For what it's worth, we use ceramic coated deck screws (1-2 cents US if
bought in quantity) to both install landing board gizmos and to assemble
hive bodies.  Even if you predrill (a good idea through "fingers" of the
box joint or small dimension entrance reducers to cut down on splitting,
we judge the pay off is long term.  A portable drill with a phillips bit
in it makes quick work of both installation and deinstallion.  Leave the
screw in the wooden piece (one screw is sufficient for an entrance reducer
of placed near the middle.  Drill can be carried in a hip holster.  Bees
ared unconcerned with the noise of the drill: no banging.

> Persistent pests, like rats or bigger, CAN rip out thumbtacks, but then
> they can also chew through the side of the box if they wish (especially
> if cedar is used). Banging in fence staples is asking for a good
> stinging unless well protected.
> --
> Murray McGregor


---------------
Richard Yarnell, SHAMBLES WORKSHOPS | No gimmick we try, no "scientific"
Beavercreek, OR. Makers of fine     | fix we attempt, will save our planet
Wooden Canoes, The Stack(R) urban   | until we reduce the population. Let's
composter, Raw Honey                | leave our kids a decent place to live.