Hive Frame Spacers
For use in Langstroth adapted & original Slovenian AZ Hives
Spacers are packaged into bundles for your convenience. The usual AZ hive contains three levels, and thus needs 12 spacers. Should you need a different volume of spacers, please feel free to email with your specific needs for a quote.
USA and International shipping available
Shipping calculated at check-out
Rates are typically less than the system calculates
I will refund excess shipping costs
Please e-mail with any questions
AZ Hive
The Slovenian AZ beehive is a specialized box used by many beekeepers. It originates from the European country of Slovenia where it has been used for centuries. The beekeeper who designed it is a famous Slovenian beekeeper named Antom Znidersic. The AZ hive is different from the Langstroth hive typical in the USA in that the frames of comb are accessed through a door on the rear of the hive. The Langstroth hive frames are accessed by taking the hive apart.
AZ hives, whether original AZ or Langstroth modified AZ offer significant management benefits for the beekeeper. They are ideal for those who are unable to lift heavy loads, for beekeepers in harsh climates, and for ease of management of multiple hives.
AZ Frame
The AZ frames differs from Langstroth frames in that they do not hang from the lip of the box, but are supported by rods on the bottom of the frames. This requires a spacer which is attached to the rear of the hive and to the door, which keeps the space between the frames perfect for the bees to build comb.
Langstroth frames can be used in modified AZ hives and use half as many spacers. Frame spacers are essential for all AZ hives, whether original AZ or modified AZ style.
AZ Spacer
The AZ Spacer is a special device which keeps the frames in the exact position to optimize the hive. Bees build honeycomb to exacting specifications, and the spacers allow the bees to build the comb to their standards. In this beehive, man has adapted to the bees perfection. These spacers fit both the original Slovenian hive and the modified Lagstroth AZ hive.
AZFrameSpacers can be used in both Langstroth Adapted AZ hives and in original Slovenian AZ hives. The spacers are the same.
Description
Galvalume is a coating on the steel similar to galvanized but has superior rust resistance. The Galvalume has the ability to coat the edges of the metal during processing which will reduce rust formation. This coating is the same as on commercial roofing material and interior metal studs which have a lifespan up to 40 years. Additionally, unlike some foreign coatings, the Galvalume is certified free of lead and arsenic. This provides a hazard free environment for your bees and honey production.
Features
US Steel 0.030 inches thick
Fit all frames up to 1 inch wide (25 mm)
Spacer length as follows (+/- 1/64 inch or 0.5 mm):
3 Frame - 4 3/8" or 111 mm
4 Frame - 5 13/16" or 149 mm
5 Frame - 7 5/16" or 186 mm
6 Frame - 8 3/4" or 223 mm
7 Frame - 10 3/16" or 260 mm
8 Frame - 11 11/16" or 297 mm
9 Frame - 13 1/8" or 334 mm
10 Frame - 14 5/8" or 371 mm
11 Frame - 16 1/16" or 409 mm
12 Frame - 17 9/16” or 446 mm.
For all AZ frames up to 1 inch (25 MM) wide
Fit original AZ hives and modified Langstroth AZ hives
Punch Press
Starting a production line was a 3 year process. From searching for a die maker to sourcing used equipment this challenge has been adventurous to say the least. Just 40 miles away I located one of the premier die makers in the southeast USA. And through the marvels of eBay, I located a press that had been stored for 25 years after it was completely renovated. Putting legacy technology to work to make a product that is not readily available in the western hemisphere, to promote a method of beekeeping that will allow more hobbyist beekeepers to stay active, longer is rewarding.
Spacer Cost per each. Prices unchanged since 2017 despite increased material costs.
3 Frame $0.63
4 Frame $0.73
5 Frame $0.78
6 Frame $0.80
7 Frame $0.83
8 Frame $0.87
9 Frames $0.892
10 & 11 Frame $1.04
12 Frame $1.21
This is a hobby and any donations are appreciated. I have not changed pricing since I began making spacers in 2018, despite steel prices tripling
Links to other AZ Hive Supply Vendor Websites
AZ Hive Frame Spacers
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 USA
azhivespacers@gmail.com
azframespacers@gmail.com
ABOUT
Located in Gulf Breeze, Florida USA, AZ Hive Frame Spacers produces the spacer hardware required to build your own AZ hive. Whether you are a novice hobbyist or a seasoned woodworker and apiarist, we provide the spacers required to make AZ hives. These frame spacers provide the exact “bee space” needed to enable your bees to make brood and honey for a healthy hive.
HISTORY
With over 3 generations of beekeeping experience, we have identified the pitfalls of the hobbyist beekeeping. From our experience, and in collaboration with innovators in the field, we have established a USA based source for the frame spacers required to jettison the AZ hive into the marketplace. We feel it is important to have steel that is free of impurities that could hamper safe beekeeping standards. The metal is Made in USA (USSteel) and the spacers are Made in the USA.
Questions?
Email us at azhivespacers@gmail.com