Staples
(4 Products)Fast, efficient, and remarkably versatile - construction staples are one of the most widely used mechanical fasteners in the industry. From roofing crews working at height to cabinet-makers in the workshop, staples are relied upon daily to secure materials cleanly and effectively with minimal fuss. These U-shaped metal fasteners are driven into materials to hold them in place - either temporarily (e.g. while adhesive cures) or as a long-term fixing.
Their key advantage lies in their ability to provide a firm hold across a broader surface area than a single-point fixing such as a nail or screw. This distributed pressure makes them particularly useful when working with brittle, laminated, or soft materials, as they reduce the risk of cracking or splitting.
What Are Construction Staples?
Construction staples are U-shaped metal fasteners designed to penetrate and bind materials by driving their two sharp legs through the substrate and folding them under pressure. Unlike nails or screws, staples distribute holding power across a wider area, reducing the risk of material splitting or surface damage - particularly important when working with softwoods, engineered boards, or delicate fabrics.
They're primarily manufactured from steel wire and are available in a wide variety of specifications to suit distinct applications.
Applications
- Roofing Felt & House Wrap: Staples provide a fast and secure method of attaching underlayments and protective barriers.
- Insulation Fitting: Ideal for fixing insulation rolls or slabs between wall studs or rafters.
- Carpet Installation: Staples are often used to hold carpet padding or tack strips in place.
- Cable Management: Rounded crown staples help to secure electrical wires and cables without damaging the insulation.
- Subflooring & Sheathing: Heavy-duty staples are employed to fasten wood sheathing panels to floor or roof framing.
- Furniture Assembly & Upholstery: Wire staples are commonly used to attach fabric to wooden frames or temporarily secure glued joints in cabinet-making.
Choosing the Right Staple
Getting the right staple for the task at hand is key to achieving a durable and professional result. When selecting your staples, consider the following:
Crown Width (Crown Size)
This refers to the horizontal top section of the staple - the bridge that connects the two legs. Crown width affects surface coverage and holding strength. A wider crown offers greater grip and is ideal for securing sheeting, insulation or house wrap. Narrow crowns, on the other hand, are suited to precision work such as cabinet-making or upholstery, where a discreet fastening is preferred.
- Wide Crown Staples: Commonly used in roofing, flooring and packaging.
- Medium Crown Staples: Found in furniture framing, subflooring, and plywood sheathing.
- Narrow Crown Staples: Perfect for trim work, panelling and fabric attachment.
Leg Length (Staple Depth)
Measured from the underside of the crown to the tip of the legs, leg length determines how deep the staple will penetrate. It should be chosen based on the material thickness and substrate hardness. As a rule of thumb, the staple should penetrate into the base material by at least half its total length.
- Shorter Legs: For light-duty tasks like fixing fabrics or thin materials.
- Longer Legs: Used where deeper anchoring is required - e.g. timber sheathing or structural panel fixing.
Wire Gauge (Thickness)
Wire gauge refers to the diameter of the staple legs. Thicker gauge staples (lower gauge number) provide greater tensile strength and resistance to pull-out, making them suitable for structural and heavy-duty fastening.
- Fine Wire (20-22 gauge): Upholstery, light joinery, decorative trims.
- Medium Wire (16-19 gauge): Flooring underlay, insulation, furniture assembly.
- Heavy Wire (14-15 gauge and below): Subflooring, sheathing, fencing, crates.
Finish & Coating
Depending on the environment and material being fastened, the staple’s finish plays a critical role in corrosion resistance and long-term durability.
- Galvanised Staples: Zinc-coated for rust resistance - suitable for most indoor and sheltered outdoor applications.
- Stainless Steel Staples: High corrosion resistance - ideal for coastal areas, exterior cladding, or where moisture is present.
- Resin-Coated Staples: Often used in wood-to-wood applications; the resin melts on driving, enhancing hold once cooled.
Manual Vs. Power-Driven Staples
When used with the appropriate tool - whether a manual stapler, hammer tacker or pneumatic gun - staples allow for rapid, repetitive fastening with minimal surface disruption. This makes them indispensable for high-volume work such as fitting underlays, insulation, house wrap, sheathing panels, or packaging materials.
Staples can be driven manually using a staple gun or hammer tacker for lighter applications. For more intensive tasks, pneumatic and electric staplers deliver greater speed and driving power, making them a popular choice on busy job sites.
Frequently Asked Staples Questions
Are Staples Rust Proof?
When on a budget, galvanised steel staples are an excellent choice for indoor projects since they won't be in contact with moisture or other substances.
However, it is important to note that if exposed to excessive amounts of moisture or salt water over time, these types of staples may corrode and rust.
What's The Difference Between Nail Guns & Staplers?
Staplers and nail guns serve the same purpose - they both secure objects together. However, each tool is unique in its own way; staplers contain a two-legged fastener with a crown that remains visible upon embedding into a surface, while nails tend to be single pointed.
Both tools have their place when it comes to construction projects, so having both on hand allows you to take advantage of various job opportunities.
In What Way Are Staples Better Than Nails?
Staples lend an unrivalled finishing touch for projects where nails don't quite make the cut.
Their greatest benefit is how fast and effortless using them is; with a staple gun, it's possible to install four in the time it would take to hammer one nail!
For those small, visible furniture components and features, nails are the way to go. However, when it comes to larger pieces such as sectionals and furniture frames, trusty staples are your best bet.
Furthermore, while nails are the preferred fastener for shingles, staples can be used to speed up installation and reduce weight on your underlayment. To ensure a secure hold that equals that of nails, it is vital to get the angle of entry correct.
Are Staples Suitable For Recycling?
Yes, it is possible to recycle all forms of staples, so long as you make a note of the materials from which they are made.
For example, steel staples can be recycled along with steel household waste such as cans and pots.
Are Staples Biodegradable?
As staples are usually constructed of metal, microorganisms are unable to decompose them. Steel staples may corrode over time but they will not break down biologically.
