Nail guns and staple guns serve similar functions, as they both temporarily or permanently fasten materials. The main difference is that nail guns work better with harder materials, such as wood, while staple guns fasten carpet, upholstery, foam, and other softer materials.
Staple guns typically cost between $15 and $40, depending on their design and efficiency levels. To help you narrow down your options and find the best staple gun for your needs, we evaluated a number of today’s top sellers.
Our top overall choice is the Stanley SharpShooter Plus Staple/Nail Gun for its heavy-duty design and versatility. You can also read our expert-crafted tool buying guide for more THis Old House team pointers.
Top 6 Staple Guns
- Stanley Sharp Shooter Plus Staple/Nail Gun: Best Overall
- Arrow PT50 Pneumatic Staple Gun: Best Pneumatic
- Arrow Heavy-Duty Staple Gun: Most Durable
- WORKPRO Staple Gun: Best Handle
- Dewalt Electric 5-in-1 Multi-Tacker: Best Hammer Style
- BOSTITCH AV Hammer Tacker: Best Electric
Compare Top Staple Guns
| Product | Material | Compatibility | Staples Included | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stanley Sharp Shooter Plus Staple/Nail GunCheck Price | Aluminum | Works with five staple types and two nail types | None | Limited lifetime |
Arrow PT50 Pneumatic Staple GunCheck Price | Metal | Work with T50 staples | None | Limited lifetime |
Arrow Heavy-Duty Staple GunCheck Price | Alloy steel | Works with five staple types and two nail types | Not listed | Limited lifetime |
WORKPRO Staple GunCheck Price | Alloy steel and plastic | Works with five staple types and one nail type | 4,000 | 2 years |
Dewalt Electric 5-in-1 Multi-TackerCheck Price | Blended materials | Works with three staple types and two nail types | None | Limited lifetime |
BOSTITCH AV Hammer TackerCheck Price | Blended materials | Works with three staple types | None | Limited lifetime |
Best Overall
Stanley Sharp Shooter Plus Staple/Nail Gun
This heavy-duty staple gun works with five types of staples and two types of nails to function as a brad nailer, cable tacker, and wire tacker. It also features a lever to switch between high and low power to match the hardness or softness of the material that you’re working with.
Pros and Cons of Stanley Sharp Shooter Plus Staple/Nail Gun
- Made from lightweight, rust-resistant aluminum
- Includes a lifetime warranty
- Works with five types of staples and two types of nails
- Made from aluminum, which is less durable than steel
- Costs more than guns that come with staples
What People Are Saying About The Stanley Sharp Shooter Plus Staple/Nail Gun
Those who left positive reviews for this staple gun said that it was lightweight, which made it easy to handle. Happy customers also mentioned its durability. However, some customers said that it had less power than they anticipated. Others said that it occasionally pinched their hands when they activated its trigger, and others felt it lacked power.
“Bought this with some websites feedback it does a good job, and seriously could be the best stapler guy I’ve used. Judging it by its ease of use, lack of jamming and metal body I’ve dropped from 15 ft up on a ladder and it didn’t miss a beat… I’ll say it’s a keeper.” —Amazon Customer via Amazon
“This was purchased to affix metal corner bead to sheetrock. I’ve used a small stapler using JT21 staples for a while. It gets tiring after putting up a dozen or so sticks of bead. My thought was that this stapler would be easier to use and have a bit more power. The depth in which the staples are set is inconsistent, some to the desired depth, many not deep enough. I’ve adjusted the depth setting wheel over and over, still have inconsistent results. Perhaps this is due to having to use thicker gauge staples, T50, in which they are more difficult to penetrate the sheetrock. In any case, I have no patience for tools that don’t perform consistently and in the manner they are marketed to perform.” —Outdoors via Amazon
Best Pneumatic
Arrow PT50 Pneumatic Staple Gun
Pneumatic staple guns use air pressure to fire thicker, heavier staples, making them ideal for heavy-duty projects. This gun from Arrow has a lightweight design and comfortable grip, as well as bump fire capability, so you can fire several staples at once.
Pros and Cons of Arrow PT50 Pneumatic Staple Gun
- Features an exhaust cover for directing exiting air flow
- Does not require oil for maintenance
- Safety trigger requires two triggers to be pulled to prevent misfires
- Has a heavier, bulkier design than light-duty models
- Requires air supply for proper use
What People Are Saying About The Arrow PT50 Pneumatic Staple Gun
We found that many customers who gave this product a positive review were impressed with its durability and consistency, noting that it didn’t misfire and that it was easy to use. Several others loved that they could use this staple gun without needing to add oil. However, some thought the directions were difficult to understand, and others experienced routine misfires with this staple gun.
“….Not once have I faced a jam or a misfire, which is saying something. If you’ve ever been in the flow only to be rudely interrupted by a stubborn tool, you know how much of a mood killer that can be. The PT50, however, has been a solid ally, chugging along without a hiccup. It feels robust in hand—not too heavy, not too light—a Goldilocks kind of ‘just right’ for hours of use without leaving you feeling like you’ve arm-wrestled a gorilla.” —SchoolBiker via Amazon
“….This one is OK, not great. It doesn’t jam very often, which is good because a jam requires dismantling the head and feed assembly with Allen wrenches. It does, however, have many misfires. It is small and light but only an average performer with all the misfires.” — Hhendrix via Amazon
Most Durable
Arrow Heavy-Duty Staple Gun
Built for longevity, this staple gun is made from alloy steel that the manufacturer hardens in a 1,000-degree furnace and backs with a lifetime warranty. Durability isn’t its only merit, though. Offering versatility and ease of use, it works with five sizes of staples and features a rear-loading magazine with a viewing window.
Pros and Cons of Arrow Heavy-Duty Staple Gun
- Works with five of Arrow’s T50 staple sizes
- Uses a powerful coil spring to drive staples into different materials
- Has a viewing window to tell you when you need more staples
- Doesn’t come with any staples to get you started
- Works specifically with Arrow T50 staples instead of universal staples
What People Are Saying About The Arrow Heavy-Duty Staple Gun
Many customers thought that this staple gun was sturdy and versatile. They also liked its ergonomic handle. On the other hand, a small sample of users said that the gun jammed frequently and some others found it heavy and difficult to use.
“Just what I need to staple into a wood fence. It is strong and gets the job done with ease. It was not hard to squeeze (using just enough muscle) and I did not have to lean my weight into it. As a matter of fact, the fence was standing up and not laying down. It’s a heavy duty stapler and I’m super happy to own it!” —Mz.Maddie via Amazon
“I ordered this stapler to make pressing boards for quilts. First, it came without a single staple. After making a trip to get some and working on the boards, I had to pound every staple down with a hammer. If you’re a big, burly girl or guy with basketball player hands, This is the tool for you. If you’re a small woman with equally small hands, go for a stapler that’s smaller–and hopefully, that comes with at least some starter staples.” —J. Meredith via Amazon
Best Handle
WORKPRO Staple Gun
This versatile heavy-duty stapler works with six different types of fasteners, and it comes with 4,000 fasteners—three types of staples and one type of nail. It has a unique dual power feature to accommodate working with both hard and soft materials. Plus, it automatically adjusts to the type of fastener.
Pros and Cons of WORKPRO Staple Gun
- Has a power lever with high and low settings for hard or soft materials
- Features a built-in belt clip
- Has finger grooves on the handle
- Made from partially plastic, which is less durable than metal
- Comes with only four types of fasteners even though it’s compatible with six types
What People Are Saying About The WORKPRO Staple Gun
Positive reviews mentioned how this tool worked with six types of staples and nails. Others like that it was light and easy to use. Unsatisfied customers claimed that this staple gun wasn’t user-friendly, as it was difficult to load and squeeze, while others said it held less staples than they were expecting.
“Love, love, love this staple gun! We’ve used it for several house projects, from reupholstering furniture, stapling down screening for our patio and for flooring projects. A little tricky to squeeze the trigger but over all very easy to use. And just FYI, you have to put the staples or nails into the chamber upside down. It takes a try or two but once you get the feel for the loading mechanism it’s super easy and efficient” — Svea Leihualani Nau via Amazon
“This product is a good stapler, however, the reset after the handle is squeezed is a bit farther than my hand can comfortably reach and still maintain possession of the gun. Where my hand felt most comfortable (right at the front), I would get nothing more than the motion of stapling without resetting behind the next staple. It wasn’t until I opened my hand to full extension did the stapler reset. This resulted in me nearly dropping the gun each time or needing to raise the gun off the material being stapled to balance it in my hand. This one is a pass for me but you go get ‘em big-handed people.” —Ray Davis via Amazon
Best Hammer Style
Dewalt Electric 5-in-1 Multi-Tacker
This versatile corded stapler can load a wide variety of staples and brad nails, including heavy-duty, cable, narrow and 18-gauge brads. It features a high-low power switch that allows it to drive fasteners into hard or soft materials and a contract-trip switch that ensures the device won’t trigger unless it is pressed against a surface.
Pros and Cons of Dewalt Electric 5-in-1 Multi-Tacker
- Features an integrated wire guide that accurately drives staples
- Can be used for a variety of tasks from installing carpet to insulation
- Features easy bottom-loading refill with an eight-foot power cord
- Has a higher price point than most other staple guns
- Is not cordless
What People Are Saying About The Dewalt Electric 5-in-1 Multi-Tacker
Customers who gave this product a positive review were wowed by its versatility, efficiency, and durable, powerful design. However, we found that some who were less satisfied said that the staples in this gun needed to be hammered in, and others found the instructions difficult to understand.
“I was faced with the daunting task of installing heavyweight aluminum foil in my attic to help reduce the very high Florida summer temps there. Our house is 30+ years old, and the yellow pine truss lumber has dried into iron-like hardness. It’s difficult to pound a nail or wire staple into these trusses. I researched all the h.d. staplers I could find, most of which received not-so-great reviews. I happened to stumble onto this DeWalt unit, and I knew right away, if any would do the job, this was it. I am a general contractor (30 years) and have outfitted my crews primarily with DeWalt tools. I purchased this stapler, and after 10,000 staples (for 5,000 sq ft of foil), I could not be happier. This is a great gun.” —Kindle Customer A.N. via Amazon
Best Electric
BOSTITCH AV Hammer Tacker
This unique electric stapler is a great choice for installation insulation, house wrap, roofing, or other inclined surfaces. It has a wide, multi-layer grip that minmizes shock and vibration, and its no-slip rubber bumpers help keep it place when setting it at odd angles.
Pros and Cons of BOSTITCH AV Hammer Tacker
- Uses 3/8-inch, 5/16-inch and 1/2-inch heavy-duty staples
- Has a comfortable, multi-layer grip
- Comes with an anti-jam loading mechanism
- Not the best choice for everyday tasks due to its large size
- Some customers claimed it gets jammed easily
What People Are Saying About The BOSTITCH AV Hammer Tacker
Customers who praised this product liked its versatility, comfortable grip, and durable, sturdy design. However, there were a few customers who had issues with the product jamming easily and others who were disappointed that it did not take a larger number of staple types.
“This hammer tacker is outstanding! Very smooth and comfortable to use. You don’t need to strike hard and the staples still drive in perfectly. It’s also fairly lightweight in comparison to other trackers I’ve used.” —Cdsmitty via Google
”Bought this for a small gazebo roofing project, just for the tar paper. Made certain to get the right staples as well. Got through one reload and it started dropping two staples and just a 1/2 box when it jammed completely. The design doesn’t allow for easy access to rectify jams.” —Timothy E. Carr via Amazon
Staple Gun Buying Guide
When buying a staple gun, it’s important to consider a few key factors before choosing which product is right for your next woodworking or other home project. First, make sure you’re buying a staple gun that works for the type of material you’re using. Additionally, you should take time to consider the gun’s tension adjustment, trigger lock, handle placement and ergonomics, and any included accessories.
Read our buying guide below to learn about the features that your staple gun should have and the accessories you need to operate it.
Tension Adjustment
A high-quality staple gun should have a knob to adjust the tension in the gun’s spring. This increases the tension if the staples aren’t going through a material or decreases the tension if the staples are tearing through a material.
Trigger Lock
Most modern staple guns include trigger locks. A trigger lock prevents the gun from accidentally misfiring, minimizing the risk of injury. The locking mechanism varies from gun to gun, but a common method involves putting the handle in the down position.
Handle
Your staple gun should be comfortable to hold, as you might be handling it for hours at a time and it should make it easy for you to push down the gun to create staples. Look for staple guns with an ergonomically designed, non-slip grip to ensure they won’t cause soreness.
Accessories
Some staple guns also come with additional accessories that make them easier to use. Here are a few accessories that can help you use your staple gun safely and efficiently.
Staples
There are three types of staples—D-type, U-type, and T-type. Some staple guns work with all of these staples, while others only work with one type. Some models are also compatible with nails in addition to staples.
Eye Protection
A stray staple from a staple gun can cause serious damage to your eyes. To prevent this from happening, purchase impact-resistant eye goggles or glasses.
Carrying Case
Some staple guns include a carry case so it’s easy to transport between work sites or to and from your garage.
Battery and Charger
Some staple guns include the battery and charger with the device, while others require you to purchase them separately.
Expert Staple Gun Safety Tips
Staple guns are useful tools, but they can also be dangerous if you use them carelessly. Here are some general practices you can implement to ensure a safe working environment.
Wear Proper Protection
Always use proper personal safety gear when operating a staple gun. Our experts strongly advise you to wear safety glasses and work gloves at a minimum. If you’re working on a horizontal surface that forces you to point and shoot the staple gun in the direction of your feet, make sure to wear steel-toed work boots, too.
For more prolonged jobs, we also recommend wearing ear protection, as staple guns can be noisy.
Don’t Point the Gun at Anyone
Pointing a staple gun at a person—either by accident or as a joke—is dangerous. Always point the staple gun away from everyone’s body, including yours.
Don’t Disable the Safety Features
The safety features on your staple gun are there for a reason. If these features are preventing you from using your gun, it’s likely you aren’t operating it correctly and should consult the manual or check with the customer service team of the brand of stapler you purchased.
Take Your Hand Off of the Trigger After You Fire
Staple guns can be sensitive, so they may continue to fire as long as your finger is on the trigger. After you’ve fired your gun, move your hand away from the trigger area immediately.
Keep Your Gun Clean
Remove any paint, dust, dirt, wood, fabric, or other debris from your staple gun after every use. You can refer to your specific staple gun’s model’s manual for more specific instructions on how to do this.
Staple Gun FAQs
Are there other types of staple guns besides manual ones?
Yes. There are electric staple guns that plug into an outlet or are battery-powered and rechargeable, as well as pneumatic staple guns that get their power from compressed air. However, a manual staple gun should suffice for most household projects.
What is a bump trigger?
This feature rapidly fires staples when you press the gun down on a surface while holding the trigger. It’s not available on manual guns, so if this is something you think you would benefit from, consider an electric or pneumatic model.
How do I load staples into my staple gun?
There should be a compartment, or magazine, that holds the staples. After ensuring that the trigger is locked, open the magazine, load the staples in the right direction, and close the magazine.
Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of staple guns with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final shortlist, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products for the home, from doorbell cameras and dining room decor to circular saws and snow blowers.
Once we conclude the research and testing phases, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.