Product Overview
Why Lappe’s Bee Supply
Commercial Beekeeping since 1978 • Family Owned/Operated • Full Service Beekeeping Supplier since 2015
At a Glance
L shaped metal frame rests help protect the rabbets inside wooden hive bodies and supers where frames sit.
Each rest fits over the rabbet edge to reduce wear from normal frame handling, scraping, and repeated seasonal use.
Quick Answer
A metal frame rest is a pre-bent strip of light gauge metal that installs over the rabbet ledge inside a hive box.
Beekeepers use frame rests to give wooden rabbets a more durable bearing surface for frames.
Best choice if: You are assembling new wooden hive equipment or repairing boxes with worn rabbets.
Quick Specs
- Product type: L shaped metal frame rest
- Shape: 90-degree L shape
- Material: Light gauge metal
- Fit: Made for 10 frame hive boxes
- Modification: Can be cut down for 8 frame boxes
- Installation: Nails required
- Included fasteners: Nails not included
Is This Right for You?
- ✔ Good for protecting wooden rabbets in hive bodies and supers
- ✔ Good for new box assembly
- ✔ Good for repairing boxes with worn frame ledges
- ✖ Not needed if your box already has metal frame rests in good condition
Bottom line: L shaped metal frame rests add a durable metal surface where frame ears sit inside the hive box.

Why Beekeepers Use This Product
Wooden rabbets can wear down over time as frames are lifted, shifted, and scraped during inspections.
Metal frame rests add a protective surface where the frame ears sit, helping the box remain more serviceable through repeated use.
When to use: Frame rests are most often installed during new hive box assembly or when repairing boxes with worn rabbets.
How It Works
These frame rests are formed at a 90-degree angle so they can sit flat against the rabbet area of the box.
- The L shape covers the frame ledge.
- The metal surface supports the frame ears.
- The rest is secured in place with nails.
Apiary Management Notes
- Use two frame rests per hive box, one on each rabbet side.
- Keep suitable small nails ready before installation.
- Cut the frame rests shorter when fitting them to 8 frame boxes.
What’s Included
- L shaped metal frame rests for hive boxes
- Pre-bent light gauge metal construction
- Nails are not included
Comparison
These frame rests are designed to fit 10 frame hive bodies and supers.
For 8 frame boxes, the frame rest can be cut shorter to fit the box length.
| Feature | Lappe’s Bee Supply Frame Rests | Other Frame Rests |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Made for 10 frame hive boxes | Fit may vary by supplier |
| 8 Frame Use | Can be cut down for 8 frame boxes | May or may not require trimming |
| Shape | 90-degree L shape | Shape may vary |
| Use | Protects wooden rabbets from frame wear | May offer similar protection depending on design |
| Supplier | Family owned beekeeping supplier since 2015 | Varies by seller |
Who This Is For
- Beekeepers assembling new wooden hive equipment
- Beekeepers maintaining boxes used for frequent inspections
- Beekeepers repairing worn rabbets in hive bodies or supers
When This May Not Be the Best Choice
This product may not be needed if your hive box already has installed metal frame rests in good condition.
It may also require trimming if you are using 8 frame equipment.
Common Mistakes
- Do not install only one frame rest in a box.
- Do not assume nails are included.
- Do not skip trimming when adapting the rest for an 8 frame box.
Key Beekeeping Terms
- Frame rest: The ledge or strip inside a hive box where frame ears sit.
- Rabbet: The recessed wooden ledge cut into the hive box to support frames.
- Hive body: A wooden box used to hold frames for brood or honey storage.
- Super: A box placed on a hive for bees to store surplus honey.
FAQ
What are L shaped metal frame rests used for?
L shaped metal frame rests are used to protect the wooden rabbets inside hive boxes where frames sit.
How many frame rests do I need per hive box?
A standard hive box uses two frame rests, one on each side where the frame ears rest.
Do these frame rests fit 8 frame boxes?
These frame rests are made for 10 frame boxes, but they can be cut down for use in 8 frame boxes.
Are nails included?
No. Nails are required for installation, but they are not included.
About Lappe’s Bee Supply
Lappe’s Bee Supply provides practical beekeeping equipment for hobby, sideliner, and commercial beekeepers.
Our goal is to help beekeepers choose hive components that work reliably in real apiary conditions.
Share Your Experience
If you have used this product in your apiary, your experience can help other beekeepers choose equipment that works in real hive conditions.
How did this product perform in your hive?
Even short reviews are helpful to other beekeepers.