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Alongside the claw hammer, screwdriver set, pliers and tape measure, the staple gun is one of the indispensable handheld tools. Whether you are installing insulation, repairing upholstery or fixing cabinet frames, this tool is the fastening master. While homeowners prefer the manual models, professionals customarily use the more complex pneumatic and electric models.
Even for the expert, looking for the best staple gun can be hectic because of the countless models available To steer away from substandard or wrong choices, continue reading this buying guide and the product reviews.
Reviews of Five Best Staple Guns
Best Pneumatic Staple Gun- WEN 61705 20-Gauge 3/8-Inch Crown Air-Powered Pneumatic T50 Stapler for Upholstery and Woodworking
Compressor requirement is always a concern for pneumatic tools, but I am happy to report that the WEN 61705 is slow on this demand. Operating at 70 to 100 PSI, using 0.28 SCFM of air at 90 PSI, this tool will be good with a simple compressor.
Simplicity combined with functionality is evident in the design, which is characterized by a simple working mechanism. A rubber-gripped handle and aluminum body add the much needed user comfort. This gives a tool that can comfortably staple material in even the tightest corners using 3/8-inch crown staples (T50) of between 1/4 and 9/16 inches long.
Pros
- Affordable
- Magazine capacity of 100 fasteners
- Side window on magazine for display
- Compact
- Lightweight
Cons
- Jamming instances
Best Manual Staple Gun- DEWALT DWHTTR350 Dewalt Heavy-Duty Aluminum Stapler/Brad Nailer
The DEWALT DWHTTR350 is one of my favorite staple guns, not only for its strong build for tough jobs, but also because it is extremely user friendly and relatively affordable.
You expect a manual tool to focus on ergonomics and all that’s related to user experience, and that exactly what DEWALT® have done with this product. The rubber grip on the handle is a perfect example. Users can staple for as long as they want and their hands will not suffer. Other features that make using this gun enjoyable are a 1-pound weight and a compact size of 1.7 x 7 inches.
As for the nails/brads, I realize that this staple gun accepts virtually all 18 gauges and a wide range of lengths. If you are stapling on harder wood, use shorter nails/brads and vice versa. The gun is one of most versatile in this category. Do not forget that it also offers durability, all this at a bargain price.
Pros
- Friendly price
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Works with a wide range of staple lengths
Cons
- Must release handle between staple tacking
Best Electric (Corded) Staple Gun- Stanley TRE550Z Electric Staple/Brad Nail Gun
Every DIY geek should own at least one corded electric staple gun. Manual units are popular for their affordable prices, but a convenience and flawlessness of an electric staple gun is irresistible. For your demanding projects, the Stanley TRE550Z brings a remarkable combination of versatility and ease of use.
The most striking thing about this product is a functional ergonomic design. Sturdy plastic construction combined with outstanding driving power offers the perfect answer to any kind of job you may throw at the machine.
The special dual power level with both high and low positions allows for flawless stapling of hard and soft materials alike. You no longer have to worry about having nicely done plywood products and difficult hardwoods.
When you consider the neat design of the gun, the 1.44 ounces weight and quick jam clear feature, you will realize this electric model is quite effective. On putting it to action, the high quality of the trigger becomes evident.
Pros
- Unmatched driving power
- Versatile performance
- Ergonomic design
- Good price
- Easy to use
- Can withstand tough conditions
Cons
- 8-foot cord a little bit limiting
- Inclusion of more metallic parts could have extended life even more
Best Electric (Cordless) Staple Gun- Makita XTS01Z 18V LXT Crown Stapler
If you are interested in a reliable, powerful and safe cordless electric staple gun for your large-scale projects, then look no further than the dependable Makita XTS01Z 18V LXT Crown Stapler.
This electric staple gun is exceptional in that its motor design (based on popular Makita technology) supports consistent firing of a wide range of 3/8″ crown staples under different job conditions. Backed by an 18 volts battery, this unit is capable of firing staples in both less demanding and more rigorous production environments.
While the item is designed to deliver 50% more run time, it weighs at just 4.41 pounds. Contractors are particularly excited that this machine has a spring-loaded driving mechanism, thus it is compact. No matter the type of extensiveness of the job, the tool is comfortable on the hand.
Even if features such as versatility and ease of use do not impress you, I believe the safety level will. The Makita XTS01Z 18V LXT Crown Stapler has one of the best power management systems in its class. It boasts of superior overheat protection, over-discharge protection and overload protection.
Pros
- Very powerful
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- User friendly
Cons
- Relatively pricey
Best Hammer Tacker – ARROW Hammer Tracker Kit, Heavy Duty, HT50 with 1250 Staples
To close this section, I present this heavy-duty hammer tacker from ARROW®, confident that it is what you need for fastening soft woods, drywall, fabrics, and more. It is the most reliable tool of this kind in the market, possessing a chromed steel housing and hardened steel parts.
User convenience is prioritized, considering the special design of grip handle and manageable weight of only 1 pound. The Arrow Fastener HT50P is safe to use too. If you are unsure about the operation, the manufacturer’s user guide comes in handy.
You can tell that this hammer tacker is also made for professional applications in a wide range of situations, as it accommodates three sizes of T50 staples (5/16’’, 3/8’’ and 1/2’). A Jam-proof mechanism ensures that the job progresses with minimal hindrances. Its rear load magazine has a capacity of two full strips of T50 staples for minimal loading time.
For those who are not interested in the staples, ARROW offers the product as a single tool as well.
Pros
- Jam-proof
- Durable
- User friendly
Cons
- Longer staples not accommodated
Buying Guide for Best Staple Guns
Four Types of Staple Guns
Pneumatic
This is the most powerful type of staple gun, so you are most likely to find it in construction sites where professionals use them. While lightweight, this gun gets power from an air compressor. This minimizes its portability. Owing to its high power, this staple gun usually works with longer brad nails and staples.
Electric
If you were looking for the highest stapling efficiency and accuracy, I would recommend an electric staple gun. It comes as either cordless or corded so it is quite versatile.
Manual
Manual staple guns are the most popular because they cut across a wide range of skill levels- DIY, professionals, hobbyists etc. Users like these guns for their ease of use and portability. The manual aspect means more effort and fatigue, but most users are okay with that.
Hammer Tackers
Hammer tackers are manual, but let me categorize them differently for now. The hammer tacker has a different operating mechanism; it uses swinging motion instead of force on the trigger. This tool comes in handy for flooring and roofing operations.
How to Use a Staple Gun
Loading the manual and electric staple gun is largely similar. Open the gun by pressing a latch located at the rear. Remove the staple tray and load it with the right staples. Check carefully to confirm the staples are in proper alignment. Close the gun and once you hear that distinctive click, proceed to work. To staple, the device should be level on the surface and pointing down. Check the user manual to know the amount of pressure you need to apply as you staple. Usually, the electric models need less pressure than the manual ones.
For the pneumatic staple gun, you want to switch off the compressor before any other thing. Detach the staple gun from the compressor, and then remove the follower. Lay a strip of staples on the magazine rail and ensure that their movement up and down is smooth. Using the lever is in the off position as you connect the follower back. Finally, test the staple gun on a piece of wood before doing the actual job.
In case of a hammer tacker, the danger of staples popping out is always rife. Have your goggles and gloves on when loading. Take the staples and prepare to access the magazine. It is common for the follower to detach from the tool, but some of the best staple guns have followers that never detach. Insert the staple sticks into the magazine and press the follower back in position.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Staple Gun
Ease of Use
Varying ease of use is based on the different working mechanisms of the products. For the pneumatic staple gun, the need for a compressor can be hectic, especially for a user who is always on the go. Manual guns are easy to use, but the most user-friendly gun is the electric one in my opinion. Minimal human effort is needed because the device uses electric power to fire the staplers.
Type or Level of Task
A staple gun can be for light duty, household or professional application. No particular gun is made to fit all sizes. For small light duty tasks, electric staple guns seem to be the choice of many.
Industrial staple guns are mostly of the pneumatic kind, as power, swiftness and speed are the key considerations here. These guns are ideal for large-scale projects.
Durability/Construction
A staple gun is a valuable investment; no one would want to buy something that will break a few months later. The products listed here are world-beaters for many reasons, but chief among them is the superior construction. Steel, aluminum and plastic are popular materials, so the choice is obvious depending on the demands of the tool.
Staple Size and Shape
Different gun types will use different staples. Typically, staple size falls between 1/4” and 9/16”. As you buy, check also to make sure that the staple gun uses the correct brads/crown for your application.
Versatility
Versatility of staple guns seems to differ, with options like the WEN 61720 having an edge over competitors in terms of the staples they can accommodate, how portable they are, and so forth. If you feel this factor is important to you, know that there are excellent options for you. You just need to sample them carefully and patiently.
Safety
While adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines on safety is part of using the staple gun, it is important for the user to note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide guarding requirements that every power tool must meet. It is upon you to ensure that your prospective tool adheres to the safety standards for safety sake.
Price
Of course, it is advisable to have a budget in mind when checking what the stores have to offer. Electric staple guns tend to be more expensive than the other categories, with prices in the excess of $200 being the norm rather than the exception for the cordless versions. This is interesting because with as little as $15, you can get a quality manual staple gun. A pneumatic version can cost around $30, but remember that you need a compressor for power.
Brand
If you are like me, you know that the reputation of a brand is a paramount consideration when choosing any power tool. Anyone who has been in this field for long knows that the likes of DeWalt, Bostitch and WEN never disappoint. Some of these firms are on the verge of clocking a century in the industry, so you can imagine the kind of prowess they offer.
Conclusion
You may never find satisfactory and affordable staple guns if you fail to consider a few points when buying. The products I have suggested have some of the handiest features for a wide variety of jobs. While they have their shortcomings, the value they offer and the competitive prices should excite any user. In any case, these tools pay back fast and can last for decades.
If you have any questions or comments, please share them in the comment section.
