Hive Frame SpacerS
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.
shipping anywhere available
spacer prices do not include shipping. Shipping calculated at check-out
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 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.
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.
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)
Spacers 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 - Both original az hives and modified langstroth az hives
Steel prices tripled on my last order. I have not raised prices despite the additional expense.
Please donate to offset the cost of starting this venture.
This is a hobby, not a business.
Any donation is appreciated.
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 on website include postage) Prices unchanged since 2017 despite increased material costs.
3 Frame $0.60
4 Frame $0.70
5 Frame $0.75
6 Frame $0.77
7 Frame $0.80
8 Frame $0.84
9 Frames $0.88
10 & 11 Frame $1.00
12 Frame $1.16
Frames, Complete Hives, Hive Houses >> LINK TO ANOTHER VENDOR WEBSITE
P Latches, Hinges, Drawings, and Complete Hives >> LINK TO ANOTHER VENDOR WEBSITE
P Latches and complete hives and plans >> LINK TO ANOTHER VENDOR WEBSITE
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, 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 with any questions.