How to choose staples: staple type, size and material
Staples are chosen by type, not by appearance. There is a designation on the stapler and on the pack (for example Type A or Type 7): it must match. Then comes the leg length, which depends on the thickness of the material being fixed, and the material: steel for normal use, stainless steel for outdoors, sheeting and damp materials, because it leaves no rust stains.
The types
- Type A staples: a series for manual and light staplers, with designations such as 5/53/530. Packs of 1,000 pieces, such as the Stanley 1-TRA202T 4 mm light-duty staples, are good for fabrics, cardboard and sheets.
- Type 7 staples: another series, which cannot be mixed with Type A. Stanley offers it in several sizes, for example the Type 7 1-CT106T and the Type 7 1-CT109T.
- Wide-crown or narrow-crown staples: the crown is the bridge of the staple; in the catalogue it runs from about 7.8 to 11.4 mm. The wider the crown, the more surface is held down.
- Round-crown staples and insulated cable staples: for fixing cables without crushing them or damaging the sheath.
- Coloured staples: useful for telling different lines apart or for blending the staple into the material.
- Stainless steel staples: same shape as ordinary staples, but in stainless steel.
How to choose according to the job
| Job | What to get | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Upholstery, fabrics, cardboard | Type A steel staples, short leg | Thin materials: a short leg is enough. |
| Sheeting and membranes outdoors | Stainless steel staples | In damp conditions ordinary steel rusts and stains. |
| Electrical and signal cables | Insulated cable staples or round-crown staples | They hold the cable without cutting its sheath. |
| Thin panels and light fixings | Type A or Type 7, leg suited to the thickness | A leg that is too long comes out the other side. |
| Site with many fixings | Packs of 5,000 or 10,000 pieces | Fewer reloads and fewer orders. |
The features to look at
- Staple type: this is the designation printed on the pack and on the tool. If it does not match, the staple does not feed properly or jams.
- Leg length: the leg must pass through the material and penetrate the substrate, without coming out the other side.
- Crown width: from about 8 to 11 mm in the catalogue. It changes how much fabric or cable is held down.
- Material and coating: ordinary or galvanised steel for indoors, stainless steel for outdoors.
- Pieces per pack: from 50 to 10,000 in the catalogue, with boxes of 600, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000. Choose according to how many you use per month.
Common mistakes
- Choosing by size only without checking the type: two similar staples may not be compatible.
- Using ordinary steel outdoors: after a short time the staple rusts and stains the material.
- Leg too long: it comes out the other side and can scratch or injure.
- Not pushing the staple strip in all the way: the magazine must be closed completely, otherwise the stapler misfires.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which type of staple I need?
Look at the designation on the tool or on an old pack, for example Type A or Type 7. If you cannot find it, write to us with the model of your stapler.
Are stainless steel staples really necessary?
Yes, if the job is outdoors or on damp materials: stainless steel does not rust and leaves no marks. In dry interiors ordinary steel is enough.
Can I use the same staple for cardboard and for wood?
It depends on the leg: for cardboard a short one is enough, while wood calls for a longer leg that penetrates the substrate.
Can I use a Type A staple in a stapler made for Type 7?
No. The shape and dimensions of the staple are different: in the wrong magazine the staple jams or fires crooked. Always use the type shown on the tool.
How many staples do I need?
Count the fixings you make in a month and choose the pack accordingly: small boxes (50 or 600 pieces) are fine for occasional jobs, those of 5,000 or 10,000 for anyone who staples every day. Store them dry: in damp conditions ordinary steel can rust.
Staples are in the Staples collection, with brands such as Stanley, Bossong and Milwaukee: to find the one compatible with your stapler, request a quote or ask the AMES technicians for advice.
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