Product type
General purpose of the instrument.
A construction stapler in the original sense of the word is called a staple gun — a tool designed to work exclusively with staples. For driving nails, in turn,
nailers are used, while in such devices the matter may not be limited to nails alone. However, the most versatile are the combined models —
2-in-1 and
3-in-1 staplers. Here is a more detailed description of all these varieties:
— Stapler. Stapling tools that are not intended for use with other types of fasteners. One of the most popular areas of application for such devices is furniture production and other activities where it is necessary to sheathe various structures with fabric, mesh, etc.; although, of course, the matter is not limited to this. Anyway, staplers are not as versatile as 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 models, but at the same cost, a highly specialized tool usually turns out to be more performant, practical and reliable than a combination device.
— Nayler. He's also a "nail gun". Tools similar to staplers, but designed to work with nails (sometimes also with pins / studs) and do not involve the use of staples. For a number of reasons, pneumatic nailers are most widely used nowadays, but there are other variations.
— Stapler (2-in-1). Devices that can work with both staples and nails; in other words, a combination of a traditional stapler and
...a nailer in one tool. The main advantage of such models is versatility: a combined tool can replace two specialized ones at once. At the same time, it will cost significantly less than two separate devices, and it will take up less space; and to switch between different types of fasteners in many models, you don’t even need to change the store — just load the desired type of consumables into it. However, if you plan to work with only one type of fastener, you should not buy a combined device so as not to overpay for unnecessary functionality.
— Stapler (3 in 1). Tools from this category are capable of working with staples and nails, as well as with pins (studs). Thus, such models are generally similar to 2 in 1 devices, but they have even more extensive functionality and, accordingly, are somewhat more expensive.Fastener type
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Nail. Traditional nails are pointed rods with hats. However, hammers are often made for specific types of nails, and ordinary ones cannot be charged in them, this point in each case must be clarified separately. The nail is usually hammered in as a whole, right up to the head; such fasteners are tightly held in the material.
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Staple. Colloquially, staples are sometimes referred to as "paper clips", although this is not entirely true. Such fasteners are familiar to many from ordinary stationery staplers, however, staples can also be used for more serious tasks — for example, attaching upholstery to wooden furniture. They do not hold as tightly as nails, but the oblong shape of the staple is in some cases a decisive advantage, and reliability is often enough.
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Pin / hairpin. Fasteners that are driven in the same way as nails, but do not have expanded hats at the top. In addition, they differ somewhat in application: the pin can protrude above the surface of the material, or vice versa, be completely hidden inside, in such a way that then “mask” the fasteners with putty, decorative film, etc. All this requires specific design features, so not every stapler capable of using nails will be compatible with pins / studs.
Min. staple width
The smallest staple width that the stapler can handle.
The width of the bracket is, roughly speaking, the distance between its legs. Different situations and types of work require different sizes of staples, sometimes quite small. At the same time, staples that are too small will hang out in the store and will not be able to properly fit under the drummer, which is why modern staplers have a minimum size limit. You should pay special attention to it if you plan to work with brackets of small width.
Min. staple length
The smallest length of staples (see Fastener Type) that the stapler can work with.
The length in this case means the length of the leg — in other words, the depth to which the staple clogged "to the stop" penetrates into the material. Small staples do not require much power to drive, but the tool may not be designed for fasteners that are too short due to other parameters — for example, the design of the magazine. Therefore, for many models, this limitation is quite relevant, and in powerful professional models, the minimum length can be quite large — more than 20 mm.
Max. staple length
The largest length of staples (see Fastener Type) that the stapler can work with.
The length in this case means the length of the leg — in other words, the depth to which the staple clogged "to the stop" penetrates into the material. This means that working with staples of great length requires not only the appropriate design of the magazine and the feed mechanism — the stapler must also be quite powerful in order to provide the effort necessary for effective clogging. And this, in turn, affects the dimensions, weight and price of the tool. In fact, this means that it does not always make sense to specifically look for a model that can work with long staples — you need to evaluate the specifics of the intended work: often the best choice is a relatively “short”, but at the same time inexpensive and compact tool.
In general, a limit of 10 – 15 mm is typical for entry-level staplers, and in professional models this parameter can exceed 50 mm.
Min. pin thickness
The smallest diameter of the attachment pin (see Attachment Type) that the stapler can handle.
The tool cannot effectively capture a workpiece that is too thin, and, accordingly, effective clogging is out of the question. However this limitation can be so small that it can be neglected — in particular, because such thin pins for general use are simply not produced. Therefore, the minimum pin diameter is indicated relatively rarely, and mainly in cases where it exceeds 0.5 mm.
Max. pin thickness
The largest diameter of the attachment pin (see Attachment Type) that the stapler can handle.
The limitation on the maximum diameter is connected not only with the size of the “seats” in the tool, but also with its power: with an increase in thickness, the force required to effectively drive fasteners also increases. This, in turn, affects the weight and price of the stapler. Therefore, it does not always make sense to pursue the opportunity to hammer in thick pins — you need to take into account the actual specifics of the planned work.
Max. pin length
The longest attachment pin (see Attachment Type) that the stapler can handle.
A long pin not only needs to fit in the magazine and the feed mechanism of the tool — it also requires significant effort to be applied, otherwise the part cannot be hammered to the desired depth. Accordingly, an increase in the permissible length of the pin (with the same thickness) requires an increase in the power of the tool, and this, in turn, affects the dimensions, weight and price. In fact, this means that the principle "the more — the better" does not work in this case — you should choose a stapler based on how much longer the length is really needed for the planned work.
Functions
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Adjustment of impact force / depth. The ability to adjust the force of impact or the depth of clogging fasteners. These functions are implemented somewhat differently: the impact force is changed by adjusting the power supplied to the striker upon impact, and the driving depth can be set due to a mechanical limiter — for example, by retracting the striker a certain distance back, so that it simply does not was able to move beyond a certain distance. However, the purpose and use of these functions is similar: first of all, they allow you to change the depth to which the fastener is driven into the material. In addition, adjusting the force of impact (namely force) can be useful when working with delicate materials, where too powerful impacts are undesirable. Specific details of the implementation of this function should be clarified in each case separately.
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Double hit. Possibility of operation of the stapler in the double impact mode. Here, this term means the ability to drive two fasteners at once in one blow — for example, for connections that require increased reliability. Note that double impact most often only works on staples, even if the tool is able to work with other types of fasteners (see above). Firstly, it is for brackets that this possibility is most relevant; secondly, it is much more difficult to implement it for nails or pins.
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Bending the staple.... The ability of the stapler to work not only for driving staples, but also for bending their legs after installation. The need for bending arises in cases where the tool is used to fasten relatively thin layers of material, and the staples pierce the parts to be fastened through: bent legs provide a secure hold, and are also safer — the risk of scratching or pricking the protruding edge of the staple is minimal. Note that such work requires an anvil of hard material placed under the fastened materials; in some tools with a bending function, the anvil is part of the design, but most often it is not.
— Blade of knife. The presence of a knife blade in the design of the stapler. This feature allows you to use the tool not only for driving fasteners, but also for cutting material — for example, preparing upholstery for furniture. The blades are usually made removable (so that a dull one can be quickly replaced with a fresh one or sharpened with convenience) and have a beveled shape (this allows you to cut with the very tip of the knife, providing high accuracy and accuracy). However, this function is quite specific, therefore it is rare, and mainly among percussion models (see "Type") — only they turn out to be quite light, compact and convenient for use as knives.
— Backlight. The presence in the stapler of its own built-in flashlight, usually directed in such a way as to highlight the place of impact. This feature is extremely useful when working in low light conditions. Note that such conditions can easily arise even under normal ambient lighting: for example, the tool itself often obscures the impact site, worsening visibility and complicating accurate aiming.
— Brushless motor. Such motors do not have the classic carbon brushes found in conventional power tools, whose friction during engine operation leads to additional heating, which leads to unnecessary energy consumption and general engine wear. Refusal to use them allows you to extend the battery life of the tool, on the one hand, as well as the life of the engine, on the other.