There are many things to consider when you’re in the market for a staple gun. You want something that will work for the project at hand, but you also want it to be reliable and durable enough to last through years of use.
If you’re lucky enough to have a big project on your hands, you might be looking for a staple gun that can handle large sheets of paper or wood. If you’re hanging up a few posters around the house, perhaps something smaller will suffice.
They are the perfect means of accelerating any binding work you do, are very simple to use, and are inexpensive! Suppose you still need to get the magical binder, and you’re thinking of purchasing one. In that case, there are more than a few important staple gun-buying considerations to bear in mind while doing so. Staple guns differ in practicality and quality and come in all shapes and sizes, making the purchasing chore a little too daunting for you.
To save you that hassle, we have put together the perfect guide to follow so that you only end up with a staple gun that’s perfect for your individual needs. Check out the things you need to consider before buying a staple gun:
1. Your Usage
Whether you buy a drill machine, an everyday hammer, or any other household tool, it’s important to consider your usage. Depending on how you want to use a staple gun and how frequently you will be using it determines which gun type will best fit you. Suppose you search for a staple gun that tackles all your creative craft tasks. In that case, you should avoid buying manual models and choose electric or pneumatic staples instead.
However, even a manual staple gun can get the job done for household tasks. This is because manual machines aren’t as intuitive as the other modern types. Still, they are sufficient for helping you out with quick fixes occurring every now and then.
Electric and pneumatic staple guns are best suited for long, heavy-duty industrial tasks. As mentioned before, they provide great accuracy, are easy to use, and have the power to force multiple stacks, staples, or nails in a short time. Professionals like electricians, carpenters, flooring installers, and construction workers need a pneumatic staple gun.
2. Adjustable Power
Different staples guns are made to suit different types of material they are intended to work on. A staple gun for roofing may not be good for flooring. Similarly, cables, wood, and carpets require different staple guns.
This is because a staple gun’s force to drive into hardwood is too much for simple upholstery projects and vice versa. Hence before picking any options, remember to check what materials you will be most frequently working with and if your chosen staple gun can operate on them.
3. Ergonomics
A staple gun designed with ergonomics will fit comfortably in your hand, allowing you to use it for extended periods without getting tired or fatigued. It should be lightweight and balanced to hold securely while pushing staples into your working material.
If you’re using your staple gun frequently, look for one with a rubber grip on the handle. The rubber will absorb some of your hand’s natural oils, increasing comfort and reducing the irritation over time.
Finally, ensure that the trigger mechanism is easy to squeeze—it should only require a small amount of pressure from your fingers before releasing a staple from the magazine into the work surface.
4. Application Material
Different staples guns are made to suit different types of material they are intended to work on. A staple gun for roofing may not be good for flooring. Similarly, cables, wood, and carpets require different staple guns.
This is because a staple gun’s force to drive into hardwood is too much for simple upholstery projects and vice versa. Hence before picking any options, remember to check what materials you will be most frequently working with and if your chosen staple gun can operate on them.
5. Size and Weight of the Gun
Staple guns are available in different sizes and weights. Therefore, it is important to consider these factors when buying a staple gun. The size and weight may affect your comfort when using a particular staple gun. For instance, you may prefer a lighter staple gun with a smaller handle if you have small hands. You can also choose a larger staple gun if you have large hands, so it will be easy to use. Additionally, there are some advantages of having a light staple gun, such as handling it easier and having less fatigue when using it for long periods.
6. Added Efficiency
Like all other tools, people also crave quickness and efficiency from a staple gun. And remember how most projects can have you stapling for hours. A super quick and intuitive staple gun is the need of the time. Therefore, a good staple gun should house something more than just doing the primary chore or an additional feature to boast about its capability of completing the job it’s meant to do. For instance, it should allow you to adjust power levels.
This gun is good for using one staple gun as a weapon for many different materials as it can change its staple driving capacity as per the application. You don’t have to worry about what material the unit is specialized for. Moreover, the decent staple-carrying capacity of this gun can ensure that users do not have to keep refilling staples. The reloading procedure should be hassle-free and as quick as possible.
7. Durability
Staple guns are designed to be used on different surfaces and with different materials. Some are made for heavy-duty use, and others for light-duty use. If you plan on using your staple gun in one particular way, buying one more suited for that purpose is best.
If you plan on using your staple gun frequently and for different projects, then buying a flexible one is the best option. For example, if you plan on working with wood and plastic, you should buy a staple gun that can handle both materials well.
8. Safety Lock
Staple guns are a staple of home improvement, but they can be dangerous if you don’t know how to use them. A safety lock is a feature on some staple guns that prevent the gun from firing unless it’s locked into place.
This is useful because it means you’re less likely to accidentally shoot yourself in the face with your staple gun. It’s also a good idea to have a safety lock on your stapler when you’re using it in an office environment, where other people might be around and could get hurt by an accidental discharge of staples.
9. Know the Types of Staple Guns
When you know what staple qualities will best fit your projects, it is time to choose a staple gun type that has it all so you quickly get to the buying phase. Different types of staple guns offer different precision, power, and efficiency. The table below discusses the three common types of staple guns in length so you know what type is for you.
| Types of Staple Guns | Manual Staple Guns |
| Key Features | Most Common Type of Staple GunsMost Affordable Easy to Handle Made Of Steel, Aluminium or Plastic Do not Require a Power Source Totally Manual Hence Less Intuitive |
| Suitable Application | Small Tasks Only, Can be Tiring When Applied in Long Tasks |
| Types of Staple Guns | Electric Staple Guns |
| Key Features | Versatile Tools Known For Their Accuracy and SpeedDoes Precise and Exact Work Corded or CordlessMinimal Stress Use ElectricityPricey |
| Suitable Application | Heavy Duty DIY Tasks Where Precision is an Absolute NecessaryIntense Work That Involves Stapling in Corners Can be Used While Stapling Vertically |
| Types of Staple Guns | Pneumatic Staple Guns |
| Key Features | Most Powerful Staple Guns Lightweight and Very HandyExtremely Durable High-Speed Performance and Accuracy Corded or Cordless Needs to be Connected to A Compressors to Function |
| Suitable Application | Fastening Moldings and Panellings Upholstery Jobs Labor-intensive projects |
10. Staple Size
The gauge refers to the thickness of the staple, while the crows refer to the width. The use of gauge and crown differs depending on the application. There are three types of gauges and crowns you can choose from. The table below explains each one of them:
| Types of Crowns | Narrow Crown |
| What Are They? | Smallest Most Discreet Crown with Minimalistic Visibility |
| Best For: | Finish And Trim Jobs On Furniture Such As Cabinets, Drawers, Fascias, Moldings, Trims and Other Delicate Applications Decorative Items |
| Types of Crowns | Medium Crown |
| What Are They? | Medium Sized Visible Crowns |
| Best For: | Subflooring, Sheathing, Vinyl Sliding, Furniture Assembling, Pallet Building Larger Jobs Where Visibility Is Not A Big Concern |
| Types of Crowns | Wide Crown |
| What Are They? | Heavy Duty Big Crowns That Are Bulkier and Much Visible to The Naked Eye as Narrow or Medium Crowns |
| Best For: | Construction Projects Like Roofing, Truss Building, House Wraps |
| Type of Gauges | Fine Gauge |
| What Are They? | Usually, Come in 20 to 22 Gauge Varieties. Thinnest of All Staple Types |
| Best For: | Light Household and DIY Tasks |
| Type of Gauges | Medium Gauge |
| What Are They? | Come in 18 to 19 Gauge Thickness. Stronger Than Fine Gauges. |
| Best For: | Household and Moderately Intense Jobs |
| Type of Gauges | Heavy Gauge |
| What Are They? | 15 to 17 Gauge Thickness. Thickest and the Strongest Staple Gauge Type |
| Best For: | Heavy Duty Projects |
Final Thoughts
Staple guns are simple tools and can be very useful for various purposes. But it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you buy one.
If you’re using your staple gun for construction or home improvement projects, like hanging drywall or building cabinets, choosing one with a metal housing will be more durable and long-lasting than plastic ones.
If you need to use the staple gun regularly, consider getting one with an ergonomic handle that fits comfortably in your hand. You’ll also want to ensure that it has enough power in each shot—this means the staples will have enough force behind them so they don’t bend or break when being driven into wood or other materials.