What are Staples?
Staples are U-shaped fasteners used to secure materials quickly and reliably. We stock construction-grade strip staples for pneumatic tools and hand-tacker staples for light-duty fastening. Options include steel and stainless steel in multiple crown widths and leg lengths to match your tool and substrate.
How to choose the right staple size
- Match the tool series: Use the staple style your stapler or tacker is rated for (narrow crown, medium crown, or a specific tacker series). Mixing styles can jam tools.
- Crown width: Narrow crowns are discreet and great for trim and casework. Medium crowns spread load for sheathing, fencing, and packaging.
- Leg length: Pick a leg long enough to penetrate the top material and anchor in the base without blowing through. A simple rule: choose a leg about three times the thickness of the top material, then adjust for wood hardness and substrate.
- Material/finish: Choose stainless for corrosive or outdoor environments. Steel works for most interior, dry-service uses.
General-purpose tacker staples (for hand tackers)
These flat-crown staples are designed for manual tackers and hammer-tackers. They’re ideal for posters, tags, plastic sheeting, felt, light upholstery facings, insulation facings, and general shop tasks where you need quick, one-hand fastening.
Typical sizes users look for
- Crown: flat crown around 3/8 in (varies by tacker series)
- Common legs: 1/4 in, 5/16 in, 3/8 in, 1/2 in
Fit tip: always select the exact series your tacker specifies (listed on the tool or product page). If you’re securing thin films or labels, start with 1/4 in legs; bump up to 3/8–1/2 in for thicker stacks or denser substrates.
Common sizes, materials & finishes
- Narrow crown: slim, low-visibility fastening for trim, cabinet backs, light assemblies.
- Medium crown: added bearing area for sheathing, lattice, fencing, crates, and packaging.
- Materials: steel for interior work; stainless steel for moisture, chemicals, or outdoor exposure.
- Leg length range: short legs for thin facings and labels, longer legs for softwood, insulation facings, and layered materials.
Typical applications & industries
- Finish carpentry, casework, and shop fixtures
- Sheathing, lattice, and fencing
- Crating, boxing, and packaging lines
- Upholstery facings and light fabric attachment (tacker staples)
- Insulation facings and housewrap
- Signage, tags, and retail back-room tasks
Installation & best practices
- Confirm the correct crown series and leg length for your tool and substrate.
- Seat the nose square to the work; keep steady pressure to avoid proud legs.
- For softwoods or layered sheets, test on scrap to verify hold without crushing the surface.
- Use stainless where moisture or chemicals are present; store staples dry to prevent rust.
Troubleshooting & pro tips
- Jams: Usually a series mismatch or bent strip. Reload with the correct series; discard damaged sticks.
- Staple won’t sink: Increase air pressure (pneumatic), shorten leg length, or switch to a sharper point style if offered.
- Tearing thin materials: Drop leg length, switch to a narrower crown, or back the work with a sacrificial board.
- Corrosion spots: Use stainless in damp or outdoor conditions.
Why buy Staples from AlbanyCountyFasteners.com
- Deep selection across narrow and medium crowns plus tacker staples
- Stainless options for harsh environments
- Fast shipping and bulk-friendly pricing
- US-based product support for sizing and tool compatibility
Staples FAQs
Use these answers to pick the right crown, leg length, and material for your stapler or tacker, and to avoid common sizing and compatibility mistakes.
What crown width should I choose, narrow or medium?
Narrow crown leaves a low-profile line and is common for trim, cabinet backs, and light assemblies. Medium crown spreads load better, so it resists pull-through on sheathing, lattice, fencing, and packaging.
How do I choose the correct leg length?
Match the leg to the material stack. A practical starting point is a leg about three times the thickness of the top piece, then adjust for wood hardness and the base layer so you anchor without punching through.
Which staples fit my stapler or hand tacker?
Use the exact series your tool specifies. Series define the crown width and wire geometry. Mixing series can cause jams or shallow drives. Check your tool label or manual for the required series and leg range.
Steel vs stainless staples, when should I use each?
Use stainless for outdoor, damp, or chemical-exposed environments to reduce corrosion. Standard steel is suitable for dry, interior work where corrosion is not a concern.
What size staples for insulation facings or housewrap?
Use narrow to medium crown depending on the facing, with shorter legs for thin facings and longer legs for softwood studs. Test on scrap to verify hold without tearing the facing.
What size staples for upholstery facings and light fabrics?
General-purpose tacker staples with a flat crown and short legs (often 1/4 in to 3/8 in, depending on fabric and substrate) are typical. Start short to avoid dimples, then increase leg length only as needed for hold.
Can I run narrow crown staples in a hand tacker?
No. Manual tackers use their own flat-crown staple series. Narrow crown strip staples are for pneumatic or cordless staplers rated for that series.
Why are staples not sinking or sitting proud?
Common causes are the wrong series, dull points, insufficient drive power, or legs that are too long for the substrate. Verify the series, use the recommended air pressure or power setting, and shorten the leg if needed.