Q&A for How to Fix a Jammed Manual Stapler

It’s possible that you’re using poor-quality staples that crumple easily, or that the paper you’re using is too thick for the stapler. Make sure you’re using staples with an appropriate strength rating for your staple and that you’re not trying to staple through too many pieces of paper at once. Be careful to keep the stapler on a level surface and push straight down to avoid accidentally bending the staples.

You may have noticed that your stapler has a second setting on the base plate that causes the staple to bend outward instead of inward. The other (less common) setting is used to create a looser staple to temporarily pin papers together. This type of stapling is easier to remove without ripping up the paper.

Most manual staplers open from the top. Set the stapler down on a flat surface and carefully pull open the top of the stapler to reveal the loading tray with the staples inside. From there, you can easily lift out the staples. If any staples are jammed in the front end of the stapler, you may be able to get them out with some needle-nosed pliers, tweezers, or a paperclip.

To add more staples to your stapler, open the top of the stapler, hold the plastic top piece with the spring open, and insert the staples there. It takes little to no effort and is done in a second!

Your stapler might be jammed; ask friends or family for help.

The best thing to do is open up the stapler and see if any staples are stuck. If any are stuck, then try using a staple remover to get them out. If that doesn't work, try using the claw end of a hammer.

Check to see if there is a blockage. It's possible you're using the wrong size of staples. It's also possible that the spring that runs along the top of the stapler is broken. If that's the case, it may be time to purchase a new stapler.

Check to see if there is an obvious blockage. It may be that you're using the wrong size of staples. If there isn't anything wrong that you can see, try consulting the manual.

Try using a long, thin object, like a letter opener or even a heavy-duty paperclip, to pry the two sections apart.

Check and see if there is a blockage of some sort cause the bend. If there is, you may be able to straighten it out using a pair of pliers.

It connects to a hook on the top metal section and to the bottom bar that pushed the staples forward in the stapler tray.

Try to gently pry them out with a pair of needle-nosed pliers. If that doesn't work, you may be able to take the stapler to a repair shop so it can be taken apart and unjammed.

Your stapler is most likely broken. Use the steps above to repair it. If these don't work or don't apply to your stapler (because the stapler is broken from reasons other than being jammed), then you should bring the stapler a repair shop or get a new one.

On the underside of the stapler where the plate is, there should be a metallic button slightly recessed. If you push this button up, it will feel like it’s spring loaded. When pushed up, the plate will rise enough that you can pivot the plate 180°. The spreader staple plate can be turned, when you release pressure on the button it secures the plate in that position!