Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => Beekeeping 101 => Topic started by: RLTS on February 18, 2015, 06:57:45 pm

Title: fasteners for frames
Post by: RLTS on February 18, 2015, 06:57:45 pm

just got my frames in and was going to put together but realized that I do not have a air gun for staples but instead I have a 16 gauge finish nailer and an 18 gauge brad nailer.  Along with TB III would the 18 or 16 gauge fasteners work or should I just go with nails and hammer.  I can see a potential problem with the brads and finish nails wanting to pull out due to not having an enlarged head.

Title: Re: fasteners for frames
Post by: ledifni on February 18, 2015, 07:51:25 pm

I used 1/2" brads for a couple of frames I've currently got in my hive, and they seem to be holding together nicely, no signs of nails pulling out.  But who knows what they'll look like after a few years, and I'm not entirely sure they would survive an extraction.

That said, I think when the bees build on them the combination of wax and propolis helps keep everything together.

Title: Re: fasteners for frames
Post by: riverbee on February 18, 2015, 08:21:44 pm

i use a frame jig and enjoy hand nailing........
my frames have never come apart.
(also use titebond)

Title: Re: fasteners for frames
Post by: pistolpete on February 18, 2015, 09:15:22 pm

If you use a few drops of exterior grade wood glue along with 1" 18 gage brads, your frames will be just about bullet proof.   I use narrow crown staples to save time (one staple is like two nails).

Title: Re: fasteners for frames
Post by: Perry on February 18, 2015, 10:22:38 pm

I use 1/4"crown staples and titebond III glue. From what I remember way back in school was that the nails are only there to hold things until the glue sets up, and it does all the work. A good glue bond would see the wood break before the bond would.

Title: Re: fasteners for frames
Post by: RLTS on February 19, 2015, 09:05:48 pm

Thanks for the replies I will go forward with the TB III and brad nails.

Title: Re: fasteners for frames
Post by: Papakeith on February 19, 2015, 09:25:14 pm

yep, titebond III and then nail it up.  Once the glue sets you don't even need the nails.

Title: Re: fasteners for frames
Post by: Riverrat on February 19, 2015, 09:56:55 pm

I have used both with titebond glue with very little problem.  It is just a matter of preference.  Sooner or later you will have a frame come apart using either one.

Title: Re: fasteners for frames
Post by: tbonekel on February 20, 2015, 07:20:51 am

One time, while putting together a few frames, I thought just using nails would hold long enough to let the bees do the rest with propalace. That was a dumb idea! Didn't work of course. Frames came apart while inspecting one time.

Title: Re: fasteners for frames
Post by: LazyBkpr on February 22, 2015, 10:48:58 pm

yep, if you watch any of my videos you will see I use a brad gun with 18m gauge 3/4" brads..  Use good glue, and cross nail under the top bar, through the side plate for strength.  great frames..  something like 2000 frames in service assembled that way.