Some projects require a critical eye on the toolbox before you begin. Having the right implements to fasten different kinds of materials together is critical to the satisfactory completion of the job. Know what projects need a heavy-duty stapler to get you the results you want. It is also important to consider the power source, frequency of use, and the type and size of the fastener you’ll be using for your project in order to choose the right heavy-duty tool.
Manual, Electric or Pneumatic
Staplers require power – either human power, electric power, or pneumatic (compressed air) power. While some manual tools are dubbed “heavy-duty” and work for closing heavier bags of chicken feed or ice, most heavy-duty staplers are powered by electricity or compressed air. Projects that need a heavy-duty stapler require extra vigilance about safety, especially when the stapler is tethered to a cord or air hose. Pneumatic tools require an air compressor. If you expect to use heavy-duty pneumatic tools often and on many projects, it may be worth investing in your own compressor rather than renting a compatible unit every time. Think about whether you’ll be inside or outside for your project and how far you expect your tether, whether an electrical cord or an air hose, will have to extend to do the job.
Repetition
Pneumatic tools require an air compressor. If you expect to use a heavy-duty, pneumatic tools often on many projects, it may be worth investing in your own compressor rather than renting a compatible unit every time. Think about whether you’ll be inside or outside for your project and how far you expect your tether, whether electrical cord or air hose, to extend to do the job.
Repetitive motion can cause injuries, whether you are using a manual, electric, or pneumatic tool. Although you will get added power from a heavy-duty stapler, you still may be moving the same muscles in the same way over and over again. Consider the weight and size of the tool, especially if you will be working on a project that requires you to lift the tool to shoulder height and hold it there. When you are taking stock of your toolshed, think about what projects need a heavy-duty stapler and which could be completed satisfactorily with a smaller, less powerful tool. Either way, there is likely to be a specialized tool that is ideal for your project, so consider all factors when selecting an industrial staple gun for your project.
Size and Visibility of the Fastener
Some jobs need a heavy gauge wire stapler with a wide crown and long legs to penetrate and hold materials together. In other situations, a curved-crown stapler works better, as with securing coaxial cables to baseboards or molding. Installing molding itself, however, requires some delicacy – you don’t want to create a lot of visible holes that have to be puttied or use fasteners that can be seen. These considerations will affect the type of tool you choose for your project.
Putting Up Plywood
Nail guns for framing walls are extremely powerful and fire thick, long nails deeply into lumber to hold framing firm. However, nail guns can cause nails to tear or fire straight through softer or thinner materials like plywood. Staples, on the other hand, can fasten materials without threatening to rip them apart. When you need a firm hold in an area that will be covered over and unseen, like subfloors or roofing plywood, a heavy-duty stapler is best. Framing doors and windows, putting up storm protection, or creating temporary barriers around work areas with plywood call for a stapler to make the job as fast and as non-destructive as possible. Although staples hold well and can be applied with less damage, removing staples can leave unsightly holes behind, so think about where to place staples if the area will be visible when the job is done.
Furniture and Upholstery
Framing a chair is different than framing a wall, but the pieces must still hold together firmly. In cases like this, a heavy-duty stapler does the job. When the frame is built and the couch, settee, or chair is ready for padding and upholstery, specialized staple guns can provide a taut appearance and secure upholstery fabric to the frame, underneath it, and out of sight. Upholstery staplers provide power but also can get into tighter spaces than larger tools.
Flooring
A floor typically has many layers. Plywood subfloors attach to joists. The underlayment goes on top of that to provide protection from heat and moisture, as well as some soundproofing. The surface layer is what you see and admire – hardwood or carpet in most areas, tile in others. Where the environment will often be wet, a special kind of subfloor with added moisture protection may be required.
Heavy-duty staplers work well to attach subfloors to joists, and to quickly fasten yards of underlayment. Flooring staplers are a specialized tool designed to fire fasteners at an angle to reduce splitting as individual tongue and groove planks are attached to each other. An ergonomic design for these types of flooring tools makes it unnecessary to kneel or bend constantly to secure the surface layer of the floor.
Carpeting may require the application of tacking strips around the perimeter of a room and padding atop the subfloor. Hammer tackers are manual tools that endure heavy use. They look a lot like hammers and dispense staples with repeated whacks against the surface to be fastened.
Roofing
Much like flooring, roofs have several layers. Roofing is one of the top answers to the question of what projects need a heavy-duty stapler. Beginning with plywood sheathing attached to rafters, roofs also get a layer of felting, usually topped with shingles. Securing plywood sheathing and the felting on top of it is a big, repetitive job. Heavy-duty staplers get the job done faster.
Whether using an electric or pneumatic tool, any work on a roof requires extra safety precautions, from special work boots to hardhats and fall prevention harnesses or temporary braces. Most roofing jobs should be left to the pros, as working with heavy-duty power tools above ground is exceptionally dangerous.
Fencing
While some old-school ranchers still “ride fences” on horseback, most take an ATV out on the range to carry a heavy-duty fence stapler along for the job. Heavy-duty fence staplers fire staples designed to penetrate deep into wood fenceposts that diverge when applied, ensuring a firm hold. Corralling livestock, keeping predators out, or creating long mesh, plastic, or woven fencing is one of the jobs that requires a heavy-duty, specialized stapler.
Whatever project you are contemplating, Staple Headquarters can help you choose the right tool to get the job done right.
