Stapler Low Down

I know... I told you I was posting treasure but Mr Garden has been hogging using the computer with my pictures on it all day.  So I'm improvising =)  And today you shall learn the art of stapling!  Okay not the art but I will educate you on the different types of staplers out there. 

Just a heads up... As I was gently aggressively sanding a bed today it got angry and bit me!  After nearly half an hour of Mr Garden trying to dig the worlds largest and deepest splinter out of my finger I started feeling dehydrated from the amount of tears that had left my body and we gave up.  I soaked the finger for a while and gave one more good faith effort and got it out.  So with my healing extremity please excuse any typo's that may not be caught by blogger.

Okay on with the show.  Staplers!  Since I finally mustered up the guts to try reupholstering my chair that I posted here, I got the low down and dirty on staplers and will pass on my new found knowledge to you =)

There are three types of staplers you will find at the hardware store.

1. Manual
2. Electric
3.Pneumatic

Manual: This is the stapler you want if your working on your biceps =)  It takes brute strength and man girl power to operate this tool.  If you want a stapler for projects that will only need a few staples here and there like hanging Christmas lights or other small projects this is the tool for you.  It's cost effective and simple to use.  These start around $10.

Electric:  The electric stapler comes corded and battery operated.  This is a great tool for intermediate projects that still don't require a lot of power or stapling but more so than the projects you would use the Manual stapler for.  Plywood projects, frames, MDF etc... Not great for hardwoods.  With the cord your restricted for distance of use.  However batteries die and you have to wait for them to be recharged.  These start around $30.

Pneumatic: This is the creme of the crop where staplers are concerned.  I honestly didn't think I would need something this powerful when I started my chair.  And I started out using a corded electric stapler.  But my staples were buckling when they hit the wood.  It didn't have enough push to drive them into the hard wood that framed the chair.  The great thing about the Pneumatic gun is that they are staplers and nailers in 1.  The downfall is that you need an air compressor to operate one and these need to be oiled.  They have a safety so that you must be pressing guide cage against your material before it will shoot.  If the nose of the gun is not pressed against anything it will not shoot even if you press the trigger.  I bought the one in the picture here for only $10 more than the electric stapler.  The staples are a bit more expensive though.  These start at $40 and go up to a few hundred.  For the price I couldn't argue with this purchase.  It drove my staples in perfectly and I just used the finishing nails today which I was also pleased with. 

Ultimately you need you consider the following when purchasing a stapler (stapler/nailer):

1. Will you be doing beginner/intermediate or advanced projects?
2. Will you be working primarily with soft, medium or hard woods?
3. How much use will your stapler get?
4. What is your price range?

Always remember to keep your receipts so when you buy your stapler if it doesn't meet your needs you can return it.  There are also occasionally workshops at local hardware stores where you can demo things like this.  Check your local stores for details.