Best Staple Gun – Product Comparison and Buyer’s Guide
A staple gun is almost a must-have tool both for DIY enthusiasts and professionals. Whether you want to fixate a picture to a frame or tackle some carpentry projects, a quality staple gun should be a part of your equipment. Take a moment and check these reviews out, you might find a suitable tool for yourself and your projects.
Categories to choose from
Manual
This type of staple guns is usually the most wide-spread one due to their affordability and ease of use. As you can guess, it requires manual power in order to operate. The main advantages of this type are ease of use and absence of additional power sources. The shortcomings are the fact that it requires strength to put lever and staples tend to jam frequently.
Electric
Rather than operating on brute force, electric staple guns use a power source. The most common sources are battery or power from an electrical socket. The main advantage of this type is the fact that it can use both brad nails and staples. Also, it’s a great tool for heavy-duty projects. The only thing you might not like is the price.
Pneumatic
If you’re in the construction business, you probably know how useful these things are. When it comes to heavy-duty projects, the pneumatic type is your safest bet. Power is the middle name of these guns thanks to the power of compressed air. This type usually requires an air compressor to operate at an optimal level.
Upholstery
Fixing a piece of furniture can be a piece of cake if you own a good staple gun. The best ones for upholstery tasks are manual and battery powered models. The reasons are pretty simple – they are easy to carry around, and there aren’t any cords and cables that could get in your way.
Top Rated Staple Guns from Each Category
Dewalt DWHTTR350 – Best Manual Staple Gun
As far as the manual guns go, the Dewalt DWHTTTR350 is one of the best. It performs well, and it offers a safe way of tackling some minor DIY tasks. Although it is considered a heavy-duty tool, you might want to look around if you’re preparing for a massive project. However, it’s an ideal solution for minor fixes and repairs around the house.
When it comes to the design, it’s pretty neat. The main advantage of its design is the durability. While some people aren’t satisfied with the plastic-looking design, you can rest assured that it’s sturdy enough to withstand quite a beating because the components underneath the plastic covers are made of aluminum. As you may know, aluminum is one of the go-to metals because of its light weight and reliability.
One of the things you might not like is the stiffness of the lever. In other words, this model does require a firm grip. Some people find it annoying, especially if you’re planning to tackle a larger project. Getting fatigued after a couple of hours is pretty common. Apart from that, there are no other major drawbacks.
As far as the advantages go, there are many. The first one is the fact that you can use almost any 18-gauge staples and nails. Therefore, the cartridges are pretty accessible and also quite affordable. Furthermore, reliability and durability are Dewalt DWHTTR350’s middle name. You don’t have to worry about sudden malfunctions and unpleasant surprises; it performs as advertised.
As you can see, heavy-duty tasks and large projects don’t pose a threat to this particular model. In fact, it’s perfectly capable of tackling any major task without many issues whatsoever. However, all goods come with a price. This particular model has a somewhat premium price, especially when compared to other manual guns on the market. But, the excellent performance and flawless design justify the higher price.
If you’re looking for a decent tool for your everyday tasks, be sure to check this one out. It’s reliable, affordable, durable, and most importantly – easy to use.
Our Rating: 4.4
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Stanley TRE550Z – Best Electric Staple Gun
Our Rating: 3.9
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
When it comes to sheer power and effectiveness, the Stanley TRE550Z is one of the best on the market. This electric nail gun is perfect for heavy-duty DIY projects, upholstery, and most of your small repairs around the house. It features a dual power level which allows you to fine-tune the device according to the material you’re dealing with.
One of the main trumps of this particular model is the ease of use. While many people feel pretty reluctant when it comes to using electricity-powered tools, this one doesn’t require any previous experience or knowledge. As long as you follow the rules and use it in a proper manner, there shouldn’t be any problems whatsoever. The power cord is eight feet long, which is okay but not impressive, to say the least. In fact, you will probably have to use an extension cord most of the time.
This model uses Stanley Sharpshooter TRA700 Series or Arrow T-50 heavy duty staples and 1/2-, 9/16- and 5/8-inch brads. Luckily, these are all accessible and affordable, and you won’t have any budget issues. Speaking of budget, the price of this staple gun is a pleasant surprise. Considering the quality of it, and excellent performance, the price is more than acceptable. One of the most important things for any quality tool is its affordability and whether or not it’s budget-friendly.
Electric models often have jamming problems, and that’s one of the main reasons why people avoid investing in them. However, the Stanley TRE550Z features a Quick-jam-clear mechanism which saves a lot of time and nerves. The design is quite innovative and efficient. The model has a Flush-nose design which proved to be the most effective one when it comes to stapling in tight spots. It also has a low-brad window which is responsible for notifying you when it’s time to reload.
When it comes to disadvantages, there are a couple of them. Although most of them aren’t crucial and game-changing, they are still worth mentioning so that you know what to expect if you opt for this particular model. First of all, some people reported that it isn’t suitable for dense and heavy wood. Therefore, if you’re planning to do some upholstery on antique furniture, it’s probably a good idea to look for something with more power.
Stanley TRE550Z – Best Electric Staple Gun
Our Rating: 3.9
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
When it comes to sheer power and effectiveness, the Stanley TRE550Z is one of the best on the market. This electric nail gun is perfect for heavy-duty DIY projects, upholstery, and most of your small repairs around the house. It features a dual power level which allows you to fine-tune the device according to the material you’re dealing with.
One of the main trumps of this particular model is the ease of use. While many people feel pretty reluctant when it comes to using electricity-powered tools, this one doesn’t require any previous experience or knowledge. As long as you follow the rules and use it in a proper manner, there shouldn’t be any problems whatsoever. The power cord is eight feet long, which is okay but not impressive, to say the least. In fact, you will probably have to use an extension cord most of the time.
This model uses Stanley Sharpshooter TRA700 Series or Arrow T-50 heavy duty staples and 1/2-, 9/16- and 5/8-inch brads. Luckily, these are all accessible and affordable, and you won’t have any budget issues. Speaking of budget, the price of this staple gun is a pleasant surprise. Considering the quality of it, and excellent performance, the price is more than acceptable. One of the most important things for any quality tool is its affordability and whether or not it’s budget-friendly.
Electric models often have jamming problems, and that’s one of the main reasons why people avoid investing in them. However, the Stanley TRE550Z features a Quick-jam-clear mechanism which saves a lot of time and nerves. The design is quite innovative and efficient. The model has a Flush-nose design which proved to be the most effective one when it comes to stapling in tight spots. It also has a low-brad window which is responsible for notifying you when it’s time to reload.
When it comes to disadvantages, there are a couple of them. Although most of them aren’t crucial and game-changing, they are still worth mentioning so that you know what to expect if you opt for this particular model. First of all, some people reported that it isn’t suitable for dense and heavy wood. Therefore, if you’re planning to do some upholstery on antique furniture, it’s probably a good idea to look for something with more power.
WEN 61720 3/4-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge – Best Pneumatic Staple Gun
When versatility comes in question, the WEN 61720 seems like the best solution. This pneumatic staple gun has everything you’ll ever need for your DIY projects. In fact, if you have any professional plans, this model will be your faithful servant. It’s made of lightweight aluminum combined with protective plastic parts. In other words, it’s quite durable, to say the least.
The vast array of auxiliary features makes it perfect for different kinds of tasks. Whether you’re planning to staple planks or heavier wood, the depth of penetration doesn’t suffer at all. You can also customize the depth by fine-tuning the adjustment wheel. The quick release magazine ensures a flawless flow of staples. Jamming isn’t a frequent occurrence with this model, but when it happens, all you have to do to clear jams is use the quick release mechanism. It saves a lot of time and effort.
The exhaust port lets you control the direction of the outputted air. It means that you have full control over the air flow, which is one of the important stuff when it comes to the usefulness of pneumatic guns. Safety is also on a pretty high level. The WEN 61720 features a contact trip which is responsible for maximizing safety and minimizing misfires. The magazine holds up to a hundred nails ranging from ¾ to 2 inches.
The thing you might not like about this particular gun is the absence of brand. Because it’s not a well-known brand, people usually avoid buying these no-name products. The warranty conditions aren’t exactly ideal, and the quality control is questionable. Many people have reported that they received faulty products thanks to the poor quality check. Therefore, there is some risk of getting a broken model, but replacing it shouldn’t be a big deal. However, it does take some time to get a new one, and it’s also a pretty unpleasant situation in the first place. Occasional misfires are also possible, but the quick release mechanism solves the problem within seconds.
The price is great, but you’ll get what you paid for. You shouldn’t expect miracles from this model, but it offers more than enough efficiency for occasional DIY projects.
Our Rating: 4.7
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Porter-Cable US58 – Best Upholstery Staple Gun
Our Rating: 4.8
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Upholstery is a pretty tough and complicated job, especially if you don’t have the required tools. However, the Porter-Cable US58 poses a great solution for all your upholstery troubles. People are usually quite reluctant when an upholstery project hits them because most guns don’t offer enough power or quality. A vast majority of these guns are either too cumbersome or heavy.
The lightweight design is what makes this particular model worth checking out. It’s also quite small and very easy to use. In fact, you don’t need any previous experience or knowledge to operate this particular gun. As long as you follow the rules written in the user manual, you should be fine. The Porter-Cable US58 uses air to operate, which is one of the ideal power sources in the world of staple guns.
The main advantage of this model is its light weight. Instead of carrying a heavy gun around while you’re reupholstering your furniture, you have the opportunity to opt for this particular one which weighs only around 2 pounds. People who work with these tools on a daily basis greatly appreciate the lack of weight which consequently leads to lack of fatigue. Therefore, you can do more and cover more projects without feeling fatigued.
As far as the shortcomings go, there are few of them. The first thing you’ll notice is somewhat frequent misfiring. In all honesty, it’s a pretty significant downside because it has nothing to do with personal preferences but with the overall quality of production. Prompted, it’s not a high-end product per se, but misfires should be handled by the company as soon as possible. Other than that, the only thing that could bother you is the fact that it doesn’t come with any staples included. Although, when you buy a wallet, does it come with money?
The price is not as impressive as it is with other models on our list. This particular one has a hefty price, but it’s worth every penny. It’s a reliable tool (despite the occasional misfires), and it’s quite straightforward. The safety is on a good level, so you don’t have to worry about hurting yourself.
Porter-Cable US58 – Best Upholstery Staple Gun
Our Rating: 4.8
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Upholstery is a pretty tough and complicated job, especially if you don’t have the required tools. However, the Porter-Cable US58 poses a great solution for all your upholstery troubles. People are usually quite reluctant when an upholstery project hits them because most guns don’t offer enough power or quality. A vast majority of these guns are either too cumbersome or heavy.
The lightweight design is what makes this particular model worth checking out. It’s also quite small and very easy to use. In fact, you don’t need any previous experience or knowledge to operate this particular gun. As long as you follow the rules written in the user manual, you should be fine. The Porter-Cable US58 uses air to operate, which is one of the ideal power sources in the world of staple guns.
The main advantage of this model is its light weight. Instead of carrying a heavy gun around while you’re reupholstering your furniture, you have the opportunity to opt for this particular one which weighs only around 2 pounds. People who work with these tools on a daily basis greatly appreciate the lack of weight which consequently leads to lack of fatigue. Therefore, you can do more and cover more projects without feeling fatigued.
As far as the shortcomings go, there are few of them. The first thing you’ll notice is somewhat frequent misfiring. In all honesty, it’s a pretty significant downside because it has nothing to do with personal preferences but with the overall quality of production. Prompted, it’s not a high-end product per se, but misfires should be handled by the company as soon as possible. Other than that, the only thing that could bother you is the fact that it doesn’t come with any staples included. Although, when you buy a wallet, does it come with money?
The price is not as impressive as it is with other models on our list. This particular one has a hefty price, but it’s worth every penny. It’s a reliable tool (despite the occasional misfires), and it’s quite straightforward. The safety is on a good level, so you don’t have to worry about hurting yourself.
Finding the Best Staple Gun – Buying Guide
A vast variety of factors is included if you want to find the perfect stapler for your projects. You have to pay attention to many elements so that you don’t end up with a tool you don’t want or need. Therefore, take a look at these tips and try implementing them when you decide to make a purchase.
Different Types of Staplers
Manual
As you may know, manual staple guns are the most wide-spread ones. Almost every household has one because it’s such a useful and versatile tool. However, there are some things you need to think about before purchasing a new one for your projects.
First of all, check out the weight of the product. If it seems too heavy, don’t buy it. The reason is pretty simple – you’ll get tired quickly, especially if you decide to tackle a large project. Lightweight units are your safest bet.
The second thing you should consider is safety. Check and research the safety aspect of the product you’re considering to buy. If the manufacturer doesn’t point out exactly how safe is it and which safety regulations were used, it would be a good idea to skip that particular model.
The amount of power used to operate the lever is also one of the crucial things to look for. If it’s a stiff lever, you’ll probably have to invest some raw muscle power in order to operate the unit. Consequently, it all comes down to fatigue once again. If you’re handling smaller projects, it shouldn’t be an issue to have a bit stiffer lever. However, large projects require soft and straightforward units because you don’t want to take a break every 15 minutes due to fatigue and muscle pain.
Therefore, look for light, affordable, safe, and reliable models. There are hundreds of them available on the market, but only a few are worth investing in. Take a look at our reviews, and you’ll find one that’s worth checking out.
Electric
When electricity is involved, the first thing you should think about is safety. In fact, it’s the most important aspect of every electric nail gun. Safety first, then everything else.
One of the greatest advantages of electric units is the fact that you don’t have to use any force to operate it. Whether it’s battery-powered or corded, the amount of invested effort stays the same. When it comes to choosing between cords and batteries, it’s an arbitrary step. However, both of these types have their advantages and shortcomings. The obvious one when it comes to battery-powered units is the fact that you won’t have issues with tangling up the cord, tripping over, and so on. On the other hand, batteries need to be recharged, while corded units don’t.
As you can see, the paramount thing you should think about when buying an electric model is how to eliminate the chance of injury. Furthermore, if you have a big working space, you should consider using an extension cord. Keep in mind that you need to buy a high-end extension cord to eliminate the chance of a shock which requires more investment and money.
Apart from the power source, the main difference between these models and manual ones is that these are able to tackle massive projects while manual units can’t. Therefore, if you’re planning on having a large DIY project, consider buying an electric unit instead of a manual one. You’ll avoid fatigue, stress, and you’ll save a lot of time.
Pneumatic
Pneumatic units require some previous experience and knowledge. Therefore, if you’re a beginner, make sure you follow some of the basic rules when it comes to handling these tools.
When it comes to this type, the price determines the overall quality of a unit. In simpler words, you get what you paid for most of the time. As you can assume, cheap units aren’t a good solution, especially if you’re investing in the long run. These tools should last for years, even decades, and once you make a purchase, you shouldn’t think about it for at least a couple of years.
Finding a suitable model shouldn’t be a tough task, especially if you check our reviews out. We’ve covered some of the best nail guns on the market; it’s up to you to choose the one you find interesting. Before investing in a pneumatic gun, make sure you have the right compressor for it. Obviously, if you mess this step up, you’ll end up with a useless tool in your hands. In fact, you’ll end up with two useless tools because you won’t be able to utilize the compressor.
Because these are heavy-duty tools, make sure the warranty conditions are favorable. Many companies tend to issue pretty unfavorable warranty conditions without pointing that out. It doesn’t mean these things break frequently, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
One last thing you should look for is the safety regulations. Because pneumatic guns use high velocity to deliver the projectile, the safety regulations are of utmost importance. Don’t forget to use gloves and goggles which should be your primary safety equipment in the first place.
Upholstery
The depth of penetration is the main factor you should look for in upholstery models. Whether you’re working with soft or hard wood, an upholstery gun should be able to penetrate it as deep as possible.
The weight is also one of the crucial things when it comes to upholstery models. Because reupholstering furniture does require quite some time, choosing lightweight models is the safest bet. Anything above 2.5 pounds should be considered heavy and avoided. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if the penetration depth of a particular model suits your needs but it seems a bit heavy, don’t hesitate to purchase it. It’s always better to invest in performance than in personal preferences. In the end, the ideal solution would be the compromised combination of these two elements.
Most upholstery models use air as a power source. As you can assume, you’ll also need an air compressor to be able to operate these units. Take special care when ordering a unit to its output valve, because if it doesn’t fit your compressor, then everything was in vain. You’ll end up with a tool that can’t work because it has no power source.
Your budget is the thing that’s ultimately going to decide what model you’re going to buy. Don’t hesitate to invest a bit more in some high-end models because it’s going to pay out relatively quickly. Spending money on units that are of questionable quality means a certain loss, there is no alternative.
Thing to Consider When Choosing the Best Product
There are a few things you should consider before finding the best product for yourself. Apart from some obvious factors you should pay attention to, there are some that are less known. Take a moment and read this article so that you can get an insight into the elements that are mandatory if you want a quality and reliable tool.
Source of power
As we already said, there are three main sources of power for these tools – manual, electricity, and air. Choosing the right one depends on the size of the projects you’re planning to do. If you’re just a DIY enthusiast with a few small-sized projects on your mind, manual and electric models are probably your safest bet. On the other hand, large projects require more power and consistency which can be achieved with air-powered units.
Manual units are the cheapest ones, but also the most underwhelming category, especially if you’re prone to fatigue. It takes some power and effort to operate the manual units, and not all people are able to fulfill those conditions. Those people should opt for electric models. Air power is the ultimate one. You can tackle a vast majority of your projects with an air-powered gun. However, this type is the most expensive as well as the most complex one. It requires some experience, knowledge, and most importantly – safety awareness.
Look for well-respected brands
The market is filled with hundreds of staple guns, and most companies claim that theirs are the best. However, there’s always more than it meets the eye. Make sure that you conduct a thorough research about a particular company before opting for their product. Most of them lure buyers by offering lower prices than their competitors. Therefore, if you stumble upon a cheap model which seems pretty good – it probably isn’t, and you should avoid it.
There is more harm than good in cheap models. While some of them may operate for six months or a year, it’s simply not worth the hassle. High-end models have excellent warranty conditions and can last up to a decade. Use that information as your starting point when choosing the best one for your money.
Customer support is also quite important. Well-respected companies are always ready to help you by offering a few alternatives via their polite staff. The ones you should avoid are the ones that don’t answer your questions promptly.
Important Features to Look for
When Buying a Staple Gun
There are a couple of important features you should pay attention to when buying a gun. Most people don’t know about these parameters, and a vast majority of them end up with a tool that doesn’t meet their requirements. To avoid such scenario, read this article, and you’ll get a good insight about what features to look for in these tools.
Anti-jamming mechanisms
Jamming is a pretty frequent occurrence with staple guns. However, many companies integrate useful anti-jamming mechanisms which alleviate the hassle. Even though most of these units do feature these mechanisms, they are not of same quality. Therefore, a quality anti-jamming mechanism is one of the most important features you should look for when purchasing a nail gun.
The easiest way you can evaluate whether it’s a good system is by reading some of the customer reviews. You can rest assured that people will indeed point out a gun’s inability to cope with frequent jamming as it’s one of the most frequent problems of these tools in the first place.
Nail depth adjustments
Even though it sound pretty irrelevant, especially if you’re a DIY enthusiast, the ability to adjust the depth penetration is quite important. Setting up the appropriate depth can make or break a project, especially if you’re dealing with upholstery. The inconsistent penetration can damage the material; break the wood and more.
Many guns offer various adjustments, but it’s all about the precision. There is no use in having a rotating knob on your gun if it doesn’t work properly. Some of the cheaper models have a serious problem with precision and adjustments, so keep an eye on that.
Nail size adjustments
Many models use only one or two nail sizes, and that can be quite a burden if you’re planning to use your new tool for years. If you think you’ll be using multiple nail sizes, the best thing you can do is look for models that accept a vast range of sizes. You can ignore and avoid this step if you’re looking to get a tool for an occasional DIY adventure, but if you’re a professional, make sure to aim for the models that offer some versatility.
The Swivel Tube
This step applies only for air-powered guns. It’s a handy part because it prevents tangling and issues with the connector and tubes. Also, you can handle the tough-to-reach spots much easier if you have a swivel tube installed onto the unit.
Nail Gun Injury Prevention – Safety First
While they are pretty handy and useful tools, nail guns can also be quite dangerous and cause severe injuries. According to some reports, over 40 thousand people end up in the emergency room due to injuries caused by these units. To avoid the visit to the hospital, read this article, and you should get a general idea of what not to do when you’re around these tools, and how to handle them properly.
Frequent factors that cause nail injuries
Some of the most frequent factors are:
- Ignoring safety systems
- An incomplete (faulty) gun
- Surprisingly high penetration
- Bad positioning
- Ricochet
- Unintended nail discharge
What can I do to avoid these?
Knowing there is risk involved is not enough, you need to know how to avoid getting into trouble. We have covered a few tips on how to safely operate these tools.
Understand your gun
Knowing exactly which safety mechanisms are in question is mandatory. When you decide to invest in a staple gun, make sure you cover the safety aspects first. Trigger mechanisms are also a big part of safety awareness. For example, if you think you’re using a sequential trigger instead of a contact one, the consequences can be quite painful.
Always think about your hands
Whether you’re wearing gloves or not, you have to be aware of your hand placement. Some models have a surprisingly high penetration which is good for the most part unless you’re holding your hand directly under a piece of wood. In simpler words, if you misjudge the penetration and length of the nail, you can easily pierce right through the palm of your hand in an instant. As you may assume, it’s not a pleasant situation whatsoever, especially if there’s rust involved.
Danger of ricochet
Some surfaces cannot be pierced by conventional nails, and that leads to ricochet. A nail can bounce of a particular surface and hit you. If you’re dealing with a high-powered pneumatic or electric gun, that nail travels pretty fast meaning it’s going to pierce through your skin like a hot knife through butter.
Always make sure you have the right nails for the surface you’re working on. Also, the output power of your gun plays a significant role in the equation.
Wear safety equipment at all times
We all know that most people don’t want to hassle with goggles, gloves, and other safety equipment. However, it can sometimes make a difference between life and death, especially when high-powered guns are in question.
ALWAYS wear safety equipment, and you won’t have to worry about possible outcomes because you’ll always be safe. Remember, even people who do wear safety at all times have experienced various incidents with nail guns but had less chance of injuring themselves.
Make sure you hit the surface you’re aiming for
Missing the surface turns the nail into a dangerous projectile that can end up in someone’s body. Before squeezing the trigger, always make sure you’re aiming at the right point.
Some other important tips
Don’t let children use these tools. No matter how skilled and proficient you are, a child can easily mishandle the gun and cause severe injuries to themselves. Children are usually quite curious; therefore, keep your tool in a safe and hard-to-reach place for the sake of safety.
Don’t modify your gun. A lot of mechanics, engineers, and repairmen think they are going to make the gun perform better by modifying or bypassing safety features. The safety features are there for a reason, don’t touch them.
Do not point the gun in the direction of other people, especially if it’s loaded and plugged in. As we already said, misfires are possible, and you don’t want your gun to misfire in a wrong direction. Just like with firearms, don’t play with the odds, it’s not worth it.
If jamming occurs, separate the gun from its power source before handling the issue. It takes only a few seconds, and it can save your life. Never squeeze the trigger while the gun isn’t pressed against the surface.
The conclusion
In a world that’s filled with all kinds of staple guns, it’s quite hard to find the best one for your needs. However, we’ve covered some of the best on the market so that you can make the right choice without much hassle. Take a look at our reviews, and you should be able to pinpoint the one that seems appropriate.
All of these models have a few things in common. They are all affordable, reliable, durable, and most importantly – safe to handle. Don’t hesitate to invest a bit of money in these tools because they are all going to pay themselves out in the long run. Cheap models last up to a year while these can last up to a decade. The math is pretty simple – go with these.
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