Staple Gun Recommendations?

Submitted by Linea on Sun, 01/05/2014 - 11:18

I apologize in advance if this question has already been asked. I couldn't find the search bar for the forum, only a search bar for the site.

I'm looking for staple gun recommendations. Specifically, I want to staple fabric to an Ikea coffee table that is made out of particle board. (I think -- I'm not sure) It's a 38" x 23.25" x 2" Klubbo coffee table. When I tap my fingers on it, it sounds very plastic-y.

I'm new to the DIY thing and I've never used a staple gun before so I have no idea what I should look for in a gun. Obviously, I don't want to purchase a $300 professional grade staple gun. I'd like to purchase the cheapest possible gun that will still get the job done.

Thanks

mama2twins

Fri, 03/14/2014 - 06:24

Do you have an air compressor? I have a pancake style compressor so I purchased a Surebonder 9600A staple gun as well as their staples from Amazon. I like it a lot and use it for upholstery projects. It was almost 32.00 with the variety staple pack. It received pretty good reviews.

HD

Sun, 03/16/2014 - 06:36

What do you want to do with the stapler. If it's upholstery, then a manual staple gun will do the job. If you a stapling into a softwood, any light duty manual staple gun will do. If it's a hardwood or MDF a medium duty will make it easier to get into the harder wood. I prefer the Arrow brand of manual staplers.

You can choose between two types of powered staplers: electric and pneumatic. I've used an electric one for upholstery work, but I find they don't sink the staples any better than a manual one. IF you have a compressor, then I'd go with an air stapler. I own a cheap Surebonder that fires T50 staples up to 9/16" long. It's well made, but the trigger can sometimes be wonky. The big advantage is that T50 staples are cheap and I can get them anywheres and I can use them in my manual staple gun.

There are two types of pneumatic staplers that are useful in a workshop. The first one, like the Surebonder, is great for upholstery or tacking up a vapor barrier. Basically, it can do anything a manual staple gun can do. The other type is called a crown molding stapler. These can use staples from 1/4 to 1 1/4" long. They can be used to staple trim to walls, assemble joints with thin wood. The only downside is that staples make for an ugly joint, so only use them on joints you won't say.

I got my Senco crown mold stapler at an auction years ago and it works well for me. If you wanted a new model, you can get a GOOD brand name on for $100 at any home center. You can also get some decent cheap ones from Numax or Freeman. They cost less than the fee to rent a crown mold stapler. Numax is cheaper, but Freeman offers a 7 year warranty for a slightly higher price. Amazon.com will give you an idea of prices and some opinions from people who have bought the tools.

Hope this helps.