diff --git a/packaging/rpm/zrepl.spec b/packaging/rpm/zrepl.spec
index 82c158e..5cdaad5 100644
--- a/packaging/rpm/zrepl.spec
+++ b/packaging/rpm/zrepl.spec
@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@ zrepl is a one-stop, integrated solution for ZFS replication.}
 %define _source_payload w9.gzdio
 %define _binary_payload w9.gzdio
 
+# don't strip pre-built binaries
+%define __strip /usr/bin/true
 
 Name:             zrepl
 Release:          1