SimplKomb Instructions for Use

March 1, 2023

Let's Make Comb Honey Simpl!

Ensure your medium Langstroth frames have grooves on the top and bottom bars.
Ensure the inside window of your frame measures to the standard dimensions of 17" x 5.25" - some manufactures dimensions differ.
Unbox and separate cassettes from each other carefully.
Flex one cassette back and forth along the hinge a few times to soften hinges.
Place SimplKomb on a flat surface with the cups facing down.
Fold lids backward, stretching the over the corners of the cups to allow lids to snap firmly in place on the back of the cups.
There should be an indication sticker on the center, outer tab of the hinge on one of your cassettes - this denotes the top when folded.
The bottom of the cassette is flat and marked with A1, A2, etc. this will straddle your bottom bar and remain on the outside of the frame.
Holding a medium slotted frame in one hand, hold the cassette with the hinge at the top and angle it at 45 degrees
Guide the tabs on the lids of the cassette into the bottom groove of your medium frame - the straight edge on the bottom of the cup goes on the outside of your lower frame bar.
Push the top of the cassette into your frame until the short, inner-tabs snap into or near the top groove.
Repeat with another cassette on the other side of the frame.
Ensure there are no large gaps where the bees can get between the frame and the cassettes

Lightly heat a small block of wax in a pan, scrub the block of wax onto the hexagonal pattern in each of the cups.
Completely cover the cup ensuring you get into the corners and the edges.
Ensure you have left the hexagonal pattern to allow your bees to build upon - do not fill in the pattern.

Notes:

Review this video for instructions on how to effectively wax your SimplKomb cassettes.
We have found using wax native to your bees helps them to start building comb more quickly.
If you choose to brush on liquid wax, please ensure it is not molten hot. This could potentially warp the honeycomb pattern or the cup.

Pack your honey super with all 10 frames of SimplKomb - this is our recommended approach for the best results.
Bookend the outside frames with 1 or 2 follower boards or wedges as needed - this helps ensure the cassettes are pressed firmly together to manage bee space.
Important! Make sure your frames are packed tightly together - this will reduce the amount of burr comb and ensure the cassettes are filled/capped to the appropriate height to snap the lids closed once harvested.

Notes:

Adding a flush thumbtack to the top-center of your frame and bottom two corners can offer additional security - the frames will get heavy as they fill.
To check fill progress easily, tilt your super on edge and view cassettes from the bottom.
For our supering recommendation, visit our Tips & Tricks article.

Check on your supers often as they will faster than normal honey frames.
Once the cassettes are full and capped, you can separate your frames using a hive tool and remove them from the hive. Careful! They are heavy!
Remove the cassettes from your frame using your hive tool or fingers to pry the top-center tab away from the frame.
Unsnap the lids from the back of the cups and fold them around to the front.
Snap the packages closed.
Use the perforations between each package to gently tear the four, individual packages apart.
Slap a label or your branded sticker on and you’re ready for sale! It’s Simpl!

Notes:

Most keepers freeze comb honey for 24-48 hours to kill potential wax moth larvae. SimplKomb cassettes nest neatly when stacked and slide right into your freezer.
While frozen, the packages will easily snap apart along the perforations between each tray. You may also cut with scissors, if desired.
While frozen, removing any excess burr comb or propolis from the edges of the packages is a breeze.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us! We are happy to provide tips & tricks to make your comb honey harvest successful.