Air Staple Guns

About Air Staple Guns

Air staple guns are powerful pneumatic fastening tools designed to drive staples quickly and efficiently into a wide range of materials. Powered by compressed air rather than electricity or batteries, these professional-grade tools deliver consistent driving force throughout the working day, making them ideal for high-volume applications where speed and reliability are essential. Whether you're fitting upholstery, installing insulation, constructing wooden frames, or securing roofing felt, air staple guns offer the power and precision demanded by professional tradespeople.

Our comprehensive range includes narrow crown staplers from leading manufacturers such as DeWalt, Makita, Bostitch, and Rapid, alongside versatile 2-in-1 models that can drive both staples and brad nails. These tools typically accommodate various staple sizes, with many models handling fasteners from 10mm up to 38mm in length. The pneumatic operation eliminates the weight and bulk of batteries, resulting in lighter, better-balanced tools that reduce operator fatigue during extended use on site.

Air staple guns connect to standard workshop air compressors via quick-release fittings, with most models operating efficiently at pressures between 4-8 bar. They feature adjustable depth settings for precise fastener placement, tool-free jam clearing mechanisms, and safety triggers to prevent accidental discharge. Professional models from brands like Sealey and Tacwise incorporate rubber grip handles, 360-degree exhaust deflectors, and sequential firing modes for enhanced control and comfort during demanding applications.

Jargon Buster

Narrow Crown Staples

Staples with a narrow crown width (typically 10-12mm) that leave minimal visual impact on the work surface, making them ideal for finish carpentry, trim work, and cabinetry where appearance matters.

Sequential Firing Mode

A safety feature requiring the trigger to be released and pressed again for each staple fired, providing greater control and preventing accidental multiple fastener discharge.

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)

The volume of air required by the tool to operate effectively. Air staple guns typically need an air compressor capable of delivering 2-4 CFM to maintain optimal performance.

Gauge

The thickness measurement of the staple wire; lower gauge numbers indicate thicker, stronger staples. Common gauges for air staplers include 16-gauge and 18-gauge staples.

Dry Fire Lockout

A mechanism that prevents the tool from firing when the magazine is empty, protecting the driver blade from damage and extending tool life.

Contact Trip Safety

A nose-mounted safety device that must be pressed against the work surface before the trigger can activate the firing mechanism, preventing accidental discharge.

Who Uses Air Staple Guns?

• Carpenters and Joiners – For securing trim, mouldings, drawer bottoms, and assembling furniture components
• Upholsterers – Attaching fabric to furniture frames, fitting webbing, and securing foam padding
• Roofers – Installing roofing felt, breathable membranes, and securing insulation materials
• Shopfitters – Fitting display panels, backboards, and decorative trim work in retail environments
• Picture Framers – Assembling wooden frames and securing backing boards with minimal surface marking
• Fencers and Landscapers – Attaching mesh, wire, and fabric materials to wooden posts and frames
• Insulation Installers – Fixing insulation board, vapour barriers, and membrane materials to studwork
• Cabinet Makers – Assembling drawer boxes, fitting back panels, and attaching decorative trim
• Boat Builders – Securing upholstery, carpeting, and trim in marine environments
• Professional Decorators – Fixing fabric wall coverings and securing trim elements

How to Choose the Right Air Staple Guns

Staple Size Compatibility: Consider the range of staple lengths you'll need for your typical applications. Most air staplers accommodate staples from 10mm to 38mm, but verify the specific range matches your requirements. Narrow crown staplers (6-12mm crown width) are ideal for finish work, whilst wider crowns provide greater holding power for structural applications.

Operating Pressure and Air Consumption: Check your existing air compressor's specifications against the tool's requirements. Most air staple guns operate between 4-8 bar and consume 1-3 CFM per shot. Ensure your compressor can maintain adequate pressure during sustained use to prevent performance drops and incomplete staple driving.

Magazine Capacity: Larger magazine capacities reduce reloading frequency on high-volume jobs. Professional models typically hold 80-120 staples, striking a balance between capacity and tool weight. Look for tools with clear magazine windows for easy monitoring of fastener levels.

2-in-1 Versatility: Models like the DeWalt DPSB2IN1 accept both staples and brad nails, offering excellent value if your work involves varied fastening tasks. These versatile tools eliminate the need to switch between separate staplers and nailers, saving time and reducing tool investment.

Weight and Ergonomics: Air tools are generally lighter than cordless alternatives, but weight still varies between models. Consider tools with rubberised grips, well-balanced designs, and adjustable exhaust deflectors to minimise fatigue during extended use. Professional brands like Makita and Bostitch incorporate excellent ergonomic features in their designs.

Depth Adjustment: Tool-free depth adjustment allows quick adaptation between different materials and applications without requiring additional tools. This feature is particularly valuable when working with varied substrate thicknesses throughout the day.

Jam Clearing Mechanism: Choose models with quick-release nose sections or tool-free jam clearing for minimal downtime. Brands like Rapid and Tacwise incorporate efficient jam-clearing systems that keep you productive on site.

Popular Accessories

• Air Compressors – Essential power source; select models with adequate tank capacity and CFM rating for sustained stapler operation
• Air Hoses – Quality reinforced hoses in various lengths (10m, 15m, 20m) with quick-release fittings for easy connection
• Narrow Crown Staples – Available in various lengths (10mm-38mm) and gauges; stock multiple sizes for different applications
• Brad Nails – For 2-in-1 models; complement stapling capability with fine finishing nail options
• Air Tool Oil – Regular lubrication maintains performance and extends tool life; apply daily for optimal operation
• Inline Air Filters and Regulators – Remove moisture and contaminants whilst maintaining consistent operating pressure
• Quick-Release Couplings – Enable rapid tool changes and secure, leak-free connections
• Safety Glasses – Essential eye protection when operating pneumatic fastening tools
• Tool Carrying Cases – Protect your investment and keep accessories organised during transport
• Spare Nose Pieces – Replacement parts for commonly worn components ensure minimal downtime

Safety Information

Air staple guns are powerful tools that demand respect and proper handling. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment including safety glasses or goggles to protect against flying debris and misfired fasteners. Ensure hearing protection is worn during extended use, as pneumatic tools can generate significant noise levels.

Before connecting to your air supply, check that the operating pressure matches the tool's specifications – excessive pressure can cause dangerous misfires or tool damage. Never point the tool at yourself or others, and always disconnect the air supply before performing maintenance, clearing jams, or loading staples. Keep your free hand well clear of the tool's discharge area, and maintain a firm grip with proper hand positioning throughout operation.

Comply with HSE guidelines for pneumatic tool operation, including proper training for all users. Inspect air hoses regularly for damage, wear, or leaks, and ensure all connections are secure before use. Be aware that some compressed air contains moisture and contaminants that can affect tool performance and longevity – use inline filters and regular tool oil as recommended by the manufacturer.

When working at height or on scaffolding, secure the air hose to prevent tripping hazards and use appropriate fall protection equipment. Store air staple guns in their cases when not in use, with the air supply disconnected and the magazine emptied. Familiarise yourself with the specific safety features of your model, including contact trip mechanisms and sequential firing modes designed to prevent accidental discharge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size air compressor do I need for an air staple gun?

Most air staple guns require a compressor capable of delivering 2-4 CFM at 90 PSI (approximately 6 bar). A 24-litre or larger tank capacity is recommended for sustained use. For occasional DIY work, a smaller portable compressor may suffice, but professional tradespeople typically benefit from 50-litre or larger models that maintain consistent pressure during high-volume applications.

Can I use any brand of staples in my air staple gun?

Whilst many staples are interchangeable, it's important to verify compatibility with your specific model. Check the staple gauge (wire thickness), crown width, and length range specified by the manufacturer. Using incorrect staples can cause jamming, poor fastener seating, or tool damage. Quality brands like Rapid, Tacwise, and Arrow produce staples compatible with most professional air staplers.

How often should I oil my pneumatic staple gun?

Add 3-5 drops of pneumatic tool oil into the air inlet before each day's use, or after every 2-3 hours of continuous operation. This lubrication is essential for maintaining internal seals, preventing corrosion, and ensuring smooth operation. Alternatively, install an inline oiler in your air supply system for automatic lubrication with every tool use.

What's the difference between narrow crown and wide crown staplers?

Narrow crown staplers (typically 6-12mm crown width) leave a smaller footprint and are preferred for finish carpentry, trim work, and applications where appearance matters. Wide crown staplers (12mm and above) provide greater holding power and are better suited to structural applications, insulation installation, and situations requiring maximum grip strength in the material.

Why won't my air stapler drive staples fully into the material?

Incomplete staple driving usually indicates insufficient air pressure, a depleted compressor tank, or incorrect depth adjustment. Verify your compressor is delivering adequate pressure (typically 4-8 bar) and that the tank isn't running low. Adjust the depth setting deeper, and ensure you're using the correct staple length for your material thickness. Regular tool maintenance and lubrication also helps maintain consistent driving power.