Stapler Guide

When it comes to staplers, it can soon get complicated. Although a stationery essential, there are so many different types out there, all built for a range of purposes.

Selecting the right stapler for you is the best way to ensure you will be on the way to neat and tidy paperwork, as well as clutter free desks and drawers. If you’re not sure where to start with buying a stapler, read on to find out more about the different kinds and what you need. 

Half Strip Stapler

If you’re after a stapler for everyday office use which can handle up to 30 sheets of 80GSM at a time, half strip staplers may be just the item for you. These are the most common type of stapler and are best used on a flat surface like an office desk. They can be loaded with half a strip of staples at one time. 

Full strip stapler 

These are very similar to the half strip but are simply double the size. Ideal for everyday office use, they can handle about 50 sheets of paper at a time, depending on the stapler and paper in question. These can then be loaded with a full strip of staples. 

Mini stapler 

Brilliant companions for going to trade shows, or whilst in a meeting, mini staplers are far smaller in size and can easily be transported in a pencil case or bag.

Designed entirely for light use, they can usually take around 20 paper sheets at a time but it does depend on the specific stapler in question. Many take standard sized staples but some very miniature ones will need specialist smaller staples. 

Long arm staplers

These are ideal for larger sheets and documents. Designed to reach further into the paper, they are often used for booklets, magazines and thicker documents. Some staplers in this category will allow you to reach up to 32cm into the sheet of paper, as opposed to 6cm on a standard half strip stapler. 

Heavy duty staplers 

These are designed for intense use in offices using a metal structure with extra long arms which allow you to apply maximum force and minimum effort. Larger designs may take standard staples or larger staples which allow you to staple up to 250 sheets of 80 GSM paper at one time.

Staple guns 

These are designed for you to staple items to flat surfaces such as display boards in schools. Sometimes they are also used to staple wood, leather, materials and carpets for home DIY. They are springboarded to provide them with enough force to puncture hard surfaces. 

Staple refills 

Even though you might have narrowed down the stapler you want, when it comes to finding refills it can be a little confusing at first. However, the most common sizes for general office staplers are 26/6 and 24/6.

Staple refills will be displayed with their numbers describing their size. The first number describes the total length of the wire used in the staple, and the second number describes the length of the teeth on the staple. 

Heavy duty staples and mini staplers can take different sizes, so it’s better to check with the brand or refer back to the stapler manual to ensure to buy the correct size. If you are unsure, please get in contact and we will try and help you as best we can.