In May 2022, I had a three board fence installed with wire. Recently, I noticed that the staples are all completely rusted and they are now also rusting the metal wire where it comes into contact with the staples. Someone who inspected the fence told me it looked like they used upholstery staples. Sure enough, when I asked the company who installed the fence about the staples, they sent me a link to Lowe’s and the kind they use. The staples are electro-galvanized and the manufacturer states that they are not for exposed applications or use in pressure treated wood. In other words, not suitable for my fence. The company has admitted to their errors and has offered to remove them and put in stainless staples. I am concerned that this will cause more of an issue, putting stress on the seasoned wood and causing them to split. I’m not sure what should be done. Any advice?
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The guy who invented electro galvanizing should be ashamed of himself, it is almost worthless. Stainless is rust resistant but very smooth and will work its way out of the wood. Try to find hot dipped galvanized staples, they have a thicker coating and will stay put. Splitting depends on how thick the wood is.
Thanks for the feedback. That’s excellent to know. The boards are probably about an inch thick. It’s rough cut treated pine.
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Agreed electro galvanized is not suitable for exterior applications. Hot dipped is so much more rust resistant but way harder to find.