How to Find the Correct Staples for A Staple Gun

When we talk about staple wire, we’re referring to the dimensions of the staples. For simplicity, staple wires are typically categorized into three types: fine wire staples, medium wire staples, and heavy wire staples. Each type serves a different purpose depending on the application. Now learn more about them to help you better choose the correct staples.

Fine Wire Staples

Fine wire staples are the thinnest option available. They are used for delicate tasks where visibility needs to be minimal, and where the back of the staple should remain hidden. Fine wire staples are commonly used for upholstery and framing, as they cause minimal disruption when attaching fabrics (such as textiles) to materials like wood or plastic. They're also ideal for working with breathable membranes or vinyl.

Applications: Furniture Upholstery, Vinyl and trim work, Picture frames, Automotive upholstery, Labeling

Medium Wire Staples

A step thicker than fine wire staples, medium wire staples are the go-to option for jobs that require a bit more strength. They offer greater holding power and are excellent for upholstery work, offering more durability compared to fine wire staples. Medium wire staples are particularly useful when joining wood and wood, or when working with plastic materials, where fine wire staples might not provide enough strength.

Applications: Furniture upholstery, Pallet, Crate building, Sheathing, Subflooring, Packaging

Heavy Wire Staples

Heavy wire staples are the thickest available, designed for tough jobs that require a strong, durable staple. Due to their thickness, they take up more surface area compared to fine or medium wire staples. However, they offer superior holding power and are perfect for fastening thick materials, such as wood or carton packing. Heavy wire staples are often used in construction and applications that require a robust, secure fastener.

Applications: Furniture framework, Carton packaging, Roof shingles, House manufacturing

Guage

Many manufacturers describe the wire diameter using a gauge number. The rule is simple: the higher the gauge number, the thinner the wire, and the lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. Below is a general breakdown of how the gauge number corresponds to the thickness of the wire:

Fine wire staples: 20-22 gauge
Medium wire staples: 18-19 gauge
Heavy wire staples: 15-17 gauge

How to choose the correct staple crown

The staple crown is the top middle part of the staples holding the two legs together. There are three types of crowns (narrow crown, medium crown, wide crown), and they all have their capabilities and uses.

Narrow Crown

The narrow crown is the smallest type of crown. As the name implies, the narrow crown stapler fires a narrower staple (approx 1/4" wide) and easy to hide in applications after joining. It covers a smaller area then medium and wide crown staples. Often used for finish and trim and other delicate jobs. Also, the wire gauge is thinner (18 gauge) to prevent splitting the wood in the finish applications. 

Medium Crown
As for the medium crown stapler, it is used for more rough construction applications where more holding power is required from the staple. The staple is wider (either 7/16" or 1/2" wide) than the narrow crown and the wire gauge is thicker (16 gauge).

Wide Crown

A wide crown staple is also typically a 16 gauge staple with 1’’ wide crown. Wide crown staples are often used to close cartons and other packaging. As for the broadest crown type, which is often used for heavy-duty construction projects like truss building, sheating, roofing, and lathing etc.

How to choose the correct staple leg length

To choose the correct staple leg length, generally multiply the thickness of the material you are fastening by three; this means the staple leg should be three times longer than the material's thickness; for very thin materials, add only 4mm to the material thickness, and for hard materials like hardwood, use a staple leg length that is twice the material thickness. 

Key points to remember:

• General rule: Multiply the material thickness by 3 to find the ideal staple leg length.

• Thin materials: For fabrics or thin plastic, add only 4mm to the material thickness. 

• Hardwood: When fastening to hardwood, use a staple leg length that is twice the material thickness. 

• Always check your stapler: Ensure the staple size you choose is compatible with your stapler. 

How to choose the correct staple material

Galvanized Staples

A galvanized staple is the most common staple type. The staple is a steel staple that is coated with a layer of zinc to be able to handle general corrosion better. A galvanized staple is comparable in strength and appearance to a stainless steel staple. If you need an all-around staple with a long life expectancy, a galvanized staple could be the right choice for your application.

Stainless Steel Staples

A stainless steel staple is for applications that need a higher level of corrosion protection or need to have a higher protection against heat. The standard stainless steel staples are 304 & 316. The 304 stainless steel staple is used both indoors and outdoors and protects against corrosion from milder oxidizing acids. The 316 stainless steel staple gives even greater protection against corrosion and is common when the application comes in contact with salty environments. A stainless steel staple is also a great choice in applications that need to look modern and high quality.

Copper Coated Staples

Copper-coated staples are one of the best choices when it comes to beautiful clean aesthetics. It is excellent for transport packaging due to it works better than regular steel in non-humidity-controlled environments. Copper coated staples can oxidize faster in situations that are salty, hot, and acidic. It is the go-to staple for carton closing.

Don't let the search for replacement staples for your stapler become a headache. With this guide, you can quickly find the compatible staples for your tools. Using the right staples not only prolongs the lifespan of your stapler but also enhances your stapling efficiency.