Staplers are used for quick fastening jobs. They can drive three or more staples in the time it takes to hammer one nail and can secure fabric, wire, carpet padding, ceiling tile, poster board, screening and weather stripping.
The trigger gun stapler is a manual spring-powered tool. It is gripped in one hand; the other hand is free to hold the work. Closing the hand compresses the trigger and activates a spring mechanism that drives the staple.
Trigger guns are available in heavy-duty and light-duty models. Heavy-duty staplers load five sizes of staples: 1/4-, 5/16-, 3/8-, 1/2- and 9/16-inch. Most models accept staples designed specifically for ceiling tile installation. Some companies make attachments that allow you to drive and set expansion rivets for sheet metal work.
Light-duty staple guns load 1/4-, 5/16- and 3/8-inch staples. Since the heavy-duty model handles more staple sizes, it might seem that there's no need for the light-duty. However, a heavy-duty gun can weigh almost twice as much as a light-duty model. It takes more muscle to squeeze the trigger of a heavy duty-gun regardless of staple size. (Some manufacturers offer a variable power feature to adjust spring tension for specific jobs.) It is less tiring to use a light-duty gun for big jobs requiring light tacking.
For extensive jobs that demand the power of a heavy-duty staple gun, you can use an electric staple gun. It does everything the hand model does, but faster and with less muscle fatigue. To prevent kickback, use one hand to grip the handle and squeeze the trigger; the other hand presses down on the housing.
When buying an electric gun, look for a safety switch that locks the trigger and prevents accidental firing. Cordless guns that use rechargeable batteries are available for work away from a convenient power source.
The hammer stapler is swung like a hammer. The momentum of the swing drives the staple home. It's difficult to control the swing, so it is not the tool for precise fastening. Since you need room to swing, it can't be used in tight spaces. It's ideal for quickly tacking down large materials like carpet padding or vapor barriers.
Light-duty hammer tackers can load 1/4-, 5/16- and 3/8-inch staples. Heavy-duty models can also load 1/2-inch staples, and an extra heavy duty tacker, used on roofing shingles, can drive a heavy gauge, 3/4-inch staple.
When buying a staple gun, be sure that the dealer stocks a variety of staples to fit your gun. Also, stay with the same brand when buying more than one model, because most manufacturers design staples to fit their guns only.
Never try to mount electrical wire with an ordinary staple. It could pierce the insulation and cause a short circuit. There are staple guns (such as Arrow Wiring Tacker) to drive special insulated staples.
When using a staple gun, position the work on a solid work surface. If the surface gives, the staple will not penetrate fully. On hard or dense material, use two hands, one pressing down on the gun, or switch to a shorter staple.