7 Staple Guns That Won’t Jam or Damage Delicate Materials

Staple guns are ideal for projects where a nail gun would be overkill. Staples can penetrate and fasten weaker materials—like plywood, sheathing, screen, or fabric—without tearing it apart. Whether you’re hanging outdoor holiday decorations, installing house wrap, laying carpet, or mounting delicate moldings, a staple gun can be indispensable for a variety of tasks. 

To help you choose the right model, we performed hands-on testing with several top options and spoke with a licensed contractor for expert insights. Based on our tests and research, we voted the DeWalt Heavy-Duty Staple and Brad Tacker the best choice overall. It’s easy to load and has a lightweight yet quality build that can withstand frequent DIY or jobsite use. 

Still, several other options performed admirably and may be better suited to your specific needs. From standard manual models to high-powered pneumatic tools, these are the best staple guns for a wide range of jobs. 

1. BEST OVERALL: DeWalt Heavy-Duty Staple and Brad Tacker 
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Arrow T50 Heavy-Duty Staple Gun
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3. UPGRADE PICK: Stanley Heavy-Duty Steel Staple Gun
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4. BEST ELECTRIC: DeWalt Heavy-Duty Electric 5-in-1 Multi-Tacker 
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5. BEST PNEUMATIC: Arrow PT50 Pneumatic Staple Gun
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6. BEST FOR FINISH WORK: Bostitch 18-Gauge Pneumatic Finish Stapler Kit 
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7. BEST FOR CONSTRUCTION: Senco SNS41 2-Inch Construction Stapler
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Staple Guns Comparison

Our Top Picks

Choosing the right staple gun might seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we detail our test results to help you select the right staple gun for fencing, upholstery, or general tacking tasks. 

Best Overall

DeWalt Heavy-Duty Staple and Brad Tacker

Buy at Amazon Buy at The Home Depot

What We Like

• Lightweight yet durable for frequent use
• Suitable for heavy-duty projects and construction
• Easy to load compared to other staple guns
• Features a built-in staple window

What We Don’t Like

• Works best with softer woods

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Product Specs

• Gun type: Manual
• Staple type/nail gauge: T50, 18
• Weight: 1.8 pounds

When it comes to manual options, our choice for the best overall is Dewalt’s heavy-duty hand stapler and brad nailer. This stapler and nailer combo unit fires standard T50 staples and 18-gauge brads, providing flexibility for many fastening projects. While its aluminum construction makes it a lightweight tool, we found it quite durable in our tests.

We also liked how easy it was to insert staples into this model, though we did struggle at first to figure out how to load the brads. Once they were in place, however, this metal staple gun drove them through moldings with ease. Its built-in view window made it simple to see when our fasteners were getting low, and the tacker’s attached belt clip was very sturdy. Also, the palm-squeeze trigger made one-handed operation convenient, which allowed me to apply steady pressure even when stapling overhead or in tight spaces.

What our tester says: “This DeWalt packed more punch than any other manual model. When I fired the longest staples the gun holds into construction lumber, it resulted in a near-flush penetration. Also, compared to other options, its build quality really stood out.”—Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Read our full review: DeWalt Heavy-Duty Staple and Brad Tacker

Get the DeWalt staple gun at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Arrow T50 Heavy-Duty Staple Gun

Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowe's Buy at The Home Depot

What We Like

• Durable, all-steel construction
• Suitable for DIY or light professional use
• Affordable price point

What We Don’t Like

• Can be difficult to squeeze and load

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Product Specs

• Gun type: Manual
• Staple type/nail gauge: T50
• Weight: 1.96 pounds

DIYers looking for a value-forward staple gun with enough power to tackle most general projects should check out Arrow’s heavy-duty staple gun. This manual model features chrome-polished, all-steel construction that’s both durable and rust-resistant. It shoots T50 staples and is useful for attaching house wrap, upholstery, signage, and more.

Testing revealed that this manual staple gun had decent power, though as a budget-priced model, it certainly wasn’t the most powerful in the group. We liked its classic design and jam-resistant firing mechanism and appreciated that the ergonomic hand grip helped reduce wrist fatigue during extended use. Although it can be a bit difficult to squeeze and slightly finicky to load, this model’s reasonable price and sturdy build mean those minor inconveniences aren’t enough to deter us from endorsing it. 

Get the Arrow T50 staple gun at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Arrow.

Upgrade Pick

Stanley Heavy-Duty Steel Staple Gun

Buy at Amazon Buy at Tractor Supply Co. Buy at Ace Hardware

What We Like

• Ideal for DIYers and professionals
• Strong chrome-plated steel construction
• Features a jam-clear mechanism and handle lock

What We Don’t Like

• Staples are not included with purchase

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Product Specs

• Gun type: Manual
• Staple type/nail gauge: T50
• Weight: 2.03 pounds

Stanley’s steel staple gun would be a reliable, lightweight tool for any homeowner or DIYer, yet it’s also strong and well-made enough for use on a jobsite. Though it’s a manual option like our other two top picks, it has upgraded features like a convenient handle lock for safe storage and a jam-clear mechanism for consistently effective use. 

Constructed with chrome-plated steel, this Stanley staple gun offers durability and resistance to rust, making it a suitable staple gun for wood, upholstery, plastics, and more. It accepts full-stick bottom-loading and holds T50 heavy-duty staples ranging from ¼ to 9/16 inches in length. It has a transparent window that shows the remaining staple level, and we appreciated that its jam-free design kept us moving through our tests quickly. The only downside we found was that we had to purchase staples separately before use. 

Get the Stanley staple gun at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot. 

Best Electric

DeWalt Heavy-Duty Electric 5-in-1 Multi-Tacker

Buy at Amazon Buy at Ace Hardware Buy at The Home Depot

What We Like

• Electric functionality is ideal for extended use
• Comfortable rubber grip prevents hand strain
• Wire guide increases tacking accuracy

What We Don’t Like

• Slightly heavier than comparable options

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Product Specs

• Gun type: Electric
• Staple type/nail gauge: T50, 18
• Weight: 3 pounds

The DeWalt 5-in-1 multi-tacker is the only electric staple gun to make our list. It can fire several sizes and styles of fasteners, including T50s and brad nails, and has a comfortable rubber grip. It also features an on/off switch for safety and a power regulator that makes it a great woodworking stapler.

DeWalt’s multi-tacker is a surprisingly affordable electric staple gun, given its ability to switch between staple styles and brads. This makes it a strong contender for homeowners looking to streamline tool purchases, as it can take the place of separate tools. It also includes a wire guide for safely stapling electrical wire in place—a handy feature for any job requiring even a little bit of wiring. 

What our tester says: “The tool doesn’t feature a jam release, but it doesn’t need one—the brads and staples it shoots are short enough to access by dropping open the magazine and reaching in with a pair of needle-nose pliers. We fired the short brads into hard and soft wood and didn’t experience any jams.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Dewalt heavy-duty staple gun at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Best Pneumatic

Arrow PT50 Pneumatic Staple Gun

Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowe's Buy at Ace Hardware

What We Like

• Pneumatic firing is fast and effective
• Overmolded grip is comfortable during long projects
• Bump firing mechanism operates at up to 120 PSI
• Easy-load magazine enables quick fastener changes

What We Don’t Like

• Air compressor required for use
• Larger in size than comparable options

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Product Specs

• Gun type: Pneumatic
• Staple type/nail gauge: T50
• Weight: 1.57 pounds

For those needing a substantial and heavy-duty staple gun for frequent or large-scale projects, the Arrow PT50 pneumatic staple gun might be a perfect fit. Though its bigger body makes it less portable than other options we tested, the PT50 is only 1.57 pounds, and its overmolded grip provides increased comfort during use. 

This pneumatic model is also narrow enough to get into hard-to-reach areas, and its bump firing delivers quick stapling when paired with air compressors of up to 120 PSI. For added ease of use, it features an easy-load magazine for multiple sizes of T50 staples and an exhaust cover for quick reloading and safety. Plus, the fact that this model doesn’t need oil made it so much easier to test and use. 

Get the Arrow staple gun at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best for Finish Work

Bostitch 18-Gauge Pneumatic Finish Stapler Kit

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart

What We Like

• Tool-free depth adjustment for safety and reliability
• Offers both sequential and contact firing
• Universal belt clip is perfect for construction work

What We Don’t Like

• Plastic components may not stand up to extended use

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Product Specs

• Gun type: Pneumatic
• Staple type/nail gauge: 18
• Weight: 3 pounds

Anyone considering switching to staples for their trim work should check out this finish stapler from Bostitch. This heavy-duty pneumatic gun features a tool-free depth adjustment and an overmolded grip for comfort. Plus, it can switch from sequential to contact firing easily and works with 18-gauge staples ranging in size from ½ to 1½  inches. It comes with a handy carrying case to keep it safe when not in use and a universal belt clip that attaches to either side of the stapler. 

We really liked how easy it was to position the tip of this tool in place, and we noticed how accurate our staple placement was as a result (which is very important in finish work). The staple holes this tool left behind were small and clean, allowing us to come behind with a bit of nail hole filler for a seamless look. If we did have a complaint, it’s that this model is constructed using a fair bit of plastic. For that reason, it might be better suited to a DIYer than to the heavy-duty needs of a professional finish carpenter.

What our tester says: “The Bostitch passed all of our tests without breaking a sweat. I also found it very intuitive to use, and its built-in belt hook is a nice touch.”—Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester and writer  

Get the Bostitch staple gun at Amazon or Walmart.

Best for Construction

Senco SNS41 2-Inch Construction Stapler

Buy at Amazon Buy at Ace Hardware Buy at The Home Depot

What We Like

• Convenient 360-degree adjustable exhaust port 
• Suitable for heavy-duty use 
• Holds ample staples for added convenience

What We Don’t Like

• Heavier than comparable options 

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Product Specs

• Gun type: Pneumatic
• Staple type/nail gauge: 16 and 17
• Weight: 4.6 pounds

Senco’s construction stapler is a pro-grade model capable of firing 16- or 17-gauge staples up to 2 inches in length. It has an overmolded rubber grip for comfort and a 360-degree adjustable exhaust port that makes it easier to keep the target area clean.

It was obvious during testing that the Senco is a heavy-duty tool geared toward jobsite use. The powerful automatic staple gun easily fired staples through plywood and construction lumber, creating a strong mechanical bond that was difficult to break. It also has a large capacity that holds more than two sticks of 16-gauge staples at a time. Also, we liked that the magazine doesn’t cover the staples, as we could always tell how many staples were left as we worked.

The Senco staple gun isn’t perfect, though. It doesn’t come with a hose fitting (you’ll need a ⅜-inch male fitting), and it did double-fire from time to time. That’s not a big deal with sheathing, but it could be an issue when installing fence slats or other visible work.

Get the Senco staple gun at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Staple Guns 

I spent years working as a commercial maintenance technician and carpenter and have fired my fair share of staples. Based on my extensive experience in mind, I came up with real-life methods to challenge each type of staple gun I tested.

For the manual staple guns, I loaded each with the same T50 staples before firing them into a piece of scrap Douglas fir construction lumber. I evaluated the depth at which the guns drove the staples to judge their power. Then, I took a piece of scrap leather and stapled it to the lumber with each gun to further test staple penetration.

For the finish staplers, I used a similar method that employed 18-gauge fasteners, attaching a section of chair-rail molding to a piece of Douglas fir. I stapled in multiple locations to see how well the fasteners would penetrate cracks and knots. To test construction staplers, I used a scrap of ¾-inch plywood and construction lumber. I fired several staples as I would when sheathing a house, checking on the performance every few staples.

What to Consider When Choosing a Staple Gun

With the huge variety of staple guns available, it’s smart to get an idea of what to look for before shopping for one. The following sections highlight some of the most important considerations to keep in mind during your search. 

Types of Staple Guns

Before you choose a staple gun for your project, evaluate which type you need:

• Manual staple guns: Handheld, spring-loaded manual staple guns fire staples when their levers are depressed. These simple tools are perfect for tasks like hanging outdoor string lights, making crafts, and performing DIY projects.
• Electric staple guns: A plug-in or battery-powered staple gun uses corded electricity or rechargeable batteries to fire staples. These models are easy on the arm and fire large numbers of staples quickly, so they’re ideal as carpet or upholstery staple guns. If you need to move from room to room or job to job, a cordless staple gun that uses a battery will be particularly convenient.
• Pneumatic staple guns: These staple guns use air pressure to fire thick, heavy-gauge staples, making them great alternatives to framing nailers. Pneumatic models are often used for trim, construction, and as insulation staple guns, especially when speed and power are important.
• Flooring staple guns: Typically an air-operated staple gun, this type of professional gun fires staples into the tongue of a hardwood plank when struck with a mallet. 

Staple Gauges and Sizes

Staple thickness is identified by gauge; the lower the number, the thicker the staple. Common gauge sizes for all-purpose staple guns are 16, 18, and 20, while a staple gun for upholstery might fire 22-gauge staples. Staple guns also fire various widths and lengths of fasteners, with widths typically ranging from 7/32 inch to 7/16 inch and lengths extending up to 2 inches. An industrial staple gun may use staples outside these typical ranges.

“T50” is also a common staple type for many staple guns. This type of staple is a trademark of Arrow Fastener, and other manufacturers have designed their staple guns to operate using them. T50s are somewhat of the gold standard in staples.

Electric vs. Pneumatic

Manual staple guns will always be useful for a wide range of projects. However, they are not always the best option for heavy-duty work. A staple gun with a power source, whether electric or pneumatic, might be best when firing numerous staples or stapling through thicker materials. 

When it comes to choosing between a pneumatic, corded electric, and a battery-operated staple gun and a pneumatic gun, there are reasons to consider each. Pneumatic staple guns tend to be the most powerful, sinking staples deep into tough materials. Their downside is that they require an air compressor to run. On the other hand, electric staplers simply plug into an outlet, but they pack less of a punch. Like cordless brad nailers, cordless staple guns offer good portability and enough power for light- to medium-duty work. 

Safety Features 

Since staple guns can cause serious damage if used incorrectly, some brands take precautions by including useful safety features. One of the most popular staple gun safety features is a rubber-grip handle that makes maneuvering and holding the tool more secure. Some staple gun models also include a wire guide for precise stapling during wiring projects and a handle lock to prevent unwanted stapling while working or storing. 

Comfort and Ease of Use

One of the complaints about manual staple guns is discomfort. Some users with smaller hands or weaker grips find these tools awkward to hold or difficult to squeeze. In this case, an electric or pneumatic staple gun may be a better choice. These types of tools simply require users to depress the safety mechanism at the tip while pulling the trigger with one finger.

But it’s entirely possible for those with smaller hands to fire a manual staple gun. Most of these models have large lever-style triggers that sit in the user’s palm. All the user has to do is push the lever with their body weight—similar to how a palm nailer operates, using pressure and hand positioning to drive fasteners with control.

Tips for Using a Staple Gun

Staple guns are reliable tools for tasks like wiring, DIY projects, and installing roofing. All that’s really required to use one is understanding how to reload a staple gun and how it fires. Read the manufacturer’s instructions before loading a staple gun or using one, as functionality may differ from model to model. 

You will also want to wear a few pieces of protective clothing while using a staple gun, including gloves, safety glasses, and puncture-resistant footwear. Yaeir Moinzadeh, owner of Blue Rise Roofing, echoes this advice, noting, “When you are operating a staple gun, always use eye protection. This is mandatory when working with pneumatic models.” Also, ensure all the components are working properly and that there are no jammed staples in the mechanism. 

Additional tips for using a staple gun safely include:

• Never point a staple gun at yourself or anyone else around you. 
• Do not use a staple gun as a substitute for tasks a hammer, screwdriver, drill, or nail gun is meant for. (See our guide on how to use a nail gun for more information.) 
• When using a pneumatic model, always pair it with an air compressor that has a compatible PSI. 

FAQs

Even with all that background on choosing a staple gun, some additional questions you’d like to sort through might pop up. The following collection of frequently asked questions aims to answer common staple gun queries.

Q. What kind of staple gun is best for wood?

Since they’re powerful enough to drive staples into hard materials, pneumatic staple guns tend to be best for wood. Check out our full review of the DeWalt 20V MAX XR Narrow Crown Stapler to learn more about one of the best pneumatic staplers for wood. 
 

Q. Can I use a staple gun for carpet?

You can, but make sure you use long enough staples to make it through the pile and that the staple gun has enough power to drive them into the wood. Otherwise, loose staples will find their way into bare feet. See our guide on how to install carpet for more information. 

Q. What type of staple gun is the most powerful?

Construction staplers are definitely the most powerful. These models pack enough punch to fire thick, heavy-gauge staples into construction lumber.

Q. How do I know what size staples to use for my staple gun? 

The size and type of staples required for your staple gun will depend on its brand and model. To determine what staple size you need, check the tool’s packaging or contact its manufacturer. If you’re also working with smaller, more delicate trim or craft projects, a pin nailer might be a better fit than a staple gun.
 

Q. How many staples are in a staple gun? 

The average staple gun can hold up to 210 staples. 

Q. What’s the difference between a staple gun and a nail gun?

The basic difference between a staple gun and a nail gun is that a staple gun fires staples, whereas a nail gun fires nails. Staple guns are often better used for lighter-duty projects or applications where a wider fastener would be ideal. Nail guns are typically geared toward heavy-duty tasks involving wood or construction. Licensed contractor Yaeir Moinzadeh agrees, stating, “Staple guns are handy, but they’re not always the best choice for structural work. For such tasks, nails or screws are more efficient and appropriate.”

Meet the Tester

Tom Scalisi is a freelance writer specializing in the home design, construction, tools, and automotive industries. He has been involved in the trades for over 15 years as both a contractor and a commercial building mechanic. His work has been featured on This Old House, Family Handyman, and Forbes. He also owns and operates a pest control blog RiddaBugs.com. As a lover of all things tools, construction, and DIY, he’s always looking for new tools and techniques while also sharing his knowledge with the DIY world. 

 

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