Langstroth 9 Frame Spacer (Bee Castle)

This part locks in place snugly over Bee Castle (or other generic) Langstroth frames to provide leave-in spacing of 9 frames per 10-frame box.

Running 9 frames in a 10 frame honey super allows for greater honey storage per-frame and the deeper cells make uncapping easier.

I have only verified fitment on Bee Castle branded frames, which have a the following dimensions:

Top Bar height (where the frame rests on the lip of the box) = 0.475" / 12mm

Side Bar Width = 1.40" / 35.5mm

Side Bar Thickness = 0.40" / 10mm

These spacers are intended for use on 4 frames as follows (R = unmodified frame, S = frame with spacers on either end): |RSRSRSRSR|. You will still have adequate space on either side of the box; four spacers adds a total of 1.4" (35.5mm), equal to the width of one standard frame.

The easiest way to install these spacers is to fully hook one side over the Side Bar, then carefully bend the spacer to pull the other side on and hook it over the side bar. Spacers fit snugly and securely on compatible frames, and may be left on indefinitely. Installation will be difficult / impossible with incompatible frames.

I suggest PETG due to the potential for material creep and higher temperatures inside the hive during summer. Because of the unique shape of the part, supports are required but are easy to remove. I suggest white or other light colors as some hives react defensively to dark colors when opened. Lighter colors are also less likely to absorb excess heat and warp.