Load a Staple Gun

A staple gun is a small, handheld machine that can force metal staples into plastic, wood, and heavy fabrics. Both manual electric models and pneumatic staple guns are available. These staplers are far more powerful than the average desk or office stapler because they use heavy duty staples that are stronger and thicker than average staples. Use a staple gun for insulation, upholstery, or a variety of other material.

Steps

Loading a Bottom-loading Electric Stapler

1. Locate the magazine release. The magazine release is a button that releases the magazine clip that holds the stapler. The button is generally found at the rear of the magazine itself and may require pushing or pulling to depress.
   • If you don’t know where your magazine is located, look at where the staples come out of the gun. Make sure the stapler gun is unplugged or off before pressing the magazine release. The release button should be on the opposite side of where the staples are fired.
2. Hold down the release button and slide the magazine out. After depressing the release button, you will be able to slide the magazine out of the gun. From here, you will need to turn the stapler upside down to insert the staples.
3. Load the staples and reload the magazine. While the gun is upside down, insert the staples leg first. They will go in towards the nose of the stapler, followed by the butt. Slide the magazine back in until you hear the “click” notifying you that the magazine has clipped into place.
4. Power on and test. Plug your electric stapler back into the wall and give it a try. Ensure the staples are coming out one at a time. Be cautious of any kickback if this is your first time using this type stapler.
   • Test the stapler gun by stapling into a scrap piece of wood. Try to use a piece that is as close to the thickness of the actual items that you are stapling together or are made from the same material. For example, if you are stapling into particle board, use scrap pieces of particle board to test the stapler.

Loading a Top-loading Pneumatic Stapler

1. Disconnect the stapler. Start disconnecting the stapler by switching the “on/off” button to “off” on the compressor. This switch will be found behind the tank. The tank is usually cylindrical and contains the pressurized air. Now disconnect the hose release by loosening the nut beneath the gun. While most nuts can be loosened by hand, you may need to find the right screwdriver to loosen the nut. Now your stapler should be fully released.
   • If your gun has a safety trip, put it in place before moving forward. A safety trip prevents the gun from firing off while reloading.
2. Disconnect the magazine follower. On your pneumatic stapler, the magazine follower is a rod that sets the magazine in place and will be underneath the front. Squeeze the lever and pull away from the stapler to remove the magazine. Pull the follower all the way out. Once the magazine is pulled out, it will be locked into position.
3. Lay the staples over the magazine rail. Taking an entire strip of staples, lay them leg-first into the rail. The staples should be able to move freely, without getting caught, up and down the rail.
   • If your staple row has broken, you can load several smaller ones together.
4. Unlock the follower and ready the stapler. Unlock the follower by squeezing the lever and releasing it. The stapler may automatically push the staples back into the staple gun. If not, give it a small push, and it should automatically engage.
5. Test out the staples. Plug your compressor back into the bottom of the pneumatic gun and reconnect the hose to the stapler. Put on protective gear for your eyes and ears and then power on the compressor. Push the stapler against a piece of wood and pull the trigger. You should have one clean staple as a result.
   • Test the stapler gun by stapling into a scrap piece of wood. Try to use a piece that is as close to the thickness of the actual items that you are stapling together or are made from the same material. For example, if you are stapling into particle board, use scrap pieces of particle board to test the stapler.

Loading a Front-load Staple Gun

1. Remove tape covering the front of the magazine. Most front-loaded staple guns have a small piece of tape in the front. This is used to protect the gun from scratching or damage when in transit. Always remove the tape before commencing with the loading of staples.
2. Press the button at the back. Look at the stapler from the back. There should be a small button or push-trigger to release the magazine. Push this button and give the magazine a wiggle.
   • Some staplers have a pull mechanism. If your stapler doesn’t indicate whether to push or pull, you can try both with caution.
3. Pull the magazine out. Sometimes the magazine will be sticky or roughened up if the stapler is old. Pull on the magazine gently. You should be able to pull it out without requiring much force.
   • If the magazine is stuck, try using a small flat head screwdriver to gently pry it out.
4. Load the staples and test. Pick up a row of designated staples and drop it into the track, legs first. Push the magazine back into the stapler until there is a click. Using paper or cardboard, test your stapler to make sure it works.
   • Test the stapler gun by stapling into a scrap piece of wood. Try to use a piece that is as close to the thickness of the actual items that you are stapling together or are made from the same material. For example, if you are stapling into particle board, use scrap pieces of particle board to test the stapler.

Tips

• If you don’t know what type of staples to get, look on the stapler box in the hardware store. A list of staplers which use that variety of staples will always be indicated.

Warnings

• Before loading an electric or pneumatic staple gun, always unplug it and lock the mechanism to avoid injury.
• Keep your eyes, ears and hands protected with goggles, earplugs and gloves before using a heavy duty stapler.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Install Wood Dowel Joints
• Read a Click Type Foot Pound Torque Wrench
• Use a Torque Wrench
• Caulk Around a Toilet
• Refill a Stapler
• Glue Acrylic
• Install Grommets
• Use a Glue Gun
• Glue Glass
• Open Cable Ties

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