I have installed the flow hive super without realising that I need to do the alignment of combs

Beekeeping - Basics
1

I have installed the flow hive super without realising that I need to do the alignment of combs. What’s the best way to fix this? Especially I can’t see if the frames in the middle are aligned or not…

2

Just put the key in the top slot of the frames that you want to reset, and turn.

https://youtu.be/XXY47aWYfBo

2 Likes
3

The caps wont fit in if the frames are not aligned properly, wink. Therefore if the caps where the key goes are still in place, your frames are ready to install.

2 Likes
4

Jeff that only applies to the end one or two as the stub only extends that far. It is possible in shipping or handling to “jostle” the frames and have “middle” ones not be in the full closed positioned. As said above best to reset the frames using the key.

4 Likes
5

Especially if the wires are not tight. Which is why checking wire tension should be done before using the Flow super. Every time. Always. Even after the first harvest. Honest. :blush:

3 Likes
6

The caps fit. But I can see the hexagon not fully joined.

7

Does that mean if I reset them using the key, all the hexagons ware joined perfectly?

8

A photo would be really helpful :wink:

1 Like
9

Hi Ced, I was unaware that things can shift during shipping. What I said, as it turns out is only the case after you start using them. In the design, you can’t replace the caps until after you reset the frames.

1 Like
10

No there is a gap between the cell sides that the bees fill with wax. When you trigger the mechanism these break and this is what causes the honey to flow to the back of the cell and into the bottom channel. There is an FAQ on the flow website that shows this.

Have a look at this one How to reset a Flow Frame

This one maybe useful too My Flow Frames have different heights – is this normal?

Adam

1 Like
11

As long as th key is inserted all the way in on the top slot and rotate it back an forth multiple times and you will be ok.
I always push the key in slowly at an angle to make sure it doesn’t catch on any cell sections to ensure all are fully reset

1 Like
12

This picture was taken from an angle and it shows the combs are in and out. I noticed these are quite similar as per the picture on How to reset a Flow Frame

But the honey combs in the YouTube video are seen more perfect. (Unfortunately I can’t find the video now)

image
image1920×1440 248 KB

2 Likes
13

That looks normal to me

2 Likes
14

As Adam said that is normal. The in and out you describe is the normal staggered angle design of the flow frames. Once the bees draw out wax on them they will look more flat across the front surface.

2 Likes
15

Hi, I know this is a little late, but I’ve just finished cleaning an old flow hive, and had to dismantle each flow frame. I noticed that if I incorrectly stacked each segment up on reassemble, I could see it when looking from the side…it doesn’t match properly. I also noticed that if you look down the top of the frame, where the key inserts….if it’s all aligned you will see a level top. If it has a section not aligned, you will see that sticking up as you look down the frame. This might help anyone with a similar issue :blush:

1 Like