I am looking into the possibility of putting a stucco-type finish on my concrete block house. Since it is painted, I know I need to put up something for it to bond to first.

Is there a powertool that can be rented or purchased that will STAPLE into concrete block? My assumption is that we'd be putting up a chicken-wire type of surface for it to bond to, and it would need to be stapled on, but no way am I doing that without some kind of power tool!

Suggestions??

Most cinder block are soft enough to drive nails into by hand. But is wire the right approach? Why not sand blast the paint off.Better yet get advice from a contractor who does this type work.

I sell EIFS (Senergy,Dryvit) I can tell you that that you will have to use metal lath 3.4 self furring. It cannot be stapled on, you must use either tapcon screws or powder actuated tools (Masterset) and your fasteners must be rated for exterior use. (not the ones you buy at your local home improvement store either). there are special washers for this purpose as well.