Using fishing line on frames

[Big ears]

Hi
I’ve heard you can use fishing line on frames to support the comb instead of wires when allowing natural comb production rather than foundation. Does anyone use this? What strength fishing line do you use?

cheers

BE

 

[Boston Bees]

I have just made a batch, but have not used them yet.

I used this line

SUMAJU Monofilament Fishing Line, 8.0 Spool 100 Meters Strong and Abrasion Resistant Mono Clear Fishing Line White : AmazonSmile: Sports & Outdoors

I used a video that Erichalfbee put up initially, but then also made a few using the second method on this video, which I found easier in terms of getting the line taught. This season will tell if they work well or not!:

 

[Hachi]

8lb successfully in the past. bees dont mind

 

[hemo]

I think mine is 20lb filament, they still chew thru it if they feel like it.

 

[Mint Bee]

I have some old braided line that I use in frames and this was chew resistant. Usually include one of these frames in each brood box so the bees can do what they want with it. Doesn't stretch as much as monofilament, so shouldn't sag as much under tension. I think it was rated at 30lb?

 

[Big ears]

Thanks for the video. That makes sense. Do you bother with eyelets?

 

[Big ears]

I have some old braided line that I use in frames and this was chew resistant. Usually include one of these frames in each brood box so the bees can do what they want with it. Doesn't stretch as much as monofilament, so shouldn't sag as much under tension. I think it was rated at 30lb?

That’s a good idea. Does the colour matter as have some braded backing line? It’s fluorescent yellow

 

[Boston Bees]

Thanks for the video. That makes sense. Do you bother with eyelets?

No

 

[Big ears]

No

 

[Bazzer]

Hi
I’ve heard you can use fishing line on frames to support the comb instead of wires when allowing natural comb production rather than foundation. Does anyone use this? What strength fishing line do you use?

cheers

BE

What is wrong with using wire? It is easy to get holds of, stretches less, is recyclable and can be cleaned and sterilised along with the frame in boliling washing soda.

 

[Boston Bees]

What is wrong with using wire? It is easy to get holds of, stretches less, is recyclable and can be cleaned and sterilised along with the frame in boliling washing soda.

I imagine it is harder to get taught, harder on the fingers and requires eyelets and some kind of crimping device (rather than just a nail)? Haven't tried to use it myself though.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Fishing line works really well.

 

[Newbeeneil]

Wire is fine, you just need a pair of long nosed pliers to get a bit of tension. I don't always use eyelets with it.

I'm making up some frames using skewers (Bamboo - The Apiarist) at present to let the bees make up as drone brood frames.

 

[Swarm]

Make a little jig that applies inward pressure to the side bar, when released, the tension is maintained. A chap I knew used this method and two nails, no eyelets.

 

[Mint Bee]

What is wrong with using wire? It is easy to get holds of, stretches less, is recyclable and can be cleaned and sterilised along with the frame in boliling washing soda.

recycling a product that would go in the bin?

 

[Mint Bee]

That’s a good idea. Does the colour matter as have some braded backing line? It’s fluorescent yellow

mine was a dark green, last used for big Carp and Cats in France a few years ago. No experience with yellow, but people use all sorts in frames and bees usually don't seem to mind. the frames supports are mainly for the beekeepers benefit to prevent flexing of fresh wax during inspections on a warm day

 

[Big ears]

mine was a dark green, last used for big Carp and Cats in France a few years ago. No experience with yellow, but people use all sorts in frames and bees usually don't seem to mind. the frames supports are mainly for the beekeepers benefit to prevent flexing of fresh wax during inspections on a warm day

 

[Murox]

What is wrong with using wire? It is easy to get holds of, stretches less, is recyclable and can be cleaned and sterilised along with the frame in boliling washing soda.

Nothing wrong at all. I use both, fishing line works & I have some. Wire has to be ordered in especially and is more expensive in both postal charges and per reel.

 

[Rockape83]

I use trace wire sometimes on recycled frames as it gives extra strength

 

[Bazzer]

recycling a product that would go in the bin?

I collect my wire together and when I have a good bundle put it in in the recycling? Have you seen the pictures of fishing line caught round birds legs - what do you think happens to stuff put in the bin?