Quick Ways to Load a Staple Gun

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Quick Ways to Load a Staple Gun

Staple guns are a favorite among crafters and construction workers alike—and if they aren’t one of yours, it’s likely because you haven’t used one yet. They’re convenient, easy to use, and get the job done quickly and properly. As with anything else, however, you have to know how to effectively use it before you’ll see the proper results.

Loading staples into a staple gun tends to be a touch more involved than it would be with your average manual desk stapler. It’s important, of course, that we correctly load our staplers. This ensures that they work properly and it prevents any potential damage to the tool. There’s are a few different models of staple guns, meaning that some may need to be loaded differently than others. The three standard ways are rear-loading, front-loading, and top-loading. In order to make this easier for you, we’ve made a guide on how to load a staple gun regardless of the model. That way, you can get the most out of your staple gun.

1. Rear-Loading

A rear-loading staple gun is powered with a spring-loaded plunger that releases the staples by pushing them forward. Load the gun by following the steps below:

  • Turn the staple gun so that the back faces towards you and that area in which the staples are ejected points forwards. You’ll then locate the magazine, which can be identified by a small rectangle that’s above the button
  • Gently push the button and pull out the rod. You may have to release the rod the same way you’d open a child-proof bottle, which is by pressing forward and then upwards while still maintaining the inward pressure. Note that it is indeed a rod that pulls out, as the magazine is built into the actual structure
  • Hold your staples so that the pointed ends are facing downward—it’s important that you’re sure so have the right staple size, as these will vary according to the size and model of your stapler. You’ll position the staples towards the chamber and slide them in slowly until you hear a click. It’s important that you wait for that click, as your stapler may jam if they aren’t slid all the way to the end
  • Once you’ve heard the click, lock the button on the machine back into place. Be sure that you’re holding the rod straight as you do this
  • When you’ve finished loading your tool, plug it in and test it on a scrap sample of the material you’ll be using it on. You’ll want to make sure that the stapler isn’t jamming, or that multiple staples aren’t being ejected at once

2. Top-Loading

A top-loading staple gun oftentimes look akin to an electric screwdriver that’s attached to a magazine. It’s generally bulkier in size than a rear-loading gun. You can load it by doing the following steps:

  • Similar to its rear-loading counterpart, the front end of the gun will face away from you. As with an electric screwdriver, the nose will face downwards with the magazine beneath it. There will be a trigger for your finger to rest on
  • Before beginning to load the stapler, be sure that the compressor has been turned off and the gun has been disconnected. Activate the safety lock on the trigger
  • Most models will have an on/off switch on the compressor that you’ll press down on while you pull out the follower rod and lock it in position. The follower is a piece that is meant to hold the staples in place
  • Place the staples with their legs hugging the rail. You’ll want to slide them both up and down the rod to ensure that they won’t get caught. Some would recommend using a couple shorter rows as opposed to a single long one
  • At this point, you’ll push the lever down and release it. This should cause the follower to automatically push the staples into the gun. You can give the rod a soft push to urge it along, but never force it
  • Once the stapler has been loaded, you can proceed to test it out. You can plug the compressor to the gun and, as with the rear-loading gun, test it out on scrap material. Test it a few times before proceeding with your project

3. Bottom-Loading

A bottom-loading staple gun a cross between top- and rear-loading guns in terms of its appearance. A key difference, of course, is how it’s loaded. This is achieved through the following steps:

  • As with any staple gun model, you’ll first make sure that the gun is unplugged and lock the trigger in place. The front of the gun, again, will be facing away from you
  • The magazine will be on the bottom of the stapler, with the trigger button facing you. Lay the stapler on its side before releasing the tray. Place your fingers on the indentations on the side of the trigger, squeeze the button inwards, and pull out the tray
  • Once the tray has been pulled out, a small compartment will be revealed. You’ll load the staples, with the legs facing downwards, into the compartment. The gun will still need to be on its side for the staples to remain in place
  • Once the staples have been secured, press the sides of the trigger button and slide the tray back into place. When you hear it snap, you can release the trigger and, as you would with other models, plug the stapler back in and test it

The Best Staple Supplier

Loading staplers of any kind should always be an easy task, but different stapler models may require a bit of extra troubleshooting. This can include jamming, bent staples, or parts that pop out of place. These problems can all be avoided, however, by investing in high-quality supplies from the get-go. From staple guns to slap staplers, we carry the tools you need to successfully complete your next project with ease. If you’d like to learn more about the products we provide, contact Staple Headquarters today.

Loading a Staple Gun Quickly