Shallow super as stop-gap brood box?

[Moonshae]

I got my first deep for each hive with pierco frames/foundation. They've been drawing this just fine, but they're ready for the second box (80%+ drawn). After reading on this website, I realized I should have gotten the deeps with something which I could cut out and regress the bees, so for the second deeps, I bought wooden frames and wax foundation (which I plan to cut into starter strips). Not knowing that all the materials I would need to assemble the frames were not included (ie, nails), I didn't buy any.

My order for nails is backordered, and was supposed to ship last week, but the nails have not yet arrived at Betterbee (now nailless for 3 weeks). I'm worried about them filling up their available space and not having any room to grow.

I have two shallow, drawn supers from the hives I kept 20 years ago. Would I cause any problems putting one of these on each hive until I get my nails and assemble the frames for my second deeps? When I get the second deeps ready, I figured I'd put them together and move the shallow to the top. Since I'm not worried about honey production this first year, I figured I could just leave the shallow on for them to fill however they wish, and I'd take it off if they don't keep anything in it after the second deep goes on.

Are there any problems with this, or should I go for it? Or would it be better regardless to just wait until I can put on the second deeps?

[Kathyp]

go to the hardware store and buy nails.

the shallows will not hurt anything.  they will give them more room, but not much.  i don't see any problem with them as a short term fix.

[Moonshae]

None of my local stores seem to have small nails of the right size; that was my first alternate solution! :)

[Brian D. Bray]

Look in the section of the store where you can find fixtures for hanging pictures and the like.  You should be able to find small packets of nails or brads from 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches.  I use 2 sizes of nails in building frames. 1 inch for attaching the endbars and 5/8 (or 3/4) for attaching the bottom bar and the removable strip.  Also when attaching the wood strip to hold the foundation in place a pair of pliers works better than a hammer. 

[Michael Bush]

Go buy a 1/4" crown stapler and a compressor.  You'll need the compressor for your tires sooner or later.  The stapler will take staples from 1/2" to 1 1/2".  The 1" work well for frames.  The 1 1/2" work well for boxes.  You'll never look back...