Romex staples for older, harder lumber?

[gatorgrabber]

I'm remodeling a 70's Florida home and the pine/fir 2x4's are quite solid. This is a good thing until it comes time to drive Romex staples to secure new wiring. The standard staples you hammer in are a bit of a challenge, so I decided to try the DeWalt 20v cable stapler. Wow, that was a mistake! Only 1 out of 5 staples actually penetrated the lumber, and then, just barely. It was like driving them into concrete! It worked fine on new, softer lumber but was a hard fail for my home, so back it went. So my question is what method do you professionals out there use for this situation? I have around 500' of Romex that needs to be secured, so I'm a bit motivated to find an answer. If it was just for a few areas, I'd just drill pilot holes for the staple and call it a day. Unfortunately, that's not the case.

What I'm currently using that does work are the GB NM staples (for masonry work) that use a nail on each side of the insulator to secure them. My concern is that the nails are not all that long. Any better ideas?

Thanks!

 

[Jim greengo]

Use the regular old 1/2" romex staples and hit em like they owe you money!
Just be careful not to pinch the wires.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

When I've run into really hard old joists I use the the staples with a nail on each side. Overall I'm not a fan of them, but on hard lumber it's easier to drive one nail at a time in straight, whereas traditional Romex staples want to twist.

Another option (more expensive) would be Romex straps and nails or screws.

 

[Terry D]

The ones from Home Depot and Lowes, the GB brand are junk. Get the " Theil " brand. You might have to go to a supply house, but are much better.

 

[gatorgrabber]

Thanks for the options! I'll head over to the supply house tomorrow and grab some Thiel staples and some Romex straps. Between the two, I should have this covered. I appreciate the help!

 

[rburke65]

Get the all steel ‘fence’ type staples.

 

[u2slow]

When I've run into really hard old joists I use the the staples with a nail on each side. Overall I'm not a fan of them, but on hard lumber it's easier to drive one nail at a time in straight, whereas traditional Romex staples want to twist.

Another option (more expensive) would be Romex straps and nails or screws.

Same here. I use both for hard lumber. Prefer things with screws though... zero waste if I change my mind.

 

[AntonLargiader]

90 year old oak in our house. Staples are a non-starter. I use the plastic ones with two nails as shown above.

 

[gatorgrabber]

Amazing just how tough older wood can be!

 

[nadogail]

Is there a staple driving tool where the staple is held straight in the tool and you hammer a plunger; sort of like a floor nailer?

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Hold the staple with a pair of linesman pliers and hit that mofo!....... Helps to have a quality staple as mentioned in post #4.

BTW! A good electrical supply house is your best friend!

 

[wyliesdiesels]

use a sledge hammer.

 

[fdew]

For very stubborn wood I use the two nail plastic staples but remove the nails and use screws.