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Having a reliable and powerful staple gun in your tool collection can be helpful for rapidly attaching materials to your woodworking pieces. They’re fast and efficient and can make your projects much more manageable.
Choosing the best staple gun for your needs can be challenging because they come with different safety features, various power options that make them suitable for certain materials, and varying versatility based on the staples or nails they can drive.
We put together these reviews and a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you choose the staple gun that will serve you and your workshop best.
Best Staple Guns – Our Top Picks
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KeLDE Electric Staple Gun Kit
KeLDE excels at producing simple but effective tools for general use around the house, and that’s precisely what you’ll find in this tool.
It’s corded, which means you’ll have limited maneuverability while using it and will always need an outlet for use. However, the fact that it’s electric means you won’t need to create the driving force manually. You can fire a staple effortlessly by pulling the low-resistance trigger.
The primary grip is soft and comfortable to hold, and there’s a second grip for applying additional pressure to allow for proper driving.
This staple gun includes a locking mechanism to prevent accidental firing and keep you safe while the gun is in storage and between stapling.
It’s not powerful enough to drive into hardwood or other dense materials, but it’s our top pick for everyday household use and light-duty projects.
It’s capable of shooting 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm T50 staples, and it also accepts 15mm brad nails for added versatility. It includes a kit with 900 staples and 300 brad nails, so you won’t need to purchase anything additional to start using it.
The gun weighs just 2.01 pounds, making it effortless to hold and use on your workpieces.
Despite being lightweight, it feels durable and comes with a 12-month replacement warranty, so you can be confident that it will last through plenty of projects.
BOSTITCH T-6-8 Staple Gun
BOSTITCH makes tools that are typically on the higher and more powerful end of household use, which is what you can expect from this staple gun.
It’s a manual gun that uses a clamp to create the driving force, so it won’t be as convenient or effortless to use as an electric option. It is still relatively easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of strength to fire. It also has no power cord and can be easily maneuvered around your workshop or your home.
It’s lightweight at just 1 pound, but it’s still made of durable materials, including steel and high-quality rubber. It comes with a 7-year limited warranty, but even without the manufacturer’s guarantee, we’re confident it will last through many projects and some workshop abuse.
This staple gun can’t fire brad nails, and it only accepts STCR staples. You won’t be able to use this with standard T50s, and finding the correct staples may be challenging.
The grip is very comfortable and doesn’t slip at all during use, so you’ll be confident while using this gun.
Lastly, this creates enough driving force to fire into soft materials, but it isn’t suitable for hardwoods.
REXBETI Staple Gun
REXBETI makes tools that are ideal for heavier use around the house, so it’s no surprise that one of our favorite things about this staple gun is the great driving force behind it. It’s capable of firing into harder materials than most other guns.
It features an adjustment knob to let you dial in the driving force you want to put behind your staple or nail. This can make stapling into softer materials effortless, but it also enables you to ramp up the force for driving into hardwoods.
It’s a manual gun that weighs just 1.92 pounds, so you can comfortably transport it from workpiece to workpiece and use it freely without having to worry about a power source.
It’s one of the most versatile staple guns available and can drive 4mm-14mm D-type staples, 8-14mm U-type staples, as well as 8-12mm brad nails. You’ll be able to use this gun for many different projects and applications.
It doesn’t include a warranty, but it’s made out of durable steel and high-quality rubber, so we’re confident it will perform through countless projects.
Surebonder 9600B Pneumatic Heavy Duty Standard T50 Type Stapler
Surebonder makes tools that blur the line between household use and contractor use, so this is one of the best staple guns for driving force. It can easily fire into just about any material you’d want to staple, so softwoods, hardwoods, carpet pads, and furniture will be no match for this tool.
It’s a pneumatic tool, so you’ll need to connect it to an air compressor. A compressor is not included and is relatively expensive, so keep in mind that you’ll need additional equipment to use this staple gun. The compressor and the firing are both quite loud and will make far more noise than most other guns.
It’s relatively heavy at 3.14 pounds, but the trigger offers little resistance, so it will still be easy to use.
It can only fire T50 staples and lacks the versatility of other guns that can accept brad nails and different sized staples.
It doesn’t include a warranty, but it’s made of heavy-duty metal components and is likely to stand up to quite a bit of abuse.
WEN 61741 4-in-1 18-Gauge Pneumatic Flooring Nailer and Stapler
WEN makes budget tools that may not stand up to frequent use but still have good performance. As such, this nailer may be ideal for you if you’re a hobbyist or weekend warrior, and we think it’s the best pneumatic staple gun for the money.
It’s a pneumatic tool, so you must connect it to a compressor and an air hose, neither of which is included and will have to be purchased separately. However, compressed air does allow for a very high driving force with a minimal amount of effort. The trigger is easy to pull, and the tool lets the air do all of the work for you.
It has hard plastic, metal, and rubber components, so while it’s not the most durable gun, we do think it will last through many projects. It’s backed by a 2-year warranty as well, so you can be confident in your purchase that you’re getting a high-quality tool.
It’s relatively heavy at 3.3 pounds, but the easy-pull trigger makes it effortless to maneuver while you use it.
It can fire 18-gauge brad nails from ⅝” to 2” or crown staples from ½” to 1⅝”, so it offers versatility and can be used in various woodworking projects. It also includes a 45-degree shoe to aid specifically in flooring applications.
Maestri ME 3G Heavy Duty Electric Upholstery Stapler
Maestri is well known for its high-performance, high-quality tools, and this staple gun embodies its commitment to power and longevity.
This electric stapler is corded, so you’ll need a power source to use it and will have to maneuver the cord around your workspace during operation. However, the electric operation makes it effortless to use, and the power cord is long enough where it shouldn’t become an issue for you.
It supplies immense driving force, so it’s suitable for driving into most materials, including hardwoods. Despite the power it creates, it’s relatively quiet during use.
The handle doesn’t include any rubber, but there is a second grip for stabilization and safety during operation.
It’s made entirely of hard plastic and comes with no warranty, but we’re confident in Maestri’s tools and expect that it will stand up to some serious abuse. It’s suitable for professional applications and can power through constant use.
It’s a bit bulky at 2.4 pounds and can be a bit challenging to handle for long periods.
Buyer’s Guide
As you can see, each staple gun is made for a specific purpose and will be most suitable for different jobs. When you’re deciding on which gun will suit your needs best, make sure you consider the below aspects.
Intended Use
First and foremost, you will make a better decision if you know why you need a staple gun. These tools come in all different shapes and sizes with varying capabilities, so knowing what you plan to use yours for will help guide your purchase.
Lightweight staple guns can be great for constant use because they’re comfortable to hold. Electric staple guns are also suitable for frequent use, as they don’t require you to produce the driving force manually, which can tire out your hands.
Heavy-duty staple guns with a high driving force are great for tougher projects, including those that require you to fire into hardwoods or furniture.
You want to choose a staple gun designed for the jobs you do most often to make your work easier.
Types of Staple Guns
There are several different kinds of staple guns, each designed for a specific application. You can use the designated purpose to help guide your decision.
Flooring Staple Guns
Flooring staple guns are ideal for putting down wood floors or carpet padding. They often include a 45-degree foot to help drive nails or staples at the appropriate angle for holding down floorboards.
Manual Staple Guns
Manual staple guns include a handle that you squeeze to create the driving force. They can be used for many applications and are usually the cheapest options.
Pneumatic Staple Guns
Pneumatic staple guns require a compressor and air hose to use, so they require that you purchase additional equipment. However, compressed air makes stapling effortless – albeit noisy – and often provides the most powerful driving force.
Tack Hammers
You can swing tack hammers like a standard hammer and use the leverage to create driving force. They are speedy but often the most imprecise.
Electric Staple Guns
Electric staple guns require that you plug them in and maneuver the cord while you’re working. They are very silent and offer an excellent driving force with minimal effort on your part.
Electric vs. Pneumatic
Electric and pneumatic staple guns allow for more comfortable operation than manual options. Both will be tethered either by a power cord or air hose, and both create an adequate driving force for most applications.
Pneumatic staplers are significantly noisier and require you to purchase additional equipment, but they usually produce more force and can drive into harder materials. Electric staplers are more or less silent during operation and are usually less powerful and capable.
Staple Gauges/Sizes
Many staple guns take only standard T50 staples, while others can drive staples of various sizes as well as brad nails. Having the option to drive longer staples or brad nails makes your tool more versatile and may save you money by avoiding the purchase of additional tools in the future.
However, staple guns with a broader range of acceptable fasteners are often more expensive, and the extra cost may not be worth it for you if your projects won’t require heavier-duty staples or nails.
Comfort/Ease of Use
You should consider how comfortable and easy a staple gun is to use before you commit, regardless of how often you plan on using it. Typical stapling applications like attaching insulation, cardboard, or thin project panels to a workpiece often require numerous staples. The easier it is to use your tool, the more comfortable you’ll be finishing the job.
Some features that can make your work more manageable include:
- High-quality rubber on a handle to improve grip and confidence while stapling,
- a second handle for adding pressure to reduce strain on your wrists when fastening,
- and a low-resistance trigger to make stapling more effortless.
Durability
Lastly, you should consider how durable your staple gun is. Many options are made out of plastic and typically won’t last as long as others that are made out of metal. The longer your tool will last, the less likely you’ll be to spend unnecessary money on a replacement in the future.
Wrapping Up: Which is the Best Staple Gun?
It should be clear by now that the best staple gun is the one that is designed for your projects and to make your work as simple and effortless as possible. The best staple gun for you depends on why you need one and how often you will use it.
Our top pick for ease of use, comfort, and versatility is the KeLDE Electric Staple Gun Kit. It can handle most standard staples and brad nails, and it provides easy firing and comfort in an affordable package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between A Nail Gun And A Staple Gun?
The biggest difference between a nail gun and a staple gun is the fastener they use to join materials together. Staple guns can use different types of staples with different crown widths depending on their size. The crown is the flat part that sits across the top, rather than the legs that pierce the material.
The crown stays visible when the staple is in place and the legs work to hold the attached materials together.
Nail guns also have different versions, but work with single-leg fasteners, rather than the two legs that a staple uses. Longer and heavier nails are used for wood framing like doorways, and thinner nails are often used to attach baseboards and molding.
Nails tend to be harder to spot than a staple once applied, offering a more discrete and seamless finish.
Another difference is how you remove them. Nails are far easier to remove than a stable and will cause minimal damage. Staples are far more tricky to remove and you are likely to notice far more damage when you remove them, so it’s best to leave them in place.
Nail guns and staple guns also have different uses. While a nail gun is used with framing and attaching sheathing to roof rafters, staple guns are used more in upholstery.
They are used to apply roofing felt, hold cabinets or cables in place, and apply house wrap. Often, the task you are completing will determine whether you are using a staple or nail gun.
How Do You Know What Size Staples For A Staple Gun?
To find out what size staples your staple gun needs, you first need to know how staple sizes work. They are displayed as two numbers and a forward slash like 26/6. The first number is the gauge of wire in millimeters and the second is the depth of the leg in millimeters, also known as shank length.
For standard desktop half or full strip staplers, a 26/6 staple is usually what you need. Often, you can use any brand of staple with your stapler too, just check the sizing on them before you purchase! This type of stapler is commonly used in office or admin work and probably the one you have in a desk drawer somewhere.
For heavy-duty staplers, it’s best to check on the instructions of the stapler. There can be some discrepancies depending on the brand, so check on the product information online or on any packaging or instructions that came with your staple gun.
Usually, you will find information about the size staples that your gun needs. The sizing will be written in the form of two numbers as we showed you earlier that you can use to find the right size staples for your staple gun!
How Do I Order Staples For A Staple Gun?
Once you know the size of the staples that you need, you can order staples for your gun online with most sites. Amazon, Home Depot, Staples, and other office supply stores can provide you with staples for your staple gun. You can also head in-store to an office or hardware store and collect staples for your staple gun.
Most stores will sell a range of standard and heavy-duty staples that are likely to be compatible with your staple gun. If not, speak to a member of staff and see if they can order in the right size for you. Most stores are happy to do so, and you shouldn’t need to wait more than a few days for your staples to arrive.
If you order your staples online, you are likely to receive them the next day too, so you won’t need to wait long to get stapling!
If you are unsure what size staple you need, we recommend heading in-store with your staple gun. Have a member of staff take a look and see if they can match you up with the right size staples for your staple gun.
Often, they can do this in just a few minutes, or you can look up the make and model of your stapler online to find out what size staples you need and then purchase them.
What Kind Of Staple Gun Is Used For Upholstery?
For upholstery, you can use an upholstery staple gun. These are fantastic for mature fabric and more industrial use. There are a few different upholstery staple guns on the market, and it’s best to purchase one that best fits your needs.
Measure the material you intend to work with so that you know the thickness, width, and length that you need your staples in the staple gun to be. You will also want to consider whether you want an air-powered or electric stapler. Air-powered ones tend to be less expensive, but you will likely need an air compressor too with this.
It’s worth considering these factors before moving forward and selecting your staple gun. Most people opt for a 20 gauge or 22 gauge upholstery stapler and staples that are suitable for these.
Those with more experience might want to try a long nose upholstery stapler. These have an extended nose and can squeeze into smaller spaces. We usually see these used with more skilled projects where you need to maneuver into tricky spaces
For small and simple upholstery work, you won’t need to worry about one of these and can stick to a standard nose upholstery stapler.
Will A Light Duty Staple Gun Work On Wood?
Yes, light-duty staple guns work on wood! Most of these staple guns have been designed with wood in mind, so you should find that the gun is powerful enough to push the staples through your wooden surfaces. You might find they struggle with thicker woods, but with craft and small projects, you shouldn’t encounter any difficulty.
It’s worth noting that these light-duty staple guns might struggle if you are stapling another thick material, like leather, to the wood. In these cases, you might need a higher gauge to ensure that the legs of your staple can pierce the fabric and connect it to the wood.
You can find out the gauge of your staples and what your stapler can support by checking its instruction manual or the information on its packaging.
When it comes to thick wood or large sections, you might need to use a heavy-duty staple gun. If you are using staples on part of wooden door frames or parts of a house, then it might be better to opt for a heavy-duty stapler instead. They will be to pierce thick wood and should hold in place without any issues.
For small projects, a light-duty staple gun should work well with wood, but for larger tasks or home improvements, we recommend opting for a heavy-duty staple gun to ensure that it is strong enough for the task at hand.
How Do You Use A Staple Gun On Wood?
To use a staple gun on wood, you will first need to load the gun. Find the latch that opens the body and press it once. This will release the trap and you can fill it with staples. Be sure that it is secured in place, usually, there is a click you will hear to know that it is in place.
Once in place, you can start stapling. How you do this will depend on the gun that you have. Place the gun where you want the staple to be flush to the surface. If you have a manual stapler you might need to push down on the gun for a staple to release into the surface you are stapling.
For those with electric staplers, you might need to hold the stapler with one hand and press the button to push the staple into the surface. Be sure to check how your staple gun works beforehand, as you might have slightly different instructions, but these can be treated as a rough guide to using your staple gun on wood.
Dan Simms
Dan's interest in woodworking began while watching his dad build furniture in a pieced-together home workshop. He inherited old but reliable tools from his father and quickly became enamored with the ability to make something out of nothing. Starting with a simple picture frame and moving onto building all the furniture for his house, he's proud to have begun his own home workshop, built a stronger relationship with his dad through the craft, and developed a love of all things woodworking.
