Hive Assembly

My two hive assembly tools, glue and 2-inch nails. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Hive Assembly

Beekeepers are supposed to stay several steps ahead of their bees. Plan; order early; be ready.

Well, this has been a swarmy spring, which means I along with other beekeepers soon ran out of beekeeping equipment including hives.

Right now I am lucky to be one step ahead of my bee colonies and that’s more optimistic thinking than anything. I had to order more hives several weeks ago, an order than arrived late and more than needed.

Many beekeepers have fancy woodworking equipment to make their woodenware. I have a simple hammer and nails, something I learned to use years ago in refinishing furniture.

About 10 years ago, I learned the hard way to add glue to my hive-making. Actually my frames, which came apart with the weight of honey. Screws would be even better but I will settle for two-inch nails added with glue.

The combination of glue and nails produces tight hive corners. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

I have used this combination before so I know it works.

And if you want to be helpful, you can give Dad a gift card that says you will be glad to help glue hives together for him for Father’s Day. That way he can decide wether to use nails or screws.

Charlotte