Staplers & Tackers

About Staplers & Tackers

Staplers and tackers are essential fastening tools used across countless applications, from upholstery and carpentry to insulation installation and cable management. Unlike desktop staplers designed for paper, professional staplers and tackers are robust tools built to drive heavy-duty staples into wood, plastic, fabric, and other materials. Available in manual, cordless, and pneumatic formats, these tools provide quick, reliable fastening without the need for hammers, nails, or screws. Whether you're a professional tradesperson working on site or a DIY enthusiast tackling home improvement projects, the right stapler or tacker can dramatically speed up your work whilst delivering secure, professional results.

The category encompasses several distinct types of tools, each suited to different tasks and materials. Hand-operated staple guns offer portability and simplicity for occasional use, whilst heavy-duty models provide the power needed for demanding applications like roofing felt, underlay, or hardwood fastening. Plier staplers excel at precision work in tight spaces, and specialist tackers designed for electrical cable routing or insulation work feature specific staple configurations. Tooled-Up.com stocks models from trusted manufacturers including Arrow, Rapid, DeWalt, and Bosch, ensuring tradespeople have access to reliable tools that can withstand the rigours of daily professional use.

Modern staplers and tackers have evolved significantly, incorporating features like jam-proof mechanisms, visual refill windows, adjustable depth settings, and quick-release magazine systems. Cordless battery-powered models eliminate the fatigue associated with manual operation whilst maintaining portability, making them ideal for extended projects or overhead work. Understanding the different types available and matching the tool to your specific application is key to achieving optimal results and maximising efficiency on the job.

Jargon Buster

• Crown Width: The measurement across the top of the staple. Narrow crown staples (typically 6mm or less) are less visible and ideal for fine work, whilst wide crown staples (12mm and above) provide greater holding power for heavy-duty applications.
• Leg Length: The depth of the staple measured from the crown to the points. Common sizes range from 6mm to 14mm, with longer legs required for thicker materials or when fastening through multiple layers.
• Contact Trip: A safety mechanism requiring the nose of the tool to be pressed firmly against the work surface before the trigger will fire a staple, preventing accidental discharge.
• Jam-Proof Mechanism: An internal design feature that prevents staples from jamming during operation, often incorporating a quick-release system for clearing any misfed fasteners.
• Plier Stapler: A hand-operated tool resembling pliers that's ideal for detailed work, allowing single-handed operation and precise staple placement in confined spaces.
• Cable Tacker: A specialised stapler designed to fasten cables and wires, featuring rounded or insulated staples that secure the cable without damaging the insulation.

Who Uses Staplers & Tackers?

Professional staplers and tackers are indispensable tools across numerous trades and industries:

• Upholsterers: For attaching fabric, webbing, and dust covers to furniture frames
• Carpenters and Joiners: Fixing underlay, insulation, dust sheets, and thin mouldings
• Electricians: Securing low-voltage cables and telephone wiring using insulated cable tackers
• Flooring Specialists: Installing carpet underlay and securing edge strips
• Roofers: Fastening roofing felt, breathable membranes, and sarking boards
• Insulation Installers: Securing vapour barriers, insulation batts, and reflective foil
• Shop Fitters: Attaching fabric backings, signage, and temporary fixtures
• Landscapers: Fixing weed control fabric, irrigation tubing, and greenhouse shading
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects including furniture restoration and craft work

How to Choose the Right Staplers & Tackers

Selecting the appropriate stapler or tacker depends on several critical factors that will determine performance and suitability for your specific applications:

Power Source: Manual hand tackers require physical effort but offer complete portability and no running costs. Cordless models powered by lithium-ion batteries (typically 3.6v to 18v) eliminate fatigue during extended use and are perfect for high-volume work. Pneumatic staplers deliver consistent power and rapid firing rates but require an air compressor, making them ideal for workshop environments.

Intended Application: Light-duty models suit occasional DIY use with thin fabrics and softwoods, whilst heavy-duty tackers handle demanding materials like hardwood, thick upholstery, and roofing felt. Specialist cable tackers feature rounded staples designed specifically for electrical work, and insulation tackers accommodate extra-wide staples for maximum holding power.

Staple Compatibility: Different tools accept specific staple types and sizes. Check the crown width and leg length ranges supported by each model. Popular formats include JT21 staples (light-duty), T50 staples (heavy-duty), and various cable staple configurations. The selection available at Tooled-Up includes models compatible with widely available staple types for easy restocking.

Build Quality and Features: All-steel construction ensures longevity in professional environments. Look for jam-proof mechanisms, visual refill windows to monitor staple levels, adjustable depth control for different materials, and ergonomic handles that reduce hand fatigue during extended use. Chrome finishes provide corrosion resistance for tools used in damp conditions.

Magazine Capacity: Larger magazines reduce downtime for reloading during big projects. Most hand tackers hold between 50-150 staples, whilst power models may accommodate full stick capacities of 100-200 fasteners.

Popular Accessories

Maximise the versatility and performance of your stapling equipment with these essential accessories:

• Staple Assortments: Multi-packs containing various leg lengths for different material thicknesses
• Replacement Staples: Compatible refills specific to your tool model, available in boxes of 1,000-5,000
• Cable Staples: Rounded or insulated varieties designed for electrical and telecommunications wiring
• Brad Nails: For combination staple/nail guns, offering an alternative fastening method
• Staple Removers: Specialist tools for extracting misfired or incorrectly placed staples without damaging materials
• Safety Glasses: Essential PPE to protect eyes from ricocheting staples or material fragments
• Work Gloves: Providing grip and hand protection during repetitive fastening operations
• Battery Packs: Spare rechargeable batteries for cordless models to ensure uninterrupted workflow
• Tool Cases: Organised storage solutions to protect your investment and keep staples accessible

Safety Information

Whilst staplers and tackers are relatively straightforward tools, proper safety practices are essential to prevent injury:

Always keep hands and body parts away from the firing end of the tool. Never point a loaded stapler at yourself or others, even when not actively using it. Most injuries occur through accidental discharge or ricocheting staples.

Wear appropriate PPE: Safety glasses or goggles are essential to protect against flying staples or material fragments. When working overhead, consider additional head protection. Gloves can improve grip whilst protecting hands from sharp staple points.

Check the work surface: Ensure there are no hidden obstacles like existing fasteners, pipes, or cables that could cause staples to ricochet. This is particularly important when working with reclaimed materials or during renovation projects.

Maintain your tools properly: Regularly inspect for worn parts, clean debris from the magazine, and ensure safety mechanisms function correctly. Never modify or disable safety features like contact trips. Store tools unloaded when not in use.

For cordless models: Follow manufacturer guidance on battery charging and storage. Remove batteries during maintenance or when transporting tools to prevent accidental activation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a stapler and a tacker?

The terms are often used interchangeably, though "tacker" traditionally refers to heavier-duty tools designed for construction and upholstery work, whilst "stapler" can describe both light-duty and professional models. Functionally, both drive staples into materials, with the distinction being more about application than mechanism.

How do I know which staple size to use?

The staple leg length should be approximately three times the thickness of the material you're fastening. For example, when attaching 3mm fabric, use 9-10mm staples. This ensures sufficient penetration into the base material for secure holding power. Always check your tool's compatibility range before purchasing staples.

Why does my stapler keep jamming?

Common causes include using incorrect or damaged staples, insufficient force (on manual models), or debris in the magazine. Ensure you're using the correct staple type for your model, that staples are loaded properly with legs pointing downward, and periodically clean the magazine channel. Quality staples from reputable manufacturers reduce jamming significantly.

Can I use a standard stapler for upholstery work?

Light-duty desktop staplers lack the power for upholstery applications. Professional upholstery requires dedicated hand tackers or powered staple guns that can drive longer, heavier-gauge staples through fabric and into hardwood frames. Models like the Arrow T50 or Rapid R23 are purpose-built for such demanding work.

Are cordless staplers worth the extra cost?

For professional tradespeople or extensive DIY projects, cordless models deliver significant benefits including reduced hand fatigue, consistent firing power, and increased productivity. The initial investment is quickly offset by time savings and reduced physical strain. For occasional light-duty use, a quality manual tacker may be more economical.