I'm in the middle of stripping a canoe and am using 3/4 inch wire brads (finish nails) to hold the strips to the forms. I'm just tapping them in with a small hammer and leaving enough exposed to pull easily. I don't think it is costing me that much time. I'm also hoping that the holes will have a better appearance than staple holes when complete - they may be slightly larger than staple holes, but there will be half as many (one per strip per form) and I am lining them up carefully. You could also experiment with clamps, straps, etc. and avoid fasteners altogether - check the archives of this BBS for discussions on that topic.

> How long are the staples you guys use when you are stripping the deck and
> hull? In Norway I have trouble finding a stapler who takes staples longer
> than 8mm. Is this long enough?

> Einar F Veland.