Toolbox: Staple Guns

This squeeze type is a good all-around unit when you need to attach something without using a screw or a nail. The disadvantage is if you're driving long staples into hardwood, like oak or maple. They may not end up flush with the surface, so you want to consider going to a smaller stapler or getting a heavy-duty hammer-type staple gun. With that one all you have to do is just draw your arm back at the elbow and hit your target. And you can rest assured that your staples will end up flush with the surface.

For upholstery work, you can't beat the electric-powered staple gun. If you have to put in a lot of staples real quick, this is the unit for you.

Always remember to keep your staple gun clean. And to do that, just remove the spring holder in the back. Pull out all of the staples, and then take a pipe cleaner and slide it into the track. What you're trying to do is just get any leftover pieces of metal that may be left behind by the staples.

Also there on the bottom, there's a little track. Take an old toothbrush and just slide it along the track to remove any of those little small pieces of metal.

When using any type of staple gun, always remember to use and wear eye protection.