Press Point Staples

About Press Point Staples

Press point staples, also known as netting staples or fencing staples, are specialised U-shaped fasteners designed for securing wire mesh, netting, and fencing materials to wooden posts and rails. Unlike conventional staples used in offices or upholstery, press point staples feature extra-sharp points that allow them to be driven into timber with minimal effort, making them essential fasteners for outdoor fencing and agricultural applications. The distinctive design includes two parallel legs with pointed ends that penetrate wood fibres cleanly, creating a secure hold that can withstand the constant tension exerted by wire and netting materials.

Most press point staples available from Tooled-Up.com are manufactured from galvanised steel, providing essential protection against the elements. This zinc coating creates a robust barrier against moisture, preventing rust and corrosion that would otherwise compromise the integrity of outdoor installations. The galvanisation process ensures these staples maintain their strength and holding power even when exposed to rain, frost, and humidity, making them suitable for long-term exterior use in British weather conditions.

Press point staples come in various sizes to accommodate different wire gauges and fencing types, from lightweight garden netting through to heavy-duty agricultural fencing and security mesh. The staple dimensions are typically measured by leg length and opening width, allowing professionals and DIY enthusiasts to select the appropriate size for their specific application. Whether installing rabbit-proof garden boundaries, securing chicken wire around coops, or constructing perimeter fencing for larger properties, choosing the correct staple size ensures optimal holding power and installation longevity.

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• Galvanised Coating: A protective zinc layer applied to steel staples through hot-dip galvanisation or electro-galvanisation, preventing rust and corrosion when exposed to outdoor elements.
• Leg Length: The measurement from the crown (top of the staple) to the pointed tip, determining how deeply the staple penetrates into timber and how much material it can secure.
• Crown Width: The distance between the two legs of the staple, which must be wide enough to accommodate the wire or netting being secured without crushing or damaging it.
• Wire Gauge: A numerical measurement indicating the diameter of fencing wire, with lower numbers representing thicker wire that requires stronger, wider staples for secure fastening.
• Sharp Point: The precisely manufactured tip of each staple leg, designed to penetrate wood fibres cleanly without splitting the timber or requiring pre-drilling.
• Netting Staples: An alternative name for press point staples, reflecting their primary application in securing various types of wire mesh and netting materials.

Who Uses Press Point Staples?

Press point staples are essential fasteners for a diverse range of trades and applications:

• Fencing Contractors: Professional installers use press point staples extensively for securing stock fencing, chain-link mesh, and agricultural wire to timber posts and rails.
• Groundskeepers and Estate Managers: Maintain boundary fences, secure tree guards, and install protective netting around sensitive landscaping areas.
• Agricultural Workers and Farmers: Essential for installing and repairing field fencing, livestock enclosures, chicken coops, and rabbit-proof garden boundaries.
• Landscapers: Use these staples when installing garden features, securing erosion control mesh, and creating planted barriers with wire support systems.
• Groundworkers: Deploy press point staples for temporary and permanent fencing during construction projects and site perimeter security.
• DIY Enthusiasts and Homeowners: Regular users for garden projects including pet enclosures, vegetable plot protection, trellis installation, and general property maintenance.
• Gamekeepers and Wildlife Managers: Install protective fencing around woodland areas, secure game bird enclosures, and maintain deer fencing.

How to Choose the Right Press Point Staples

Selecting appropriate press point staples requires consideration of several critical factors to ensure secure, long-lasting installations:

Wire or Netting Thickness: Match the staple crown width to the gauge of wire you're securing. Lightweight garden netting requires narrow staples around 20-25mm wide, whilst heavy-duty stock fencing needs wider staples of 30-40mm to accommodate thicker wire without crushing or deformation.

Post Material and Condition: Consider the type and age of timber you're fastening into. Hardwood posts require extra-sharp points, whilst softwood or weathered timber accepts staples more readily. For very hard woods, slightly shorter staples reduce the risk of bending during installation.

Leg Length Selection: Choose leg length based on the timber thickness and the holding power required. Standard lengths range from 25mm to 50mm, with longer staples providing superior grip in thicker posts but requiring more driving force. Ensure at least 20mm of leg penetration into solid timber for adequate holding power.

Galvanisation Quality: For exterior applications lasting multiple years, hot-dip galvanised staples offer superior corrosion protection compared to electroplated alternatives. Tooled-Up stocks quality galvanised options from trusted brands like Forgefix, ensuring professional-grade durability for demanding outdoor environments.

Application Environment: Coastal locations or areas with high rainfall require staples with enhanced corrosion resistance. Some applications in permanently damp conditions may benefit from stainless steel alternatives, though galvanised steel suffices for most UK outdoor installations.

Quantity Requirements: Calculate the number of staples needed before starting your project. Fencing typically requires one staple every 150-200mm along horizontal wires, with additional staples at corners and tension points. Purchasing in bulk packs proves more economical for larger fencing projects.

Popular Accessories

Several complementary products enhance the installation and longevity of fencing secured with press point staples:

• Fencing Hammers: Specialist hammers with magnetic heads for holding staples during positioning, speeding up installation and reducing thumb injuries.
• Claw Hammers: Essential for staple removal during repairs or fence modifications, with curved claws designed to extract bent or corroded fasteners.
• Wire Strainers and Tensioners: Ensure fencing wire is taut before stapling, preventing sagging and maximising the lifespan of your installation.
• Fencing Pliers: Multi-purpose tools for cutting wire, twisting tie wire, and extracting staples during maintenance work.
• Work Gloves: Heavy-duty gloves protect hands from sharp wire ends and prevent splinters when working with timber posts.
• Post Hole Diggers and Augers: Necessary groundwork tools for installing new fence posts before wire and netting can be secured with staples.
• Timber Treatment Products: Preservatives that extend post life, ensuring the timber remains sound enough to hold staples securely for years.
• Fence Wire and Netting: The primary materials secured by press point staples, available in various gauges and mesh sizes for different applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use press point staples with an electric or pneumatic staple gun?

No, press point staples are designed for manual installation using a hammer. They differ significantly in size and construction from the narrow-crown staples used in powered staplers. These robust fasteners require hand driving to ensure proper penetration depth and positioning around wire without damaging the material being secured.

How many press point staples do I need per fence post?

This depends on your fencing configuration, but as a general guide, use one staple every 150-200mm along each horizontal wire run. A typical five-strand wire fence on 2.4-metre post spacing requires approximately 25-30 staples per post. Stock up with extra staples from Tooled-Up for corners, gates, and tension points where additional fastening is necessary.

Will galvanised press point staples rust outdoors?

Quality galvanised staples resist rust and corrosion for many years in typical UK outdoor conditions. The zinc coating acts as both a barrier and sacrificial layer, protecting the steel beneath even if the surface is scratched during installation. Expect 10-15 years service life in normal conditions, with coastal or highly acidic environments potentially reducing this timeframe.

What's the best technique for driving press point staples without bending them?

Position the staple perpendicular to the wood grain and strike it squarely with firm, controlled hammer blows rather than excessive force. Support the wire or netting loosely within the staple—don't trap it tightly before driving, as this can cause bending. If staples consistently bend, you may be using staples with legs too long for your timber hardness, or striking at an angle rather than straight down.

Can press point staples be used on treated timber posts?

Yes, press point staples work excellently with pressure-treated timber commonly used for fence posts. The preservative treatment doesn't affect staple performance. Allow newly treated posts to dry for a few weeks before installation if possible, as extremely wet timber can be softer and provide less immediate holding power, though this improves as the timber seasons in position.