The number of holes required depends entirely on the type of wax foundation you select. For a standard 9 1/8 inch Langstroth frame, you generally need between three and five holes. Specifically, plain wax foundation requires at least four—preferably five—holes, while vertically wired foundation typically requires only three.
The structural integrity of your frame relies on the relationship between external wiring and internal reinforcement. Plain wax demands a denser wiring pattern to handle the weight of brood and honey, whereas pre-reinforced foundation allows for a simpler configuration.
Determining the Right Configuration
The primary factor in deciding how many holes to drill or utilize in your end bars is the mechanical support your specific foundation offers.
Plain Wax Foundation
If you are using plain wax foundation, the beeswax sheet has no internal structural support. Therefore, the horizontal wires you install must bear the full load of the comb.
For a 9 1/8 inch frame, you must use at least four holes. However, for maximum stability and to prevent the wax from bowing or sagging, five holes are preferable.
Vertically Wired Foundation
This type of foundation comes reinforced with vertical wires embedded directly into the wax. Because the foundation already possesses significant vertical strength, it requires less horizontal support from the frame itself.
In this scenario, three holes are typically sufficient to keep the foundation straight and centered within the frame.
The Context of Frame Size
It is important to note that these recommendations specifically apply to 9 1/8 inch Langstroth frames (commonly known as "deep" frames). These frames hold the heaviest combs, making correct wiring essential for long-term durability.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Choosing the number of holes is often a balance between labor and structural insurance.
Stability vs. Labor
Opting for the five-hole configuration offers the highest level of security for plain wax. However, it increases the time required to thread, tension, and embed the wire.
The Risk of Under-Wiring
If you attempt to use only three holes with plain wax foundation, you risk comb failure. Without adequate horizontal support, heavy combs can slump or fall out of the frame during inspection or extraction.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Select your wiring strategy based on the foundation style that best fits your management philosophy.
- If your primary focus is using plain wax foundation: You should utilize four, or preferably five, holes to ensure adequate support against sagging.
- If your primary focus is efficiency using wired foundation: You can safely utilize three holes, relying on the vertical wires for the majority of the structural support.
Correctly matching your hole count to your foundation ensures your combs remain straight and stable for years of use.
Summary Table:
| Foundation Type | Frame Size (Deep) | Recommended Holes | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Wax Foundation | 9 1/8 inch | 4 to 5 Holes | Maximum stability against sagging |
| Vertically Wired Foundation | 9 1/8 inch | 3 Holes | Efficiency with internal reinforcement |
| Under-wired (Plain Wax) | 9 1/8 inch | < 4 Holes | High risk of comb failure/slumping |
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