Quick Ways to Load a Staple Gun
What’s a staple gun? It’s one of the most useful tools that a handyman can have in his toolbox – a small, handheld device that’s capable of forcing staples into materials like wood, plastic, and all sorts of heavy fabrics. One can purchase either an electric or a pneumatic staple gun, both of which are highly efficient and can be used for upholstery, insulation, and a wide range of other materials.
Upon purchasing your very first staple gun, the first thing you’ll have to do is to load the staples into your device. How to do that? Read on and find out!

Bottom-Loading Electric Staplers


Step #1

The first thing you’ll have to do here is to locate the magazine release. This would be a button whose purpose is to release the device’s magazine clip. Typically, it’s located on the backside of clip and will require you to pull or push it.

In case you don’t know where the magazine is, find where the staples are coming out of your model. The button should be on the side that’s contrary to the place where the staples are discharged. Also, don’t forget to unplug your model before releasing the magazine.

Step #2

The next step is to hold down the previously mentioned button and carefully slide out the magazine. After that, you’ll have to turn your staple gun upside down to be able to load the staples.

Step #3

While you’re holding the staple gun upside down, you’ll have to insert your staples leg. It goes towards the nose of the gun, followed by its other side (“the butt”). Slowly slide back the magazine and wait for the “click” sound that will notify you that your magazine is now clipped into place.

Step #4

Now that the staples are loaded; it’s time to turn the device on. Plug it into a wall outlet and give it a try. It’s important to ensure that there’s just one staple coming out at a time – if your model is firing multiple staples, it has probably malfunctioned. And since this is the first time you’re using this kind of a tool, be cautious of the possible kickback.

A great way to test out your electric staple gun is to do some stapling on a piece of wood. The scrap piece of wood should be of the same thickness as are the materials you intend to use your new tool on. For example, if you intend to do stapling on the particle boards, you should test your machine on a scrap piece of a particle board or on a piece of wood with the same thickness.

Bottom-Loading Electric Stapler

Top-Loading Pneumatic Staplers


Step #1

Start the whole process by disconnecting your model by pressing the “on/off” button on the compressor. This switch is usually located behind the model’s tank, which is of cylindrical shape and contains pressurized air. After that, you can disconnect the hose release – do this by carefully loosening the nut that’s located beneath the device. If you can’t do it by hand, you’ll have to find the correct screwdriver.

If your particular model features a safety trip, don’t forget to put it in place. Its purpose is to prevent the tool from discharging staples while you’re reloading.

Step #2

The next step would be to disconnect the magazine follower. On most pneumatic staplers, this would be a rod whose purpose is to set the clip in place. To disconnect it, push the lever and pull it away from the staple gun. Pull the follower as far as you can. Now that clip is pulled out, it will stay locked in this position.

Step #3

It’s loading time. Take an entire strip of staples and lay them into your model’s rail (leg-first). Ensure that the staples can move freely up and down the rail, without getting stuck. In case your staple row breaks, you can simply load a couple of smaller rows together.

Step #4

After that, you can unlock the gun’s follower by pushing and releasing the lever. Your pneumatic stapler will probably automatically push the staples into the gun – if it doesn’t, just give it a small push.

Step #5

To ensure that you’ve properly loaded the staples; you should test the device out. Plug the compressor into the gun and connect the hose. Take your safety glasses, turn on the compressor, and then test out your model on a piece of wood. After pulling the trigger, check out if there’s one clean staple on the wood – if there is, everything is working correctly.
Top-Loading Pneumatic Stapler

Front-Loading Staplers


Step #1

On a front-loading staple gun, the first thing you’ll have to do is to remove the tape covering. This would be a small piece of tape located on the front of the stapler and having a purpose of protecting the device from getting damaged during transport. It should be removed every time you’re about to load the staples.

Step #2

Take a look at your model from the back and find a small button. Press it to release the magazine. Some models sport a pull mechanism. If your particular model doesn’t indicate whether you should pull or push, simply try out both actions.

Step #3

In some cases, the magazine of a front-loading staple gun will be roughened up or sticky, especially if it’s an old model. In that case, don’t use too much force while pulling on the clip – do it gently. If it’s stuck, take a screwdriver with a flat head and carefully pry it out.

Step #4

Take a row of staples and put it on the track. After that, push the magazine back into the device (there should be a “click” sound). To find out if everything is working correctly, test the device by doing some stapling on a piece of cardboard.
Front-Loading Stapler
That’s it – these were the quick ways to load your staple gun, whether you’re an owner of a bottom-loading, top-loading, or a front-loading model. We hope we’ve been helpful, and we wish you good luck!