Staple Guns for Your Home Projects. Manual and Electric

Last updated: 30 Oct 2024

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If you’re searching for DIY projects that involve fastening different materials together, you’ll likely need staples to get the job done. However, staples alone won’t suffice – you’ll require a tool to affix them. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered, as staples are typically deployed via a gun mechanism, and we’re experts in this area.

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Recommended Staple Gun

1. Arrow T50 – Handy Staple Gun for Every Budget

We haven’t just called this the best staple gun for nothing. It has an all-steel construction for maximum durability and a chrome finish that makes the body resistant to any kind of abrasion from the weather. This strongly built gun will last you for years to come. 

The Arrow T50 is a classic manual staple gun that boasts a high level of safety. Its design ensures that accidental discharge is unlikely, eliminating the risk of injury. However, it’s crucial to maintain a firm grip on the tool at all times. The stapling gun is relatively straightforward to operate: apply a significant amount of pressure on the end, then press the fire button to shoot the staples out. Due to the force of the discharge, it’s essential to take care that the staples don’t bounce back up.

Arrow is a brand with a very customer-centric attitude and has built the gun to make it easier for you to handle it. While the gun is manually powered and will require a lot of force from you to bring out the staples, Arrow T50 made sure to install an  easy-squeeze  trigger. This trigger allows you to place more pressure on the staples while exerting less force yourself. The handle also uses a special anti-slip system which ensures a tight grip on the gun which doesn’t tire you out either.

And it gets better! Unlike most staple guns, this one is compatible with multiple sized staples. This way a single investment will make sure you can work on almost all heavy-duty projects, you just have to plug in the right staples. Unfortunately, you can’t use them with delicate materials like cloth because they aren’t compatible with fine wire staples. 

The Arrow stapler is even equipped with a staple remover, which can be incredibly useful if you make a mistake during use. This feature is especially beneficial for novices who are still learning the ropes of using hardware tools. The Arrow stapler is an excellent tool for various DIY projects, running cables, or upholstery work. Its versatility is one of its greatest strengths. We’ve used it extensively around our apartment to hang posters and various other items.

2. BOSTITCH T6-8 – Upholstery Staple Gun 

The BOSTITCH T6-8 is one of the few manual stapling guns that can satisfy both your expectations and needs. It’s the perfect option for any DIY enthusiast. Unlike other models with complex designs, the BOSTITCH T6-8 features a simple, ergonomic, and lightweight design. Despite its high-quality build and impressive features, it’s surprisingly affordable.

When it comes to its construction, it has a metal build. Its handle is neither stiff nor soft. Instead, it is pretty easy to squeeze. And big thanks to its patented  squeeze  mechanism, aged people can also use them.

Bostitch staple gun is so easy to use that you can cope with many large projects without any hassle. Its reloading mechanism is also quite simple. You need to pull it out and load it with supplies. The inside spring of the unit can manage the rest.

Moreover, its steel magazine is chrome-plated and provides a smooth surface for the supplies to slide. You can use it conveniently even if you don’t have any prior experience. This staple gun also stands out in high terms of safety. Its rubberized components ensure a firm grip. It also features a lock system behind the handle to lock and store it safely after usage.

3. Arrow Fastener T50ACD – Professional Electric Staple Gun

As you age, you start to realize the benefits of using electric tools to make your job easier. You discover a whole new world of tools that can help you accomplish your tasks more efficiently. I used to think that battery-operated tools were unnecessary, and I could do everything manually. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate the convenience and ease of use that electric tools offer. It may have seemed ridiculous at the time, but now my forearm is grateful for the switch.

Durability and reliability are the factors that can never be compromised while looking for a staple gun. And we are happy to tell you that Arrow Fastener T50ACD is undoubtedly a perfect combination of these two factors. It comes with such high-quality and incredible features that you are going to love it.

Arrow Fastener T50ACD has quite a conventional design like most of the other staple guns. However, some notable differences and better performance make this unit stands out. It has sturdy steel construction and still manages to weigh just 1.4 pounds. So, you no longer have to worry about pain and fatigue while using this tool.

Chrome finishing over steel body makes its design attractive and functional. Moreover, the patented  jam-resistant  design adds to its durability. It is highly efficient for simple projects like stapling soft or hardwoods, but it is not suitable for heavy-duty construction tasks.

The handle of the T50ACD staple gun strikes a balance between firmness and softness, but if you have any health issues, you may want to opt for a smoother model. Nevertheless, it’s not the most uncomplicated tool available, but it’s still relatively easy to use. It’s worth considering the simplicity of this tool since nobody wants to deal with the hassle of complex tools for minor household tasks.

4. Stanley TR250 – Staple Gun for Heavy Duty Use

The Stanley TR250 manual staple gun offers an excellent price-to-quality ratio that is hard to beat. At its price point, you can’t ask for more features. It’s not only well-constructed but also incredibly durable. The TR250 boasts an ergonomic and user-friendly design that even beginners can use without any trouble.

When TR250 comes to construction, it is an aluminium housing that provides terrific  durability  and reliability. Its aluminium build also makes it considerably light in weight as compared to steel. Another major plus point of this staple gun is its easily squeezable handle. The other products reviewed above have moderate handles, but this one is famous for its soft handle.

Stanley TR250 anti-jam mechanism also works more effectively as compared to other manual staple guns. Hi/Lo power level is an incredible addition to this heavy-duty staple gun. It is quite a simple mechanism. You have to switch the mode to Hi while working with hardwood and to Lo while working with the softwood. So, it very convenient.

5. DeWALT DWHTHT450 – Hammer Tacker for Professional Use

How could our rundown be complete without including a hammer tacker, after all, it is the best tool to staple with speed. The DeWALT DWHTHT450 is our favorite because its entire built is designed to support this specific function. Its body was made using  lightweight  materials so it is easier for you to move the hammer with your arm with minimum strain. 

Despite its lightweight material, this hammer is surprisingly durable and built to last for several years. One of the best features of this tool is its anti-jam magazine. The most frustrating aspect of using any stapling device is dealing with staples that get tangled and cause the entire tool to jam. However, this anti-jam mechanism ensures that you won’t have to deal with this annoyance and can work uninterrupted.

But this mechanism also makes it harder for you to reload the tacker. After sticking the new set of staples into the magazine you will find yourself putting a lot of force and effort into closing the loading area. This is almost as annoying as the jamming. Therefore, just like with all staple hammers this one is also not very precise but is used for more general stapling. 

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Staple Guns 101: All You Need To Know About The Staple Guns

Staples

When purchasing a stapling gun, the most important factor to consider is the type of staples you will be using it with. Different staples have varying capabilities and are better suited for fastening specific materials. Heavy-duty construction typically requires staples with a wider shape, while narrower ones are used for projects like fences or cabinets. Fine wire staples are ideal for delicate applications such as working with cloth and foam. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a stapling gun that is compatible with the staples needed for your specific project.

Most staples facilitate medium-sized staples. Make sure to analyze what kind of work you intend to complete with your staple gun and choose a staple size. And the gun you end up purchasing should be compatible with that staple, or else your purchase will be futile.

Power Source

When it comes to using staple guns the way they are powered can make a huge difference in the gun’s capabilities and how easy it is for you as the user to handle them. There are five major types of staple gun power sources on the market.

• Manual

As you can guess, these guns completely rely on your own strength to bring out the staplers. While other guns only have the trigger to bring out the staple, manual ones need you to put all your force to do the job. However, they are definitely a cheap and reliable option especially for beginners who are just getting used to the feel of the stapling gun in their hands.

• Pneumatic

A pneumatic power source is very unique because unlike electrical counter-parts these guns have close to no back-end costs after the initial purchase. Lighter than battery-operated guns they are easier to use and offer more precision when working. But they must be connected to an air-compressor at all times, and the cord ends up limiting the user’s mobility. But it is undeniable that a pneumatic-powered tool is a long-term investment thanks to its durable style. Not to mention, these are the most powerful guns as well.

• Electrical

Battery-operated and electric stapling guns have similar power and output, but there is one significant difference between the two. An electric gun requires a cord to be attached to a power outlet at all times, which can limit your mobility and the area you can cover while working, depending on the cord’s length. However, the benefit is that you can work continuously without taking breaks to recharge or replace batteries.

• Battery Operated

On the other hand, battery-operated guns are heavier to lift and work with thanks to the added batteries. You will find yourself having to put down the gun multiple times during a job due to the toll on your wrist and to replace the batteries. There will be constant expenses as you run through batteries even if you use rechargeable ones. However, we love the cordless freedom these guns offer.

• Hammer Tacker

This is another manual utensil to bring out the staples, but it is unique in its mechanism. Unlike staple guns that require the force from your grip to push out the staple, you use this exactly like a hammer and it uses the momentum from your whole arm to staple the material. Of course, this also means there is very limited accuracy. Hammer tackers are preferred for speedy projects where minimum precision is needed.

Included Components

When buying a hardware tool it is important to look past the shiny additional features and primarily focus on the major components of the gun. The built of the different parts is crucial we have compiled a list of the few features you should look out for when making your final purchase:

Handle

Make sure the gun you end up buying has a comfortable handle. The handle is one of the contact points between you and the gun so it must be comfortable. If the handle is too tight and digs into your palm then you will find yourself putting it down again and again. Make sure it is easy to grip and has comfortable padding for elongated use. 

Trigger

Make sure your gun has a sound trigger because it is key in controlling the application of a staple. No matter how skilled you are if the trigger is loose then you will end up making mistakes. And if it’s too tight you will need way more force to squeeze for lesser output. The value of a gun is always judged primarily off its trigger. 

Additional features

Especially if you are a beginner then using a staple gun will be a difficult task for you. But even if you have been using such tools for a long time now, making sure your new gun is equipped with these additional features will be handy. Modern technology has allowed innovation in basic hardware tools to make them easier to use and we should use them to our advantage. 

A Trigger Lock 

As you can guess, this feature locks the trigger so only the correct person uses it. This is a great safety measure for parents or anybody who tends to leave their tools lying around and kids may end up messing around with the gun for entertainment. 

Loading Indicator

This is a rare feature but if you can find it is definitely useful. Especially for beginners who are still learning how to correctly load a stapling gun, this will tell you when the cartridge is in place and you can begin working. 

Staple Remover

For those of us who are prone to making mistakes, this installment is perfect. In case you place a wrong staple then don’t worry because this will make sure you get it right out. 

Final Thoughts

Staple guns have become a compulsory part of the tool kits for every upholstery or DIY project. But the most frustrating part of owning a staple gun is finding the right one.

Purchasing the right stapling tool is dependent on various factors, such as the type of project you intend to undertake, the staples you’ll be using, and your individual preferences. After going through this buyer’s guide, we believe you’ll have enough information to make an informed decision.

All the products mentioned above are the best ones available on the market. But if you are still unsure after going through this guide, then we recommend the Arrow Fastener T50ACD if you have a large budget to invest in the tool. But on a cheaper budget, the Arrow T50 will provide almost equal benefits to you but only in manual mode.

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Video Tutorial: How To Load Staples Into Staple Gun

Video Tutorial: How to Remove Jammed Staples From Staple Gun

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FAQs

What can I use a staple gun for?

If you want to make a quick job out of fastening two objects or materials together then a staple gun will do it for you. These guns are great for securing together most materials together, such as fabric, paper, or insulation, and are a useful tool for a wide range of projects.

A staple gun is a handy tool to have around for general repairs, such as attaching loose wires or fastening loose trim. It can be used to attach fabric or other materials to furniture, such as to upholster a chair or to recover a cushion. To fasten insulation to walls or ceilings, making it a useful tool for insulating a home. A staple gun can be used for a wide range of craft and DIY projects, such as making decorations or creating custom jewelry. To seal boxes and other packages.

What is the best staple gun for upholstery?

Arrow Fastener T50AC is the best in our rundown because it is specifically for upholstery jobs. But any gun which facilitates narrow crown staples is ideal for upholstery. 

Can I staple into the wood?

Wider, heavy-duty staples combined with a powerful gun can staple into the wood if you want to attach something to it or fasten two pieces of wood together. But most guns and staples don’t work very well with wood.

Are electric staple guns any good?

Electric staple guns are a cheaper alternative to traditional pneumatic guns and provide more power than manual ones. Electric staple guns are just as reliable as manual ones. They are generally easier to use than manual staple guns, as they do not require the same level of physical effort to operate.

This can make them a good choice for projects that require a lot of staples or for people who may have difficulty using a manual staple gun. Electric staple guns are generally faster than manual staple guns. They are often more versatile than manual staple guns, as they can be used with a variety of staple sizes and types.

What is a staple hammer?

Instead of using a trigger function to emit a staple, a staple hammer inserts a staple whenever it strikes an article. These are more convenient to use than the average gun but they offer very little in terms of precision.

How to load the staple gun?

The first thing that you have to do is remove the track. Then you can take your staples and you can load them into place. You need to take the staples and put them into the slot. They fit nice and sort of perfectly in the slot. Once you have your staples loaded you can simply press the track back into place and that will hold all of the staples in place.

Why doesn't the furniture stapler completely hammer the staples?

The furniture stapler may not completely drive the staples if the tool’s striker is worn down over time. This wear can result in the striker’s tip being shaved off or chipped, which can prevent it from driving the staples all the way in. In such cases, it is necessary to replace the striker to ensure proper functioning of the stapler.

What is the difference between a furniture stapler and a building stapler?

The main difference between a furniture stapler and a building stapler is the size of the staple gun and the type of staples they use. Furniture staplers are usually smaller and more compact, using smaller staples that are specifically designed for upholstery and other furniture-related tasks.

Building staplers, on the other hand, are typically larger and more heavy-duty, using larger staples designed for thicker and tougher materials such as wood, roofing, and insulation. Building staplers also often have more power and a higher capacity for staples than furniture staplers.

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About Sedny Attia

Sedny holds an MS in Engineering and has a background in writing articles and reviews. Sedny is most interested in the science behind emerging technology.

Reference:

Kihlberg.com

Reddit.com

Reddit.com