8 Best Staple Guns of 2024

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The Best Staple Guns

The Best Staple Guns
  1. Best budget heavy duty stapler option - ValueMax 3 in 1 Heavy Duty Staple Gun

  2. Best staple and nail gun for the money - Toolzilla Heavy Duty Staple Gun

  3. Best heavy duty staple and nail gun - Workpro Heavy Duty Staple Gun

  4. Best staple and nail gun for small projects - Stanley TR250 Heavy Duty Staple Gun

  5. Best budget staple and nail gun - Kohree 3 in 1 Heavy Duty Staple Gun Kit

  6. Best cordless staple gun for small projects - Neu Master NTC0070 Li-Ion Staple Gun

  7. Best cordless tacker - Bosch PTK 3.6 LI Cordless Tacker

  8. Best light duty staple gun - Haushof Light Duty Staple Gun

Staple Gun Reviews

Editors Choice

1. ValueMax 3 in 1 Heavy Duty Staple Gun[ SAVE 29% ]

Best budget heavy duty stapler option

best staple gun ValueMax 3 in 1 Heavy Duty Staple Gun
  • This is an affordable, reliable, and powerful staple gun. You can’t really beat it on price once you consider all the staples and nails that come with it. You won’t be topping up any time soon.
  • This handy stapler can fire a decent range of staple sizes. Accepting 6 – 14 mm staples, it’s up there with the best staple guns on my list, making it good for all sorts of jobs.
  • Loading staples or nails is easy because you can expose most of the channel. Nails go in on one side, crown nails down the middle, and U-shaped staples straddle both “lanes”.

  • Firing lots of staples is a bit of a workout. The handle takes a fair bit of pulling, even when the power is turned down. If you need to fire lots of staples into hard wood, you’ll know about it afterwards.
  • To make sure you don’t waste staples, you need to apply a fair amount of downward pressure on the front end of the stapler. It’s a two-handed job on hard materials.
  • Several users have complained about misfires. A lot of budget end staplers suffer from this problem. It’s probably down to spring tension and staple quality though.
Type
Mechanical
Staples / Brad
Staples & Brad
Staples Used
T50, T18
Brads / Pins Used
18ga Nail
Staple Length
6-14mm
Crown Staple
10-12mm
Brad Nail Length
15mm
Jam Clearance
Yes
Comes With
3,000 Pieces
Overall Score 3.5
Build Quality
4
Performance
3
Ease of Use
3
Value for Money
4

Budget tool brand ValueMax make a modest range of tools, from corded drills to tape measures, but their best piece of kit is their 3 in 1 staple gun. It seems to be well put together and is powerful enough to fire nails into a whole range of materials. It’s quite easy to use, accepts most of the popular staple and nail sizes, and costs less than a big pack of premium brand staples!

This is a lightweight and relatively basic stapler. It doesn’t have a rubberised top handle, but the cut-out section where your fingers go has a rubberised piece of cushioning. It’s not uncomfortable to use, although you need to apply pressure to the material when stapling to avoid misfires.

In design it’s like the excellent heavy-duty Toolzilla stapler – it’s quite chunky and overengineered for long life. Clearing a jam is easy too – you unhook the release latch and slide back the bottom plate to access the staples or nails.

What really sets this budget stapler out from the crowd though is the immense number of staples and nails that come with it. You get 3,000 nails and staples thrown in, and it’s one of the least expensive heavy-duty staplers on my list.

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Runner Up

2. Toolzilla Heavy Duty Staple Gun

Best staple and nail gun for the money

best staple gun Toolzilla Heavy Duty Staple Gun
  • A strong traditional style staple gun. The metal construction is about as tough as it gets. I can see this stapler lasting a lifetime of good service.
  • Loading staples is an easy job. You unhook the magazine to take it out, load staples or brads into the loading channel, and replace the magazine. Minimal fuss or fiddling.
  • Clearing a jam is just as easy. You can open the base of the stapler all the way, giving complete access to the firing head. If something’s stuck, you can just pull it out!
  • This is obviously a powerful staple gun. Putting 14 mm staples into solid wood isn’t an issue. Just turn the power knob to full and fire away.

  • If you’ve got big hands, they’ll struggle to fit into the cut-out grip section. Compared to the Bosch PTK 3.6’s open-ended design it’s a tight fit.
  • You need to put a fair amount of force into the handle when firing. If you have mobility issues, it’s not ideal.
  • Some users have had issues with the firing mechanism. In some cases, the staples are deformed during firing.
  • Make sure the tension knob is screwed in enough. If it’s not, it can fall out during firing.
Type
Mechanical
Staples / Brad
Staples & Brad
Staples Used
T50, T18
Brads / Pins Used
18ga Nail
Staple Length
6-14mm
Crown Staple
6-14mm
Brad Nail Length
10-14mm
Jam Clearance
Yes
Comes With
600 Pieces
Overall Score 3.5
Build Quality
3
Performance
4
Ease of Use
3
Value for Money
4

UK-based Toolzilla decided something back in 2015. They were going to take on the best staple guns when it comes to affordable and tough tools made in this country. Their heavy-duty stapler is a serious bit of kit and feels like it’s built to last.

This is a more traditional shape of stapler, with heavy-duty steel parts. The metal brings it up to just under 550 g with a full load of staples or brads inserted. It’s not too heavy to use though. It feels like there’s not much that can go wrong as it has a quick jam release feature.

It’s a bit harder on the hands if you plan on firing a lot of staples though. You can adjust the power with the big wheel on top. Firing heavy-duty nails into wood takes a fair bit of squeeze to activate the mechanism.

Comfort-wise, there’s a nice green foam grip on the lower handle. However, the cut-out section is a bit of a tight fit. I do have large hands though, so it won’t cause an issue if you’ve got normal-sized mitts.

You can fire narrow crown, rounded cable staples and brad nails through this stapler. It makes this a versatile bit of kit for most jobs around the house or garden. Toolzilla throw in a decent starter pack for you to get started with too.

Overall, it’s built like a tank and just as powerful, if you’ve got strong hands that can fit into the cut-out grip section. It’ll last for years and Toolzilla’s customer service is legendary if you do run into any problems.

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Also Good

3. Workpro Heavy Duty Staple Gun [ SAVE 13% ]

Best heavy duty staple and nail gun

best staple gun Workpro Heavy Duty Staple Gun
  • It’s really six staplers in one. This is a massively versatile hand tool. There’s a staple or brad nail for every task you can think of.
  • The handle has a rubberised grip on it. It’s extremely comfortable. If you’ve ever used a staple gun for long periods of time, you know how important this is.
  • You can shoot massive 15 mm brad nails with this stapler. When you pair it up with the high power mode, it makes this a formidable bit of kit.
  • Weighing just over 450 g, it’s light enough for anyone to carry. Thanks to clever use of rugged plastics, it’s not an overweight tool.
  • 4,000 staples and brads is generous, whatever way you look at it.

  • Some users have complained about the strength needed to fire the stapler. It’s not the lightest trigger, especially in high power mode.
  • The handle lock mechanism is fiddly. It can be hard to engage, and sometimes works itself loose.
  • I’m not keen on the level of recoil. It might be due to the plastic body, but you can feel the “snap” when you fire a staple or brad.
Type
Mechanical
Staples / Brad
Staples & Brad
Staples Used
T50, T20, JT21, CT10X
Brads / Pins Used
18ga Nail & Pin
Staple Length
6-14mm
Crown Staple
6-14mm
Brad Nail Length
15mm
Jam Clearance
Yes
Comes With
4,000 Pieces
Overall Score 4
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Ease of Use
4
Value for Money
4

US tool brand Workpro make some seriously tough equipment. Their 6 in 1 heavy-duty staple gun is just that. Big, chunky, and reliable, it’s one of the best manual staplers for the price.

The 6 IN 1 stapler is an upgrade from Workpro’s popular 4 IN 1. It basically means you can shoot six different types of staples and nails without changing any settings. That makes this one of the more versatile staplers I’ve tested. If you plan to do a lot of stapling, it’ll make all the difference.

You can choose from heavy and light-duty staples, narrow flat crown staples, round cable staples, 18 gauge brad nails and 18 gauge headless pins. Everything you’d need to use around the house or in the workshop.

The construction is excellent. It feels like a well-made tool. Don’t be put off that it’s not made from metal but a mix of polycarbonate and ABS plastics. The other benefit of a plastic stapler is the weight. At just over 450 g it means it’s fine for long stapling sessions.

The handle has been well designed, and the rubberised grip is easy to hang on to. That’s a good thing because it takes quite a bit of force to fire this beast. One thing I really like about this stapler is the dual power lever. Simply slide the switch under the trigger and choose between low and high power, depending on the job in hand.

What makes this probably the best manual stapler kit is what you get with it. Workpro don’t do things by halves and have included a massive set of 4,000 staples and brads. There’s no excuse, you can get working straight away. Unless you’re a very heavy user, this might last you a long time!

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4. Stanley TR250 Heavy Duty Staple Gun [ SAVE 37% ]

Best staple and nail gun for small projects

best staple gun Stanley TR250 Heavy Duty Staple Gun
  • The rubberised handle is comfortable and helps to keep vibrations down. It’s rubberised in front of the handle for when you need to add more pressure as well.
  • You can fire up to 15 mm brad nails. It’s impressive compared to the Kohree stapler than can only handle 14 mm.
  • The safety catch is one of the best ones I’ve seen. It’s hidden under the handle, which should make it less likely to disengage accidentally.
  • The two modes for heavy and light duty jobs are handy. The large rear lever to change modes is easy to use as well.
  • The 1,000 included staples and brads are more than enough to start you off.

  • Even though Stanley have kept the weight down by using aluminium, it’s still a heavy beast. 680 g to be precise. That’s more than double compared to the lightweight Haushof.
  • There’s no way to tell when you’re nearly out of staples. Unless you know how many you put in, you could be caught short at any time!
  • You’re limited to only firing T50 staples. Compared to the WORKPRO 6 in 1, you’ve not got as much choice.
Type
Mechanical
Staples / Brad
Staples & Brad
Staples Used
T50
Brads / Pins Used
18ga Nail
Staple Length
6-14mm
Crown Staple
6-14mm
Brad Nail Length
12-15mm
Jam Clearance
Yes
Comes With
1,000 Pieces
Overall Score 4
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Ease of Use
4
Value for Money
4

Now for one of the best-known names in DIY, Stanley. They have a long history and a great reputation for making equipment that works as hard as you do. The TR250 heavy duty staple gun is one of the best manual staple guns that I’ve tried out. All thanks to the comfortable handle and dual power settings.

Constructed from cast aluminium, the weight is kept down under 700 g, but it still feels like a heavy manual stapler. You can fit heavy-duty staples and brad nails. It’s a versatile fastening tool for DIY use in the home or workshop.

The rubberised top lever and cut out grip make this one of the more comfortable manual staplers to use over long periods. You still need to have strong hands to fire multiple staples or brads in a row. One of the best features of this manual stapler is the dual power lever on the back. You can choose high or low, depending on the job at hand.

A nice safety feature that Stanley have added in is the pinch point-free design. If you’ve ever managed to destroy the cable you’re trying to staple down, you’ll appreciate this attention to detail. It’s little details like this that make this one of the best staple guns around.

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5. Kohree 3 in 1 Heavy Duty Staple Gun Kit

Best budget staple and nail gun

best staple gun Kohree 3 in 1 Heavy Duty Staple Gun Kit
  • The foam laid around the inside of the cut-out grip makes it more comfortable. It helps to reduce recoil during firing too.
  • Compared with the plastic Toolzilla stapler, this all-metal tool is built like a tank. The firing mechanism and body are both made from steel.
  • The non-slip handle is easy to hang on to. Anyone who’s tried to fire a staple gun with sweaty hands knows how slippery they can get!
  • 3,000 assorted staples and pins to get you started is generous. Even if you do a lot of stapling, they’ll last for ages.
  • They’ve included a useful heavy-duty staple remover. Now it doesn’t matter if you make a mistake!

  • The cut-out grip shape is even smaller compared to the Toolzilla TZ31PRO. The foam insert makes it even tighter on large hands.
  • Some users have found it difficult to remove stuck staples. The removal process isn’t straightforward compared with the Workpro 6 in 1.
  • There isn’t a low staple indicator or viewing window. You can take the magazine out to check, or just wait for it to run out. Neither are as easy as a quick peek.
  • 600 g is about the heaviest you want a manual stapler to be. It’s 100 g more in comparison with the Toolzilla or the Workpro.
Type
Mechanical
Staples / Brad
Staples & Brad
Staples Used
T50
Brads / Pins Used
18ga Nail
Staple Length
6-14mm
Crown Staple
10-12mm
Brad Nail Length
10-14mm
Jam Clearance
No
Comes With
3,000 Pieces
Overall Score 3.5
Build Quality
3
Performance
4
Ease of Use
3
Value for Money
4

Firing three different shapes of staple and brad, the Kohree 3 in 1 heavy-duty staple gun is a solid manual stapler. It also comes with a decent staple remover as part of the kit.

Made from stainless steel, it feels like a sturdy stapler and not a plastic toy. Weighing in at nearly 600 g, it’s not the lightest on my list. It’s not a bad weight for a heavy-duty manual stapler though.

The top lever has a nice rubber finish to it that improves grip, and it’s matched by the foam insert in the bottom grip cut out. It’s a bit tight on my large hand, but for most users, it shouldn’t be an issue. You’ve got to put in a fair bit of effort to fire a staple or brad nail. Especially when you dial up the power to maximum, but it’s worth the effort for the power at the business end.

Loading up staples or nails is a straightforward affair once you’ve done it a couple of times anyway. The jam removal process doesn’t take long to figure out either. You can fit narrow crown, rounded cable staples and brad nails into this stapler. A good job it does of firing them too. And if you go wrong, you can use the staple remover to pull them back out.

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6. Neu Master NTC0070 Li-Ion Staple Gun

Best cordless staple gun for small projects

best staple gun Neu Master NTC0070 Li Ion Staple Gun
  • Effortless electric stapling. You don’t need strong hands or arms to fire hundreds of staples in a row.
  • Micro USB charging makes this stapler incredibly versatile. You probably have a drawer full of charging cables already!
  • The low recoil feature is great. Compared with some of the manual staplers like the Toolzilla TZ31PRO, it’s easier on your hands.
  • Compared with most manual staplers, this is a quiet machine. Rather than a loud bang, there’s just a slight whirr as the impact drive engages.
  • I love the handle shape. The rubber overmoulding makes it easy to hang on to and it’s decidedly non-slip.

  • By far the heaviest stapler on my list. There’s always going to be a drawback with powered tools.
  • This is a T50 stapler only. Compared to the WORKZONE stapler that shoots nails and pins as well, it’s a not as versatile.
  • It’s on the expensive end of the scale. If you want a reliable, budget stapler the Haushof mechanical stapler is kinder to your wallet.
  • Some users have had problems with staple jams. Luckily, there’s a quick jam clear feature.
  • It’s a shame that the stapler doesn’t come in a case of any sort.
Type
Cordless
Staples / Brad
Staples
Staples Used
T50
Brads / Pins Used
n/a
Staple Length
6-12mm
Crown Staple
n/a
Brad Nail Length
n/a
Jam Clearance
Yes
Comes With
Bare
Overall Score 4.8
Build Quality
5
Performance
5
Ease of Use
5
Value for Money
4

Easily one of the best electric staple guns I’ve used, the Neu Master NTC0070 stapler is easy on the hands, simple to use and brilliantly powerful. It takes all the effort out of shooting hundreds of staples in a row.

Producing an impressive line of staplers and nail guns, Neu Master know all about making the best heavy-duty stapler- and this one’s got everything you need for stapling or brad nailing safely into a range of materials.

The over-moulded rubberised grip is the sort of thing you’d find on a combi drill and makes it supremely comfortable to hold and manoeuvre into the right spot- there’s no slipping out of place even with a sweaty hand. The trigger is much easier to pull than the lever on a manual stapler, especially if you have mobility issues.

Weighing in at 1.3 kg, it’s not the lightest stapler out there but it’s forgivable because the extra weight is a 3.6 Volt Lithium-Ion battery. If you’ve not tried an electric stapler, you’re in for a treat- no more aching hand muscles after firing a hundred staples and enough power to put a 12 mm T50 staple into timber up to 500 times in one charge.

Safety-wise, this is one of the best staplers you can get as well- you can’t fire a staple until the contact nose has been pushed firmly into the workpiece. It also ensures that you’ve made proper contact before stapling which all but guarantees a fully driven staple or brad nail.

It’s a fantastic bit of kit if you’re planning on driving a lot of staples for upholstery work or putting up hundreds of posters- the operation is effortless, and the clever advanced impact drive technology is as powerful as it gets. I’m not sure I’d go back to manual stapling after using this.

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7. Bosch PTK 3.6 LI Cordless Tacker

Best cordless tacker

best staple gun Bosch PTK 3.6 LI Cordless Tacker
  • Bosch are one of the best names in the business. They’ve made a practical and robust stapler that feels built to last.
  • The grip is extremely comfortable. It’s also open-ended, so your hand size doesn’t matter. You can even wear gloves and not worry about getting stuck.
  • It’s plain to see how many staples you’ve got left to play with. The window on the side of the stapler body couldn’t be easier to glance at.
  • At 800 g, it’s light weight for a battery powered stapler. Especially compared to the Neu Master NTC0070.

  • The biggest staple sizes you can use are 10 mm. That’s 2 mm less compared with the Neu Master electric stapler. And 4mm less compared with the Toolzilla TZ31PRO manual stapler.
  • It’s probably not powerful enough for upholstery jobs. It’s not got as much of a punch as a heavy duty manual stapler.
  • The safety feature forces you to place the stapler flat against the workpiece. It’s not ideal when you need to get into awkward spots or tight corners.
  • There doesn’t seem to be a fast jam clearance feature.
Type
Cordless
Staples / Brad
Staples
Staples Used
T53/JT21
Brads / Pins Used
n/a
Staple Length
4-10mm
Crown Staple
n/a
Brad Nail Length
n/a
Jam Clearance
No
Comes With
1000 pieces
Overall Score 4.8
Build Quality
5
Performance
5
Ease of Use
5
Value for Money
4

Coming from one of the biggest and best-trusted names in DIY, the Bosch PTK 3.6 LI is one of the best cordless staplers you can get right now. It forms just part of Bosch’s “green” line of DIY level tools. Hard-wearing and powerful, it’s a little machine for anyone tired of manual stapling.

The stapler, or “tacker” as Bosch calls it, comes in a robust metal case with plenty of foam padding. It’ll keep everything safe when not in use. Even though it’s quite a big box, the stapler itself isn’t all that big. It’s a compact size that fits well in the hand.

Firstly, it’s a nicely designed tool. Bosch have made it feel like one of their drills. Everything’s chunky, easy to grip and feels like it’s built to be used and abused without falling apart. The grip is rubberised and has the same finger rest as on the best Bosch combi drill. It’s a nice touch.

The real magic comes from the internal 3.6 Volt Lithium-Ion battery though. You can blast up to 400 staples with just one charge using the included cable. Weighing just under 800 g, it’s as powerful as any manual stapler but much easier to use. Simply pull the trigger and sink the staple fully, every time.

Just because it’s easy, doesn’t mean it’s not safe though. Bosch’s Push + Release System uses a pressure switch in the nose of the stapler. It helps to avoid accidental firing and means you put the right amount of pressure into each staple. It also helps to make the staples penetrate more effectively as well.

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8. Haushof Light Duty Staple Gun

Best light duty staple gun

best staple gun Haushof Light Duty Staple Gun
  • Compared to the heavy weight Kohree stapler, this is as light as a feather! 300 g is light in anyone’s books, considering what this little stapler is capable of.
  • The little window on the body tells you when you’re running low on ammo. Much easier than being forced to open the whole stapler.
  • If this were a competition for power to weight, the Haushof would win hands down! It can fire a 10 mm staple into wood but weighs half of the Kohree staple gun.
  • Considering this stapler doesn’t fire a wide range of staples, 800 is a lot to get you started.

  • You’re limited to firing T53/JT21 staples only. If you want to fire pins or rounded staples, get the Workpro.
  • The little staple remover tool is only useful if the staple isn’t buried.
  • Even though this is a light duty stapler, it still takes a lot of force to push the handle.
  • Like the Toolzilla TZ31PRO, the “safety” isn’t great. It doesn’t take much to remove it.
Type
Mechanical
Staples / Brad
Staples
Staples Used
T53/JT21
Brads / Pins Used
n/a
Staple Length
4-10mm
Crown Staple
n/a
Brad Nail Length
n/a
Jam Clearance
Yes
Comes With
800 Pieces
Overall Score 3.5
Build Quality
3
Performance
4
Ease of Use
3
Value for Money
4

Not all staple gun jobs require huge staples and a heavy staple gun. For light-duty tasks, the Haushof staple gun is one of the best light staplers I’ve tried out. It isn’t an underpowered toy either.

If you need to do a lot of stapling and you don’t want to lug around a heavy-duty stapler, this little beast weighs less than 250 g. Yet it punches far above its weight. Ideal for stapling through lighter materials like cloth if you’re doing upholstery, it’s comfortable and easy to position.

The plastic handle doesn’t feel flimsy and helps to keep the overall weight down. You still need to use a fair amount of force for each staple. However, it’s still easier than some of the heavy-duty staplers on my list.

You can load it up with a few different sizes of light-duty T53 staples. Don’t expect to fit brad nails or round cable staples in this machine though. Haushof have included a simple staple remover that seems to do the trick.

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Harry's Smart Buying Tips

  1. The best staple gun should be able to fire staples powerfully and accurately into a host of household materials.
  2. Some staple guns can double up and fire brad nails as well.
  3. The best staple guns are electric – they run off a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery and USB charger and remove the need to apply any hand power, great if you have jobs that require driving many staples in a row. They are more expensive than the traditional manual stapler though.
  4. Manual staplers rely on hand power to compress a spring that when released fires a staple or brad nail from the nose of the stapler.
  5. Not all staplers fire the same staples – the most common types are T50 or T53.
  6. If the staple gun fires brad nails, they are usually 18 gauge.
  7. Staple length is also important – this can range from 4-14mm and brad nails from 10-15mm.
  8. Other features to look for include a jam release mechanism and a low-capacity indicator or window.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • ValueMax 3 in 1 Heavy Duty Staple Gun
    best staple gun ValueMax 3 in 1 Heavy Duty Staple Gun
    • 3.5
    • Mechanical
    • Staples & Brad
    • T50, T18
    • 18ga Nail
    • 6-14mm
    • 10-12mm
    • 15mm
    • Yes
    • 3,000 Pieces
  • Toolzilla Heavy Duty Staple Gun
    best staple gun Toolzilla Heavy Duty Staple Gun
    • 3.5
    • Mechanical
    • Staples & Brad
    • T50, T18
    • 18ga Nail
    • 6-14mm
    • 6-14mm
    • 10-14mm
    • Yes
    • 600 Pieces
  • Workpro Heavy Duty Staple Gun
    best staple gun Workpro Heavy Duty Staple Gun
    • 4
    • Mechanical
    • Staples & Brad
    • T50, T20, JT21, CT10X
    • 18ga Nail & Pin
    • 6-14mm
    • 6-14mm
    • 15mm
    • Yes
    • 4,000 Pieces
  • Stanley TR250 Heavy Duty Staple Gun
    best staple gun Stanley TR250 Heavy Duty Staple Gun
    • 4
    • Mechanical
    • Staples & Brad
    • T50
    • 18ga Nail
    • 6-14mm
    • 6-14mm
    • 12-15mm
    • Yes
    • 1,000 Pieces
  • Kohree 3 in 1 Heavy Duty Staple Gun Kit
    best staple gun Kohree 3 in 1 Heavy Duty Staple Gun Kit
    • 3.5
    • Mechanical
    • Staples & Brad
    • T50
    • 18ga Nail
    • 6-14mm
    • 10-12mm
    • 10-14mm
    • No
    • 3,000 Pieces
  • Neu Master NTC0070 Li-Ion Staple Gun
    best staple gun Neu Master NTC0070 Li Ion Staple Gun
    • 4.8
    • Cordless
    • Staples
    • T50
    • n/a
    • 6-12mm
    • n/a
    • n/a
    • Yes
    • Bare
  • Bosch PTK 3.6 LI Cordless Tacker
    best staple gun Bosch PTK 3.6 LI Cordless Tacker
    • 4.8
    • Cordless
    • Staples
    • T53/JT21
    • n/a
    • 4-10mm
    • n/a
    • n/a
    • No
    • 1000 pieces
  • Haushof Light Duty Staple Gun
    best staple gun Haushof Light Duty Staple Gun
    • 3.5
    • Mechanical
    • Staples
    • T53/JT21
    • n/a
    • 4-10mm
    • n/a
    • n/a
    • Yes
    • 800 Pieces

How to Choose The Best Staple Gun

There are plenty of times when a staple is more useful than a nail or a screw, so having the best stapler in your toolkit is essential. Whether you just want a solid manual stapler or a high-tech electric one, there are a few things to think about first.

Manual Staplers

Useful for everything from holding two pieces of paper together to reupholstering chairs, manual staple guns have been around for more than 150 years. They rely on hand power to compress a spring inside the body that when released, fires a staple or brad nail out from the nose of the stapler. Made from steel or hard plastics, they’re often inexpensive but take a fair amount of hand power to operate. They’re not ideal if you have mobility issues or want to fire hundreds of staples in a row.

Electric Staplers

Electric staplers aren’t a new invention, they’ve been around since the mid-1960s. They take all the hard work out of stapling, but up until recently have been corded tools. With the rise of Lithium-Ion battery technology, you can charge up one of the best electric staplers with a simple USB cable and drive up to 500 staples using nothing more than your finger. They’re great if you’ve got a big job to do, or if the thought of pushing a stiff stapler handle is too much to bear. The downside is the price is much higher, and the unit weight is usually a bit more than a manual.

Types of Staple

Although it varies by brand, the types of staples you can find in a staple gun generally vary from light duty fine wire 22 gauge staples all the way up to heavy wire 10 gauge staples. Sizes of staple range from around 6 mm up to 14 mm. The shape of a “normal” staple is like a box with three sides, but the best staple guns can also fire rounded or “crown” staples that are suitable for tacking down cables and wires.

Other Fasteners

Some staplers aren’t just limited to normal staples- the best staple guns can be loaded with brad nails and headless pins too. Loaded onto one side of the magazine, they’re useful for tacking down light materials when a staple is just too wide.

Staple Gun FAQs

There could be a few things going wrong if your staples or brad nails need tapping in with a hammer after firing.

The first thing to check is the material you’re working with- it might just be too hard for even the best electric staple gun. These tools are more suited to softer materials up to the hardness of soft wood.

Next up, if your stapler has a power adjuster, try turning it up to penetrate deeper into the material. It’ll look like a sliding switch on some machines, or a dial you can turn on others. Practise on some scrap to see how it changes.

The best way to ensure proper contact and penetration is through firm downward pressure. Use your free hand to push in the same direction as the staple needs to travel- this reduces recoil and means the full force of the stapler mechanism is being used.

There are quite a few different measurement systems used by different brands of staple and brad nails – check the manual that came with your stapler to see the list of suitable brands. The length of a staple refers to the “leg”, the part that gets fired into the workpiece, the width is the distance between the legs and the gauge is how thick the metal of the staple is. The same goes for brad nails.

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