10 Best Staple Guns of 2024: Pneumatic, Electric & Manual

Photo: Arrow Fastener

Staple guns will come in handy for a wide variety of projects for DIYers, hobbyists, and professionals. With the best staple gun, you get a reliable power tool that you can use to drive fasteners into a wide variety of materials, from upholstery to wood and plastic.

That said, there are different kinds of staple guns out there that will differ from the size and shape of the power output and the nail gauge and length they shoot. Hence, you need to make sure what you choose suits your specific needs.

To help make your search for a good staple gun an easy one, here we review some top-rate models and explain what you need to look for when shopping.

10 Best Staple Guns – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. Hitachi N3804AB3 (Best Overall)	Tool-free depth adjustment Ergonomic switch Selective-actuation trigger 360-degree adjustable
	2. Stanley TR45K (Best Budget)	More budget-friendly Convenient handle lock Chrome-plated steel build Quick jam clear mechanism
	3. Stanley TR150HL (Best Manual)	Lightweight manual staple gun Aircraft-aluminum housing Simple slide full-stick staple load High and low power lever
	4. Makita XTS01Z (Best Cordless)	Battery-powered operation Spring-loaded driving mechanism Convenient magazine window Rubberized soft grip handle
	5. Surebonder 9615A (Best for Upholstery)	60 to 100 PSI is perfect for upholstery Quick-release magazine Safety latch Rubber grip handle
	6. Surebonder 9600B (Best Heavy-Duty)	Heavy-duty build Adjustable air exhaust Rubber cushioned handle Quick-release magazine
	7. Bostitch 651S5 (Rapid Fire Engine)	Rapid-fire engine Tool-free jam clear Up to 2-inch staple capacity Adjustable drive depth
	8. Fasco 11081F (Excellent Job Visibility)	Long, narrow nose design Rubber comfort grip Reversible bumper Rear exhaust
	9. Arrow Fastener T50 (Durable for General Purpose)	All-steel build Great for multipurpose use Jam-resistant Visual refill window
	10. Surebonder 9615A-300-3A (Reliable for DIY Projects)	Great for DIY projects Complete kit Quick-release magazine Rubber grip

1. Hitachi N3804AB3 – Best Overall Staple Gun

Photo: Hitachi

• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Nail Length: 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches
• Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Crown Size: 1/4 inches

The tool-free depth adjustment is one of the main things that will make the Hitachi N3804AB3 our best overall staple gun. With this function, you will always get a professional finish, and it will allow this staple gun to handle a wide variety of materials.

There is a non-slip elastomer grip on this staple gun that will ensure a more comfortable operation with minimal hand fatigue. Better yet, this is a perfectly balanced and quite lightweight staple gun as it weighs just 2.3 pounds, which makes it even easier to handle.

When nailing, you can choose to use either bump or contact fire modes, thanks to the selective actuation trigger. And there is a 360-degree adjustable exhaust to allow you to direct the air away from you.

Jam clearing is quick and easy thanks to the easy access, and you can be confident that your workpieces will be well-protected thanks to the no-mar tip.

The design of the safety seems a little wanting as it can come in your way, and this is more so when nailing behind frames. However, this is a small issue that does not affect the overall functionality and performance of the staple gun, and so you can live with it.

Pros:

• Easy, tool-free depth adjustment
• Quick and easy jam clearing
• Comfortable elastomer grip
• Well-balanced design
• Ergonomic switch with selective actuation

Cons:

• Wanting safety design

2. Stanley TR45K – Best Budget Staple Gun

Photo: Stanley

• Power Source: Manual
• Nail Length: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2 and 9/16 inches
• Weight: 1 pound

When you do not have a lot of cash to spend but would still want to end up with a well-built and reliable staple gun, the Stanley TR45K is an unbeatable choice.

Besides affordability, this is a lightweight model as it only weighs 1 pound and will include handle-lock to ensure safer use and storage. With the chrome-plated steel build, this staple gun has also been built to be almost indestructible.

With the quick and easy jam clearing mechanism, you will get to save more time when it comes to dealing with jams. Versatility is guaranteed with this staple gun as it can shoot 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2, and 9/16 inches long staples.

Although the handle can feel harder to press than others like the electric and pneumatic staple guns, this is obvious for a manual model. While it can be hard to use on awkward angles, this is because it is designed for upright use.

Pros:

• Relatively more affordable
• Durable overall construction
• Quick and tool-free jam clear
• Lightweight design
• Safe and convenient handle lock

Cons:

• Harder to press handle
• Hard to use in awkward angles

3. Stanley TR150HL – Best Manual Staple Gun

Photo: Stanley

• Power Source: Manual
• Nail Length: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2 and 9/16 inches
• Weight: 11.4 ounces

If you prefer the ease of use and affordability of a manual staple gun, the Stanley TR150HL is our best choice for you. What makes this one of the best manual staple guns is that it weighs just 11.4 ounces, which makes it perfect for extended use with minimal hand fatigue.

This staple gun is made to last with a heavy-duty aircraft-aluminum housing and can take a beating in the worksite. This housing is also what keeps the weight down as aluminum is a lightweight material.

With this staple gun, you get to choose from high and low power levels, which makes it ideal for different projects. Also, this staple gun has a simple-slide full stick load that will make loading it more effortless, and the fact that you can add an entire stick means fewer refills for you.

The anti-jam mechanism is handy because, besides making jams easy to clear, it will minimize the likelihood of getting a staple jam. And this staple gun can shoot five different staple lengths, which are 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2, and 9/16 inches.

Some users might find that the trigger on this staple gun feels a little award when new, but this only takes getting used to the tool. Also, the slower stapling speed is typical of most manual staple guns, and should hence not be a big concern.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to use
• Heavy-duty housing
• Dual power levels
• Easy staple load
• Time-saving anti-jam mechanism

Cons:

• Slower stapling
• Trigger feels a little awkward at first

4. Makita XTS01Z – Best Cordless Electric Staple Gun

Photo: Makita

• Power Source: Cordless Electric
• Nail Length: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 3/4, and 7/8 inches
• Weight: 5.1 pounds
• Crown Size: 3/8 inches

If you prefer the convenience and portability of a battery-powered staple gun, the Makita XTS01Z will be an excellent choice. What’s more, it is still powerful enough, and with a long-lasting battery for longer run times.

This staple gun can shoot 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 3/4, and 7/8 inches long stapler, which is more options than most other models on our list, and this makes it a highly versatile gun.

There is an easy-to-use drive depth control that will make it easy to choose your preferred nail drive depth. The rugged aluminum magazine is a great addition as it is highly durable, and it will include a handy view window to make it easy to track the staple level.

With the soft rubberized grip and more ergonomic design of this staple gun, it will be super comfortable to hold and use.

Makita XTS01Z is the heaviest model on our staple gun review, but 5.1 pounds is still manageable if you do not plan to use it all day from awkward positions such as nailing ceilings.

Pros:

• Convenient cordless operation
• Handy magazine view window
• Soft rubberized grip
• Ergonomic shape ensures easy handling
• Easy depth adjustment

Cons:

• Relatively heavy

5. Surebonder 9615A – Best Staple Gun for Upholstery

Photo: Surebonder

• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Nail Length: 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, and 5/8 inches
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Crown Size: 3/8 inches

With an operating pressure range of between 60 and 100 PSI and capacity to shoot 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, and 5/8 inches long staples, the Surebonder 9615A is our best staple gun for upholstery.

This staple gun will come with a quick-release magazine that will make it easy to add more staples. This magazine can hold up to 100 staples, which is a relatively larger capacity when compared to others in its price range.

There is a rubberized grip handle that will provide a comfortable place to hold the staple gun as you work for minimal hand fatigue. With the inclusion of a safety latch that helps prevent unwanted firing, this will be a safer staple gun to operate.

A view window to allow you to check the level of remaining staples would have been great. However, the absence of one is not a deal-breaker because, with the larger stapler capacity, you will hardly have to worry about running out of staples.

Pros:

• Ideal pressure for upholstery
• Comfortable grip handle
• Easy load magazine
• Safety latch prevents accidental firing
• Larger magazine capacity

Cons:

• No view window for viewing staple levels

6. Surebonder 9600B – Best Heavy Duty Staple Gun

Photo: Surebonder

• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Nail Length: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2, 17/32, and 9/16 in
• Weight: 3.21 pounds
• Crown Size: 3/8 inches

Being our best heavy-duty staple gun, the Surebonder 9600B will be a perfect choice when you want something designed to offer exceptional service for many years. Better yet, this is a balanced staple gun with a comfortable rubber grip.

This highly dependable staple gun is built for versatility as it can shoot six different sizes, which are 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2, 17/32, and 9/16 inches to allow you to use it for various projects from upholstery to specialty jobs like finishing cabinet back.

With the quick-release magazine, adding more staples should be more effortless. Also, this magazine can hold up to 100 staples and will include a view window to make it easy to monitor the level of the remaining staples.

There is an adjustable air exhaust to allow you to direct the hot air away from you. And you can be sure you will never have to worry about jam-clearing as this staple gun will hardly ever jam.

This staple gun seems to be a bit on the louder side when compared to other models and has a little more kickback. However, it is still comfortable enough to use.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty and durable
• Well-balanced and comfortable to use
• Easy jam clearing
• Larger capacity magazine with view window
• Adjustable exhaust is very handy

Cons:

• Relatively louder
• More kickback

7. Bostitch 651S5 – Rapid Fire Staple Gun

Photo: Bostitch

• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Nail Length: 1 to 2 inches
• Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Crown Size: 7/16 inches

It is all about speed with the Bostitch 651S5, and if you are looking for a staple gun that will help you get the job done faster, this will be a perfect choice. Its rapid-fire engine will fire more than 10 staples every second, which is highly impressive.

Also, this top-rated staple gun is designed for heavy-duty applications as it can shoot stales up to 2 inches long, which means it will be useful even when dealing with harder and thicker workpieces like plywood sheathing.

With the flip open nose design, you can clear out jams without having to use any tool. Because this staple gun will allow for depth of drive adjustment, it will be ideal for a wide variety of projects. And the contoured grip ensures more comfortable operation, while the selectable trigger is more convenient to use.

Being one of the priciest options on our staple gun review, some users might find this model a little expensive, but the good news is that you will get value for what you pay.

Pros:

• Super-fast firing
• Shoots longer staples
• Easy and tool-free jam clearing
• Allows for drive depth adjustment
• Comfortable grip

Cons:

• A little pricier

8. Fasco 11081F – Excellent Job Visibility

Photo: Fasco

• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Nail Length: 1/4 to 5/8 inches
• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Crown Size: 1/2 inches

Fasco 11081F has a long, narrow nose design, which will help ensure you always get greater visibility of the workpiece for a more accurate fastener drive.

This staple gun comes with a bottom load design that will ensure reloads are both fast and easy. And this bottom loading magazine is very effective at protecting the internal parts for even more durability.

The reversible bumper makes this a highly durable staple gun, while the rubber comfort grip ensures you get a more comfortable and non-slip grip. There is a rear exhaust on this staple gun that will come with a muffler to ensure lubricant does not fall onto the workpiece.

The plastic trigger safety is by far not the best as it can be a little awkward and cumbersome, but the good news is that it will hardly be a bother when you get used to this staple gun.

Pros:

• Greater workpiece visibility
• Faster reloads
• Non-slip and comfortable grip
• Convenient rear exhaust
• Reversible bumper ensures more durability

Cons:

• Awkward trigger safety

9. Arrow Fastener T50 – Durable General Purpose Staple Gun

Photo: Arrow Fastener

• Power Source: Manual
• Nail Length: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2, 17/32, and 9/16 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds

Arrow Fastener T50 is characterized by a highly durable all-steel construction, which will ensure you get many years of excellent service. 

This staple gun is ideal for general purpose use around the home, and it will be handy for everything from upholstery to light trim and professional use. You can work without having to worry about jamming as this staple gun is jam-resistant.

To make this an even more versatile staple gun, it can shoot six different staple lengths, which are 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2, 17/32, and 9/16 inches. The staples are easy to load, and you can tell when you need to add more staples thanks to the visual refill window.

For hardwoods, this staple gun seems to struggle a little and will not drive the staples deep enough. But, this should not be a deal-breaker as it is typical of manual staple guns.

Pros:

• Highly durable material
• Easy to load design
• Jam-resistant
• Handy visual refill window

Cons:

• Struggles penetrating hardwoods

10. Surebonder 9615A-300-3A – Reliable DIY Staple Gun

Photo: Surebonder

• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Nail Length: 5/16 to 5/8 inches
• Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Crown Size: 3/8 inches

Surebonder 9615A-300-3A is one of the best staple guns for DIY projects out there as it has been designed to handle a wide variety of DIY tasks from upholstery to light-duty wood assembly. What’s more, this staple gun can shoot 5/16 to 5/8-inch long staples.

This pneumatic staple gun will include a quick-release magazine that will make loading fast and effortless. And to ensure you can get more work done before you need to add more fasteners, this magazine will hold up to 100 staples.

There is a comfortable rubber grip on this staple gun that will ensure a comfortable and non-slip grip. Operation is guaranteed to be safer thanks to the safety mechanism that helps prevent unwanted firing. And this gun comes as a complete kit with staples and a heavy-duty carry case.

The nose on this staple gun seems a little shorter when compared to other models. However, the good news is that it is still long enough to fit into tight spaces.

Pros:

• More ideal for DIY projects
• Easy and quick loading
• Safety mechanism prevents unwanted firing
• Comfortable rubber grip
• Sturdy carry case

Cons:

• Relatively shorter nose

How to Buy the Best Staple Gun

Photo: Surebonder

1. Staple Gun Types

Manual

The manual staple guns are the most basic of the three types, but despite their less complicated design, they are still highly efficient and useful. As the name suggests, these are the kinds that will depend on muscle power to drive the staples and will not require an air compressor or plug-in.

With its manual operation, this is the most portable staple gun, and you can carry and use it from anywhere. Also, most of these manual staple guns like the Stanley TR150HL are super easy to load. However, manual nail guns are more prone to jamming and are generally slower to use and more tiring for the user.

Electric

Electric staple guns are available in corded models and cordless or battery-powered models like Makita XTS01Z. This type will use electricity as its power source, and these guns are often more portable than pneumatic types as you will not need to carry an air compressor.

With the best electric staple gun, you will also get an easy to operate tool that can handle relatively more heavy-duty application than the manual ones. These staple guns will be gentler on the workpiece when compared to the sheer power of the pneumatic ones, which makes them ideal for delicate workpieces.

However, you can only use an electric staple gun when you have a power outlet nearby for the corded types, and the battery-operated models will come with limited runtime and long downtimes.

Pneumatic

The pneumatic staple guns like Surebonder 9615A are the most powerful of the three types. These nail guns use an air compressor, and they will provide enough power to drive the staples into thicker and harder materials.

Pneumatic staple guns are quicker than the other two types and can handle extended and heavy use by professionals. However, these staple guns can be noisy, they are more expensive, and the use of an air compressor comes with safety risks.

2. Staple Size

Once you figure out the staple gun type you want, you will need to decide on the staple sizes that you will want to shoot for your projects and choose an appropriate model.

You need to consider both the staple gauge and length. For the staple gauge or thickness, 16, 18, and 20-gauge are the three most common options. Heavy-duty tasks will require a thicker staple like the 16-gauge, while 20-gauge is ideal for light-duty use.

When it comes to the staple length, the best idea will be to go for a model that supports different nail lengths as it will be more useful for various projects. A model that supports six size options like the Arrow Fastener T50 is a great choice.

3. Ease of use

Any staple gun you chose needs to be easy to use to give you excellent service. And different things will affect the ease of use from the size to the trigger type and its location.

An ergonomically-designed staple gun that feels comfortable on your hand and those with a rubberized grip will be the easiest to use.

Also, lightweight staple guns will be easier to use as you can hold them for extended periods with minimal hand fatigue.

4. Other Consideration

As you choose a staple gun, you will need to consider other things like anti-jam mechanism as it will prevent jamming and make the jams easier to clear.

Also, you should consider the brand and buy from reputable staple gun manufacturers like Surebonder, Stanley, and Bostitch. Additional features like staple level view window, belt hook, and handle lock will make the staple gun more useful and efficient.

How to Use Staple Gun 

Photo: Stanley

Once you land that top-rated staple gun with some fantastic features and promises to do an astounding job, you need to know how to use it effectively. But, there is nothing to sweat over here as it is quite a straightforward tool to use. Here is what to do.

Step 1: Examine the Workpiece

The first step when using a staple gun should be to examine the workpiece or material that you intend to staple. Here you will need to make sure that the width and depth of the material will be ideal for the staple gun you have. For example, if you will be stapling two pieces together, you need to make sure the staple gun you have has an appropriate drive depth.

Step 2: Load Up the Staple Gun

Next, you should load up the staple gun with the appropriate staples. Here you will first need to remove the tray by pushing the release button. You should then place the staples on the tray and make sure they are all level before pushing it back into the staple gun.

Step 3: Staple the Workpiece

The last step is to do the actual stepping. And to start stapling, you will need to line up the staple gun with your workpiece or where you want to drive the fasteners, and once it is in place, you can push the trigger. The amount of pressure you need to apply on the trigger depends on the staple gun type, as manual ones will require trigger pressure than electric models.

Other Tips for Properly Handling a Staple Gun

• Never leave the staple gun unattended or over the workpiece.
• Always remember to engage the safety lock when not using the staple gun.
• Never point the staple gun to anyone or even yourself.
• Keep your fingers away from the trigger when not stapling to prevent accidental firing.
• Read the instruction manually keenly before using a specific staple gun.
• Never use your electric staple gun if it has frayed or exposed wires.

Conclusion 

Whether you want to do some upholstery, install vinyl or do some light duty wood assembly, a staple gun will be a useful tool. Finding the best staple gun for these projects is not all about picking from our reviewed models above.

That said, the Hitachi N3804AB3 is our best overall model thanks to the more ergonomic design, tool-free depth adjustment, and convenient self-actuation trigger.

However, if you are looking for a more affordable staple gun that will still get the job done, the chrome-steel build Stanley TR45K is our cheapest option.