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Fencing with a stapler?

SBerruezo | Posted in Construction Techniques on July 3, 2008 08:19am

Anybody ever used a 1/4″ crown stapler to install fence boards? I’ve heard of it, but have never tried. I’m worried about the holding power versus screws.

I do have a stapler that I bought after a moment of frustration, but have never used it.

Thanks.

Edit: Should have clarified…I’ll just be rebuilding what was already there–PT post and rails, basic 6′ tall 3/4″ish redwood privacy fence. Nothing remotely fancy about it.

Even if I am slowly screwing off the boards, I shouldn’t have much of a problem beating the other guy’s bid, I just sort of wanted to give the stapler a test run. Unfortunately, I think it shoots a max of 1.5″ staples.


Edited 7/4/2008 2:22 pm by SBerruezo

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Replies

  1. User avater
    MarkH | Jul 03, 2008 08:40pm | #1

    It might work OK, but you would probably want some rust resistant staples, like stainless, or monel.

    1. mikerooney | Jul 03, 2008 08:59pm | #2

      IDKBIAYA - I Don't Know, But I'll Answer You Anyway.''Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.'' Plato

       

      1. User avater
        MarkH | Jul 03, 2008 09:17pm | #3

        A 1/4 inch crown stapler will work fine if the fencing is 1/2 inch thick or less, and 1 1/2 inch staples are used, which should be stainless if there is pressure treated or cedar or redwood involved. The staples should not be overdriven.That said, I use my NV65AH with 2" SS ring shanks for all wood fencing. Staples do not pull out very easy, but I would put an extra one or two to compensate for the weaker strength compared to gun nails.Screwed fencing looks amateur, and is slower and more expensive to put up.

        1. rasconc | Jul 03, 2008 09:42pm | #4

          Not really amateur, just T&M.

  2. m2akita | Jul 03, 2008 11:42pm | #5

    What type of fence?  Big difference between a 3' high picket fence and a 3 board and post horse/ cattle fence.

     

    Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.
  3. Mooney | Jul 04, 2008 01:51am | #6

    I use one and use galv staples. Stainless would be cool hbut I havent went that far with it . I use 2 inch for 5/8s boards.

    Get a coat of somthing on it before it warps.

    Tim

     

  4. mikeroop | Jul 04, 2008 05:24am | #7

    I use a 7/16 crown stapler on cedar fencing 11/2 long galv

  5. Henley | Jul 04, 2008 02:29pm | #8

    Fencing with a stapler?

    Probably not a good Idea

    Not much reach
    Hard to parry

    No guard on the hilt

    And you pretty much have to aim for the eyes!

  6. User avater
    IMERC | Jul 04, 2008 02:45pm | #9

    after a bit they fail...

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!
    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  7. darrel | Jul 04, 2008 03:34pm | #10

    The 4' cedar picket panels we bought for our fence were stapled. I had to remove a few pickets on a few panels to replace with taller ones and it was impossible to remove the picket without breaking as the staples wouldn't budge.

    So, they seem sturdy enough.

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