Cross Wires vs Support Pins

[jtravisbayne]

I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion on using horizontal support pins vs cross wiring frames. The support pins look much easier to install, am I giving up too much support vs the extra work and tools involved in installing cross wires?

If anyone has tried both, I'd really appreciate your insight on which method you prefer.

Thanks!

[Joseph Clemens]

I horizontal or cross-wire, on, even foundationless medium frames - deeps need wiring even more. I used pins several times, through the years (don't ask me why I did it more than once); for me they are a total waste of time.

[beeware10]

hi
the only pins I ever had were in equip that we bought. I would not recommend them at all. I am too old fashened to even use plastic fdn. we only
use wired fdn with wired frames. It takes a long time but makes a quality
frame. frames are too valuable to build with shortcuts. also the most important nail or staple is through the end bar into the top bar.

[iwombat]

I occasionally use pins in cut-comb where I've got some foundation that really likes to bow. It doesn't really lend any support, just keeps the foundation straight until they've built it out.

[Cedar Hill]

If you want your frames to last a few years then use wired foundation with hooks under the wedge and wire your frames. I've used pins and even bobby pins for my mediums and shallows on rare occasions and found that eventually they were damaged the most easily. Good only in a pinch but while extracting, the pinned frames are the ones that break apart most readily. OMTCW

[paintingpreacher]

It has been several years since I've used cross wires. I now use bobbie pins for support pins. I also switched to wired foundation without the hooks. IMO the hooks seem to cause the foundation to bow. I only extract shallows and seldom have a blowout during extremely hot weather.

[Grant]

I'm a cross-wire fan.

I've used the pins but they never seemed to help keep the foundation straight. I've used bobbie pins, a cheaper alternative but you need to clip off the funny nub on the end. I've used fishing monofilament.

I keep coming back to the cross-wired plan.

You asked if I had an opinion, and yes, that's mine!

All the best,

Grant
Jackson, MO

[Merlyn Votaw]

I use the wires. It taqkes a little longer but I think it is worth the few xtra time. I also use wood frames. I tried the hooks 1 time but that was my last

[Fred Bee]

Over the years, I have used both and while the pins are certainly something that can be used...my experience has been that cross wiring makes for straighter and stronger frames of comb. I have used pins in deep brood chambers that would not be used for extracting successfully, however on occasion, the weight of the bees on the deep frame bows out the foundation in a deep frame with pins. Sometimes, it works, but sometimes it doesn't.

[MARBIS]

Wired foundation in wired frames is what I did first year. Time consuming, so for this year I ordered Mann Lake small cell plastic frames. Intend to build some wooden frames for nucs and swarm traps, and will be doing it Fat Bee Man way with crossed monofilament on both sides of the frame with bobby pins in the middle.

[Blackwater Bee]

I have used both wires and pins in the past, I no longer use either. The wires have worked flawlessly for me, but the pins for some reason or other, the bees chewed the wax around the pins rendering them useless. I have heard that some beeks prefer bobby pins in place of the regular pins because they are thinner.