Any tips on rescuing broken brood combs after overeager spinning!

[Fatbee]

I committed a foopah - having used a brood box as a super to get some precious brood comb drawn I got over-excited and span far too hard and now have two frames with snapped foundation wire. I hadn't appreciated the extra weight of a brood comb and was more excited about having 8 frames of packed frames! Learnt my lesson know - the other 6 came through OK once I eased off!

The damaged ones have wires damage - one is vertical wire and one horizontal wire - so the comb is still in the frame but not very stable, especially if I lift up at 90 degrees.

- Has anybody got any tips for trying to get some support back in the frame - re-wiring some how??
- or will the bees do suitable enough repairs to enable it to act as brood comb in the future?

I was so angry with myself because I always find getting enough brood comb drawn out always a challenge and feel that I have let the bees down by trashing their hard work. Hate to think it may be no good for anything.

 

[Ross]

Rubber bands around it to hold it in place and give it back to the bees. They should re-attach it before they chew the rubber bands off (if they have read the right books).

Ross

 

[oliver90owner]

Tangential spinner?

As long as the comb is straight in the frame it will be OK, I would think, once the bees repair it for you.

 

[MartinL]

If you do re use, mark the frames so you can identify them as possibly weak!

 

[Fatbee]

Thanks all hadn't thought of elastic bands; sounds easier than wire. Certainly worth a try because they were beautifully drawn until I got my hands on them!

 

[Finman]

When I have broken comb, I let the bees first clean it and they repair it in one night. Next day I look, is it good and then correct the rest if needed.

 

[Finman]

When I have broken comb, I let them first to clean it and they repair it in one night. Next day I look, is it good and then correct the rest if needed.

It depends how it is broken and what corrections it needs.