Best Manual Staple Gun in 2023 — Buyers Guide, Review, and Comparison
Manual Staple Gun Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best for Light Duty Projects
|
Best for Light Duty Projects
|
Features
|
Check Price at AmazonStanley TR45K Staple Gun Review Stanley TR45K Staple Gun Review | |
|
Best for Versatility
|
Best for Versatility
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Neu Master NHT0050 Review Neu Master NHT0050 Review | |
|
Best for DIY
|
Best for DIY
|
Features
|
Check Price at AmazonArrow Fastener T50 Staple Gun Review Arrow Fastener T50 Staple Gun Review | |
|
Best for Heavy Duty Projects
|
Best for Heavy Duty Projects
|
Features
|
Check Price at AmazonStanley TR150HL SharpShooter Staple Gun Review Stanley TR150HL SharpShooter Staple Gun Review | |
|
Best for Upholstery
|
Best for Upholstery
|
Features
|
Check Price at AmazonBOSTITCH T6-8 Heavy Duty Powercrown Tacker Review BOSTITCH T6-8 Heavy Duty Powercrown Tacker Review | |
|
Best for Professionals
|
Best for Professionals
|
Features
|
Check Price at AmazonDewalt DWHTTR350 Staple Gun Review Dewalt DWHTTR350 Staple Gun Review | |
|
Best for Offices
|
Best for Offices
|
Features
|
Check Price at AmazonREXBETI 3 in 1 Staple Gun Review REXBETI 3 in 1 Staple Gun Review | |
|
Best for Electricians
|
Best for Electricians
|
Features
|
Check Price at AmazonStanley CT10X Staple Gun & Cable Tacker Review Stanley CT10X Staple Gun & Cable Tacker Review |
Best Manual Staple Gun Buying Guide
A manual staple gun has a plethora of uses around the home — but small DIY projects are where these tools thrive.
Whether you’re looking to hang some Christmas lights, build or repair a picture frame, or reupholster your furniture — you ideally need a manual stapler. While admittedly, some guys often skip the manual format and go straight to electric or pneumatic machines — these basic units still have their place for the keen hobbyist and DIYer.
The main advantages of the manual models are their portability and fatigue-busting lightweight build. There’s no need to drag a cord or take special care about the level of air in a compressor — all you need is raw physical power.
When choosing your ideal hand stapler, consider:
- Hand grip.
- Durability.
- Anti-jamming.
- Staple size.
- Squeeze assistance.
- Weight.
How To Choose the Best Manual Staple Guns
Take a look at my below tips to gain a better insight into the things worth checking out before you opt for a particular model.
Squeeze Assistance
Many manual staple guns require quite a lot of force to be applied to the lever for them to work. While it may not pose a problem for some, those who lack hand strength may find their operation challenging.
Some models offer easy-squeeze levers that reduce the amount of effort required to drive the staples. Alternatively, consider an electric or pneumatic machine that requires less physical brawn — and is ideal for longer, more intensive projects.
Hand Grip
Another factor you should consider is the material that the hand grip is made of. Rubber or padded grips offer greater comfort. Naked metal levers — while more affordable — are harder on your hands and are challenging to operate if you’re perspiring.
Robustness
Durability is crucial when you start tackling large projects or use the machines frequently — so check the build of the staple guns. There’s little point in buying a cheap machine if it’s going to fall apart after a couple of uses.
Aluminum and steel are the metals you should aim for — aluminum is lighter, and steel is more robust. Plastic is a popular material as well, but it’s not as durable and sturdy as metal.
Anti-Jamming Mechanisms
Anti-jamming mechanisms aren’t a standard feature of staple guns — but if you’re completing time-sensitive or longer projects, this feature can be a welcome downtime-preventing inclusion.
Some machines include special springs that prevent jamming, others have custom reloading systems.
Staple Size
Aim for units that use standard staple sizes. There are a few models on the market that require special staples, which can sometimes be challenging to find.
Furthermore, check the staple gun has the capability of driving the fixings you require for your projects. For example, if you’re attaching dense fabric to robust hardwood — you need a stapler capable of delivering large heavy-duty brads and/or staples.
Weight
The lighter the machine, the easier it will be to wield on longer projects. Bear in mind that you’re already using significant hand power to operate a staple gun — adding further physical stress by holding a heavy machine is unwise.
Ideally, look for units that combine durability with lighter weight — such as those with a majority aluminum construction.
Our Top Rated Manual Staple Fasteners
Below are my ultimate picks of the most impressive machines on the market. As requirements differ between users — depending on project needs and personal preferences — my selection includes a tool for every operator, from casual hobbyists to hardcore upholsterers.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
It doesn’t offer an impressive amount of features, but there’s more than enough to fulfill basic needs. It has a convenient handle lock for compact storage.
A welcome inclusion is the anti-jamming mechanism. Staplers can have issues with frequent jamming, especially if the mechanism is of low quality. However, Stanley’s focus on useability ensures you can drive on with your project without unnecessary downtime.
Durability is impressive, with the chrome-plated casing sturdy enough to withstand quite a beating — however, you shouldn’t use it for any heavy-duty tasks. A downer is the lever stiffness — which may be a disappointment for those lacking physical strength.
The affordable price is also one of the main advantages of the Stanley TR45K — remaining cost-effective despite hailing from a premium brand.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Effortlessly knocking out T50, T18, and 18 gauge staples, this heavy-duty machine incorporates a robust all-steel build and aesthetically pleasing chrome finish — both ensuring welcome durability and shielding against oxidation.
Its rubberized lever reduces hand and digit fatigue while boosting your penetration stamina and grip. And, arriving with a staple remover, it’s straightforward to correct any stapling mistakes.
A welcome pressure knob allows you to increase or decrease grunt dependent on your target material. Plus, bottom-loading enables effortless staple replenishment, while a clear viewing window means you can keep an eye on your remaining staple levels.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
In addition to its sturdy high-quality casing, it also has a jam-resistant design — preventing annoyance and downtime in your projects. Furthermore, the lever offers easy operation — staving off fatigue.
An affordable machine — despite its durable steel build — makes it ideal for those on a budget. The unit uses Arrow T-50 Staples, which are easily available and offer welcome reliability.
Whether you’re planning to commence a serious DIY project or you just need a stapler for occasional use, this one would be a good investment. Take a look, and you’ll see if it meets your requirements and expectations.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Welcome durability makes it suitable for intense use on longer stapling jobs — while its significant grunt allows it to tackle dense woods and thick fabrics. For example, upholstery is a piece of cake for the TR150-HL model thanks to its great penetration depth.
You can also choose from two brawn settings depending on the surface you want to staple. If you’re dealing with hardwood, select the high settings. Conversely, if you’re planning to staple some paper or other office material, the low setting offers more than sufficient power for these situations.
The case is made of durable and lightweight aircraft aluminum. In addition to delivering robustness, it also offers an ergonomic design ensuring a firm grip. As you may assume, a firm grip is important for safety and proper handling.
A downer is the amount of pressure you need to invest to use this staple gun. While some models on the market offer easy-to-handle levers, this one doesn’t. Although, it does feature an easy-slide staple loading function.
The best ‘wow’ factor of the Stanley TR150HL is the price tag. So, while this gun has its disadvantages, the affordability justifies the shortcomings.
Our Rating: 4.4
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
It’s not much different from any other model on our list in the aesthetic department, but what’s underneath the hood makes this unit recommended for all kinds of furnishing projects.
The first thing that’s going to impress you is the softness of the lever — generous and forgiving, it requires little effort to operate, making it ideal for extreme projects. Furthermore, with a molded rubber grip, it increases hand comfort while shielding against perspiration slippage.
It also includes everything you’d expect in a reliable machine — a convenient staple window, easy-access side loading, and compactness-enhancing lever lock. The mechanism is well made, and it comes with a pretty affordable price tag.
As far as the disadvantages go, there aren’t many. Perhaps the only serious drawback is that it doesn’t work with nails, only staples.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The easy-squeeze technology makes this model worth checking out — impressive for a non-powered machine. With a bold, modern design featuring the famous DeWalt aesthetic — it may carry significant kudos with your neighbors and friends.
Reloading with the side-slide function is a piece of cake, saving you costly downtime. Furthermore, this trade-level unit can handle both staples and brad nails — making it ideal for light and heavy-duty work.
Perhaps the only slight disadvantage is the cost — as you’re paying a premium price for a premium machine. But, if you demand a high-end tool that’s going to stand the test of time with its impressive durability — it’s worthy of consideration.
Our Rating: 4.4
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Arriving complete with a massive arsenal of 2600 fasteners, you can wield this machine straight-outta-the box. Firing D, U, and T-Type staplers — all included — you’re ready to mount documents for presentations, build model representations, or manage IT cables.
Its soft rubber handle delivers welcome hand relief — staving off pain and fatigue on those hardcore office projects. And, preventing slippage by repelling perspiration, ensures additional safety and accuracy.
A top-mounted strength bolt allows you to perfectly tailor the output intensity to suit your target material. What’s more, boasting shock absorbers on the undercarriage reduces unwelcome bounce-back.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Designed primarily for tacking cables, this bold black stapler is compatible with both flat and round 0.375/0.5625-inch crown fasteners — for wires not exceeding 0.25 inches in diameter. Forged from aircraft-grade aluminum, the machine is both robust and lightweight at 1.36 pounds.
Safety is key — with an integrated cable guide preventing you from penetrating live wires. Furthermore, a high/low power feature ensures you address your target with the correct amount of brawn.
The stapler’s tapering, narrow head means you can propel your load into the tightest of spaces. And, with an anti-jam mechanism, you’re safeguarded against embarrassing equipment failure and downtime.
The conclusion
Manual staple guns are an effective, affordable, and easy-to-operate solution for mounting and fixing.
Whether the pro-grade Dewalt DWHTTR350, DIY-focused Arrow Fastener T50, upholstery-targeting BOSTITCH T6-8, or heavy-duty Stanley TR150HL — there’s a tool for every attachment job and skill level.
However, it’s perhaps the Stanley TR45K with its easy-squeeze lever, durable chrome-plating, and pleasing price point that make it the ultimate all-rounder.
A manual staple gun is a crucial part of every serious DIYer or homeowner’s toolbox — and our top picks represent the ultimate machines on the market today.
Manual Staple Guns FAQs
Q: What Materials Can Be Stapled With a Manual Staple Gun?
Generally speaking, manual staple guns are used to penetrate wood, cardboard, and fabric. They lack the power to address metal and most plastics.
Q: How Do I Put Staples in a Manual Staple Gun?
Most staple guns have a removable or withdrawable cartridge that you load with staples. Check out my guide on How to Quickly Load a Staple Gun.
Q: Are Manual Staple Guns Dangerous?
If you use manual staple guns in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, they are completely safe. Never point the staple gun at yourself or others, always assume the gun is loaded, and only use manufacturer-approved staples.
For more advice, take a look at my Dos and Don’ts of Staple Guns.
Q: What Is the Best Manual Staple Gun?
In my opinion, the Stanley TR45K, with its affordable price point, easy-squeeze trigger, and effortless reloading, is the best manual staple gun currently available.
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