Stainless steel frame wire spool 250g/220m
Stainless Steel Beekeeping Wire 0.4 mm (250 g) – Reliable Reinforcement for Foundation and Comb
Quality frame wiring is the foundation of strong and stable comb. If the foundation is to hold its shape well and withstand the load during extraction in the honey extractor, you need strong and properly tensioned wire. Stainless steel beekeeping wire with a diameter of 0.4 mm in a 250 g package represents a proven choice for hobby beekeepers and smaller beekeeping operations. It excels in the ideal ratio between strength and flexibility, is easy to tension, doesn't pull out, and maintains tension in the frame long-term.
Advantages of Stainless Steel in the Hive Environment
The wire is made of quality stainless steel grade AISI 304, which ensures high resistance to corrosion. In the hive, it is long-term exposed to moisture, honey, and the effects of organic acids used in varroa treatment (for example, formic acid and oxalic acid). Stainless steel material resists these influences, doesn't rust, and poses no risk to honey quality or beekeeping operation hygiene.
A great advantage is also easy comb renewal. Frames can be safely boiled in hot water or processed in a steam wax melter without the need to cut out the wires. After cleaning, simply re-tension them using a wire crimper (crimper). For re-tensioning, it's sufficient to adjust only a short section of wire (approx. 2–3 cm), which prevents unnecessary shortening and weakening.
Recommendations for Frame Wiring
The 0.4 mm diameter is universal and suitable for common frame sizes, such as Langstroth, Optimal, or 39×24. For lower frames (up to 180 mm height), horizontal wiring is usually chosen, for higher frames rather vertical, or a combination of both methods depending on the hive type and beekeeper's preferences. For wire passage through the side bars, we recommend holes with a diameter of approx. 3 mm.
The wire can be anchored using small nails (e.g., 10×1.4 mm). Wrap one end several times around a nail hammered partially into the side bar, thread through all holes, and repeat the process on the other side. When tensioning, it's advisable to slightly bend the side bar inward – after releasing it, the wire will tension evenly and firmly. Drive the nails in so they don't interfere with later frame cleaning with a scraper.
The wire is wound on a solid plastic spool, which limits self-unwinding and facilitates handling during manual and machine wiring.
Technical Parameters
| Material | Stainless steel AISI 304 |
| Wire diameter | 0.4 mm |
| Package weight | 250 g |
| Approximate spool length | approx. 250 linear meters (indicatively up to 170 frames 39×24 with vertical wiring) |
| Spool type | Plastic spool against self-unwinding |
| Properties | Strong, malleable, non-magnetic, shiny, doesn't break when bent into a loop |
| Resistance | Resistant to corrosion, honey, and organic acids used in beekeeping |
Tip: When embedding foundation with a transformer (recommended power minimum 100 W, at 12 V current at least 8 A), work with a shorter impulse. Stainless steel wire heats up quickly, so the foundation embeds in a short time without risk of excessive cutting through the wax.
