Learn about different staple types, staple finishes and all you need to know mytoolkit guide

Learn About Types of Staples and Why It's Important to Know

Happy Friday folks! This week, we’re going to look at the different types of staples! Exciting stuff!!! Hold on to your seats……

I’ll start with the finish found on the various staples and nails found in the industry.

  • Bright– The fasteners are uncoated and will therefore be susceptible to corrosion (to me and you – rust) and are not suitable to be used outside or in damp environments.
  • Electro Galvanised– In this process the fasteners are coated with a zinc coating which gives some corrosion resistance.
  • Stainless Steel This fastener will give full corrosion resistance and is ideal for use outdoors and is used extensively in the boat building industry. When using woods like cedar, redwood etc. It is also advised to use a stainless steel fastener as the tannin will react with the conventional finish and will cause unsightly blackening/staining.

Staple types tend to fall into categories of:

  • Fine Wire– Used a lot in the upholstery industry types include for example the 71 and 80 series staple range.
    • Medium Wire– These staples have a heavier gauge and are used for fixing heavier materials or fixing wood to wood with a typical example being the 90 series.
    • Heavy Wire Is as it’s say’s on the tin and are used for furniture framework (eg. 14 Series) and wide crown staples (eg. 17 Series) used for fixing cartons to pallets, roof shingles 

The staple has two main dimensions the crown and leg length. The crown will be the same in a particular type of staple but that type will be available in differing leg lengths depending on what is required.

The crown is simply described as the crossbar dimension – below is an image taken from our site featuring the 80 Series staples showing the staple dimensions.

80 series staples

Another staple feature I’d like to cover is the divergent point staple. Unlike the conventional staple the legs have their chisel points cut in an opposite direction so on penetration of materials the legs will deviate in opposite directions and give that extra holding power and are used extensively in the flooring industry – for example the 90 series divergent point.

90 series divergent point

Be aware use of these staples in wood can send the legs in all sorts of directions – watch the positioning of your hands – I have the scars to remind me!

I hope this has enlightened your knowledge on this absolutely……

fastenating topic of staples!!
(That wasn’t my suggestion, any complaints, contact our office “comedian”, Chloe….)

Will follow up in a future blog on the wonderful world of nails!!

Until next time.

Take care,

chuck blue

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