees build their wax around the wires, creating a composite structure that resists deformation under heat and the weight of stored honey or brood.

Tips

• Use a wire tensioner or crimping tool to keep wires taut; loose wires offer little support
• Pre-drill side bar holes with a 1.5 mm bit to avoid splitting the wood
• Four to five horizontal wires per deep frame is sufficient for strong reinforcement
• This method costs significantly less than buying pre-wired frames