Types of Staplers

Here’s a general overview of the various types of staplers and stapler sizes available. Understanding these can help you select the right one for the job.

Standard Stapler: This is the type most often used in an office setting for stapling sheets of paper together. It uses standard staples.
Heavy-duty Stapler: This type is used to staple large stacks of paper together and requires heavy-duty staples.
Staple Gun: This tool is used for a plethora of do-it-yourself projects, such as roofing, carpentry, house wrapping, upholstery and more. It requires special heavy-duty staples.
Electric Staple Gun: This type costs more than a standard stapler but can save a lot of time and effort if you plan to use it often. Some models require specialized staple cartridges, while others accept regular standard or heavy-duty staples.
Long-reach Stapler: Also referred to as a long-neck stapler, this type is mostly used for binding books, catalogues and pamphlets. It requires special staples.
Mini-stapler: This type is sometimes marketed as a travel stapler and can fit easily into a briefcase or bookbag in case you need to bind papers together. The drawbacks to a mini-stapler are that it doesn’t work well for thick stacks of paper and it must be refilled much more often than a standard stapler.

N NAILS SERIES N08/10/11/13/15/17/19/21

Understanding Staple Sizes

The best way to determine which size staple you need is to consider three measurements: length, width and wire gauge.

Staple Length: A staple’s length is the measurement of one of its ‘legs,’ or one of the two parts of the staple that penetrate the material surface, for example a sheet of plywood or a stack of papers. The thicker the substance, the longer the staple will need to be to push through it.
Staple Width (Crown Size): A staple’s width is the measurement of its top portion, which is also referred to the staple crown. Once a staple has been installed, the part that’s visible is the crown.
Wire Gauge: This refers to how thick the staple metal is. Staples with a heavy gauge are intended for binding thicker, heavier materials.

Tips for Using a Stapler

For thin plastic or fabric, measure the thickness of the material and choose a staple that is four millimeters longer than the thickness.
If you need to bind wood, measure the thickness and choose a staple that’s twice as long.
For most other types of materials, measure the thickness and choose a staple that’s three times longer.