The construction stapler gradually gained decent popularity as a tool for finishing work. This simple device has become indispensable for fastening rolled materials, proving its effectiveness and versatility.
Currently, stores offer a wide range of staplers, and therefore it is necessary to choose the right tool, taking into account the actual conditions of its use.
How to choose a device: advice from professionals
To choose the optimal stapler, you need to solve the following problems for yourself:
- frequency of use of the tool: every day or from time to time;
- places of use: indoors, outdoors. Is there electricity there?
- Do you need precision driving of equipment;
- materials you plan to work with.
Depending on the purpose and working conditions, choose the type of stapler:
- for infrequent work with non-solid materials, a mechanical stapler is suitable;
- If you don't need precision in installing staples and have the ability to swing, then consider choosing an impact stapler. He's light. Attached to the mounting belt;
- for a large amount of work in places where mobility is needed, take a closer look at a cordless tool;
- if you work indoors with an outlet and don’t want to overpay for the battery, buy a stapler with a mains connection;
- If you need a stationary powerful device, don’t hesitate to take a pneumatic tool.
What characteristics to look for when choosing a stapler:
- presence of impact force regulator. A mechanical tool has two types of regulation: minimum and maximum or smooth adjustment. Electric has up to 6 modes. The setting is made using a software switch. The thinner the material, the less the impact force, otherwise dents will form;
- Double punch. Only electric staplers have it. For hard materials, large equipment is used that will not clog immediately. The double strike mechanism itself determines this and works a second time. If there is no such mechanism, then you will not immediately see that the nail heads are not completely hammered in;
- removing fasteners using a stapler. If this function is available, then to remove poorly hammered equipment you will not have to do it manually or with a nail puller;
- body material. Structural steel staplers weigh more than plastic ones;
- rubber inserts on the handle. Their presence reduces the recoil of the tool, and the hand gets less tired;
- Battery type: nickel-cadmium suitable for low temperatures. But they have a memory effect, so they discharge quickly. They are used in inexpensive models;
- lithium-ion. They hold a charge longer, but are less resistant to mechanical stress;
- nickel metal hydride. Lightweight and have a long charge life;
Selecting staples for a stapler
When purchasing staples, you should know which staples will fit your stapler. The type of equipment is indicated on the packaging, in the instructions and on the tool body. Staples have characteristics that must be taken into account when choosing:
- form. It can be U-shaped or semicircular.
The latter is used for cable installation; Staple shape - type of sharpening of ends: sharpened. Hammering such staples requires less effort;
- unsharpened. They jam more often and do not always clog completely;
- height H;
Staple dimensions
The most common consumable is U-shaped brackets marked “Type 53”. They have found their application in upholstering furniture with textile materials and in joining products made of wood, plywood, chipboard and hardboard. Type 140 staples are in second place in demand. They are shorter and thicker. Due to the increased contact area with the material being joined, the likelihood of material rupture at the point of attachment to the base is reduced. Therefore, they are convenient when working with thin parts: fabrics, PVC film, as well as wood, plywood, chipboard and hardboard. There are two types of semicircular staples.
Types of semicircular staples
Bracket type | Cable diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | Height, mm |
S (28) | 4,5 | up to 1.25 | from 6 to 10 |
L (36) | 6 | 1,25 | from 9 to 11 |
Two characteristics are important for a stapler: shape and size. And you choose the type of sharpening for yourself. By the size of the equipment you can judge the purpose of the stapler.
Examples of types of staples and nails for staplers
Equipment type | Description | thickness W, mm | width L, mm | height H, mm |
Type 13 (H/19/37) | Flat metal staples | 0,7 | 10,6 | 6–14 |
Type 53 (A/3/530) | Thin metal staples | 0,75 | 11,4 | 4–18 |
Type 140 (G/4/11) | Thin metal staples | 1,25 | 10,6 | 6–14 |
Type 48 | Nails | 2,8 | 1,65 | 14–25 |
What is a stapler?
A construction stapler (furniture stapler, stapler) is a hand-held tool for fastening various elements. According to the principle of operation, it differs little from a conventional office stapler, because in both cases, the fastened elements are connected with staples (usually U-shaped).
However, if a stationery tool pierces through the materials being joined and bends the ends of the staple, fixing the fastening, then its construction counterpart drives the ends of the staple into the base according to the principle of nails.
What is it needed for?
A construction stapler can be used for the following work:
- furniture upholstery - any type of fabric, leather, suede, microfiber, etc.;
- fixing insulation, vapor and waterproofing during installation of floors, walls, ceilings;
- attaching posters and photo wallpapers to walls and billboards;
- fixing back walls made of fiberboard, hardboard, plywood and other cast materials in cabinets;
- assembly of packaging structures, stitching of corrugated cardboard;
- installation of glazing beads on window frames;
- installation of tongue and groove boards on the floor and fastening of the floor covering;
- installation of greenhouses and greenhouses;
- fastening cables and wires;
- cladding with polymer boards and draping with fabric;
- other installation and finishing works.
Essentially, the stapler is designed to replace fastening methods such as hammering small nails and gluing.
It has the following advantages:
- large pressing area compared to nails, which increases the reliability of the connection;
- simplicity and accuracy of fastening, less likelihood of elements moving relative to each other when connected;
- acceleration of the process and mechanization of labor;
- possibility of use in hard-to-reach places;
- fastening of various elements, regardless of the material, which compares favorably with glue, which must be selected;
- versatility.
How does a mechanical device work and the principle of its operation?
The tool in question is activated by applying physical effort. That is why this device is also called a manual stapler. Its design and operating principle differs from that of a stationery device. Construction tools develop a lot of force, which is necessary for fastening or securing materials. According to the design of the drive mechanism, products are divided into two types - with a coil spring and a leaf spring. The main structural elements of a construction stapler:
- Housing - often made of steel, inside which working parts and mechanisms are located. The body has a recess for your hand, which allows you to hold the device during use.
- Handle - connects to the impact mechanism, charging the spring and then firing the staple. It is this handle that the user must exert physical force on to operate the tool.
- The impact mechanism is the basis of the tool, since it is through this device that the staple is fired. The impact mechanism consists of a spring, a hammer, a shock absorber and a striker. The striker acts on the staple, pushing it out and driving it into the material. An integral element of the impact mechanism is also an adjusting screw, through which the force on the bracket is adjusted
- The compartment for installing fasteners is a special channel into which staple cartridges are installed. The ramming mechanism plays an important role in the design of the compartment. This is a special device that pushes the magazine with staples towards the striker as they are used
- Tip - hole through which staples are fed for driving them
- The latch is not the main element of the device, which is intended for transporting the tool. It fixes the handle in an inoperative state, thereby preventing accidental impact on it
A detailed diagram of the structure of a construction stapler is shown in the photo below.
Externally, all mechanical staplers have the same design, but the internal working mechanisms differ in design. The main difference is in the design of the impact mechanism, which is implemented using a conventional coiled and leaf or spring spring. How they differ from each other is described in detail.
- A coil spring staple driver is a common type of stapler that falls under the category of household tools. Their main disadvantage is that they have a large load and recoil force. Long-term use causes physical fatigue in the hands, so the tool is not intended for prolonged use.
The principle of operation of such a stapler is that the handle engages with the striker, thereby moving it upward, overcoming the resistance of the spring. The more the spring is compressed, the stronger the impact on the bracket. When the striker reaches the maximum upper position, it jumps off the handle mount, and thereby it moves downward at high speed, hitting the bracket with the striker. The staple, under the influence of the striker, shoots out of the tip, entering the material. You need to know the operating principle of a construction stapler in order to be able to eliminate its breakdowns when they occur.
- Staple hammer with leaf spring - these staplers belong to the category of professional tools. They are characterized by smooth operation, increased service life, and also higher cost compared to household type staplers. However, this does not mean at all that such a stapler is intended exclusively for professional use. If you plan to use the tool frequently, it is better to take a device with a leaf spring.
The principle of their operation is similar to devices that consist of a coiled spring. When you press the handle, the flat striker moves with simultaneous deformation of the combat plate. As soon as the striker reaches the maximum upper position, it will return to its original position with instantaneous speed. This is achieved due to the fact that the plate tends to take its original position. The hammer, returning downwards, impacts the firing pin, and the latter, in turn, strikes the bracket. Such devices are also equipped with force regulators. They have a more complex design, which is reflected in their cost.
The difference in price between these tools is significant, as is the service life. Before you buy a mechanical stapler for driving staples, you should answer the questions - what is the tool for and how often do you plan to use it.
This is interesting!
You can distinguish a stapler with a coil spring from a device with a plate externally by such a characteristic feature as the location of the adjusting screw. On devices of the first type, the screw is located on top, and on devices of the second type, the adjusting washer is located on the handle.
Additional options
It seems to many that a stationery stapler is a fairly simple device that cannot be improved in any way. But manufacturers are making it more convenient to use. So, when purchasing, pay attention to the fact that there is a plastic footrest or rubberized inserts at the bottom. They will protect your table from scratches.
Another important and convenient addition is the presence of a built-in destapler. This is a special device with which you can quickly straighten the staples. It will come in handy in situations where you need to separate previously fastened sheets. It is inconvenient to pick out staples with scissors, much less with fingernails, and it looks unsightly.
Stapling Types
Not everyone knows that office staplers differ depending on how they fasten sheets. Most office workers are familiar with the common closed-type stitching options. This type of stationery stapler bends the edges of the staples inward. This is considered the most reliable way to bind paper.
It is also the most common. There is also an open type. In this case, the staples are bent outward. This method is preferable to use in cases where only temporary stitching of sheets is necessary. Papers fastened in this way can be easily separated, and the marks are practically invisible.
Sometimes in offices they use a special stationery stapler with straight staples. It is necessary in situations where it is necessary to attach paper (some kind of announcement or document) to a special board with a soft surface. It can be made, for example, from cork.
Important nuances
When purchasing a paper stapler, it is important to consider how actively you will use it. If you plan to use it often, then pay attention to metal options. They are considered more reliable and will last longer. In other cases, ordinary plastic devices will do.
Their operating principle is absolutely the same. It is also important to take into account that staplers differ in power. This indicator determines how many sheets your device can fasten at a time. By the way, it is also important to choose the right staples for a stationery stapler. It is advisable to know not only their size, but also the manufacturer.
Calendula - medicinal properties and contraindications
In addition, you need to know that there are devices that only work when resting on a table or other flat surface. If you try to fasten papers by weight with such a stapler, the staples will fall out or become deformed.
Operating principle
Depending on the type of drive, tools are divided into electric and pneumatic.
Electrical
These devices are widely used in everyday life. Working with an electric stapler is a pleasure; you just need to connect the device to the power supply. However, an electrical device, in comparison with its manual counterpart, is much more expensive. It is profitable to buy it for professional craftsmen who are constantly repairing furniture. Naturally, it is not profitable to buy such a model for a one-time repair. Manual models are suitable for household use.
Pneumatic
These models are not used in everyday life, since their use requires a compressor unit. You can buy your own compact compressor, but how quickly such a purchase will pay off is the question. Therefore, buying a pneumatic device is beneficial for companies producing and professionally repairing furniture.
Operating principle
Depending on the type of drive, tools are divided into electric and pneumatic.
Electrical
These devices are widely used in everyday life. Working with an electric stapler is a pleasure; you just need to connect the device to the power supply. However, an electrical device, in comparison with its manual counterpart, is much more expensive. It is profitable to buy it for professional craftsmen who are constantly repairing furniture. Naturally, it is not profitable to buy such a model for a one-time repair. Manual models are suitable for household use.
Pneumatic
These models are not used in everyday life, since their use requires a compressor unit. You can buy your own compact compressor, but how quickly such a purchase will pay off is the question. Therefore, buying a pneumatic device is beneficial for companies producing and professionally repairing furniture.
How to hammer staples into plywood with a hand stapler? Is there a shock adjustment?
There is a manual stapler Stayer 3150. It does a good job of driving staples into wooden boards. And then it was necessary to pin a fabric support to a piece of plywood, to a thin, ordinary three-piece plywood. And the brackets will only fit in there a couple of millimeters, but nothing further. When you try to finish them off with a hammer, they bend, complete nonsense. Is the trick in parentheses or something else? But I think my braces are also Stayer, branded. recommended according to passport A-053 type. Maybe there is something tougher? Which ones to look for? Or are there some cunning special methods of work, such as making sure to make the sign of the cross over yourself?
Is it possible to adjust the impact force? There is some kind of screw with a notch sticking out from above, but by God, I did not understand the relationship between tightening or unscrewing it with the depth of driving the staples into the plywood.