How to Use a Stapler

Last Updated: May 8, 2024 Fact Checked

Staplers are an efficient way to bind paper together. Manual desktop staplers are most common in an office environment, but there are also electric staplers and heavy-duty staplers. ^{[1]
X
Research source} Heavy-duty staplers and manual desktop staplers work in the same way, but heavy-duty ones are usually larger and may have a handle on the front end. You can also use manual and desktop staplers to tack paper to a wall.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the Stapler and Paper

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1
Open the stapler. Most staples are top load staplers. To open these, grip the base of the stapler, then pull the top of the stapler until it lifts open and the staple tray is revealed. Back load staplers usually have a button on the back, so to open these, push the button until the stapler tray pops out slightly. Then, pull on the staple tray until it is fully extended.
- Electric staplers will also have a release button on the back.
- Hold the base steady when opening a stapler.
- Some models may vary, but in general, you can open a stapler by pulling it open or by pushing a back button.
Load the stapler . Insert the recommended staples, placing the pointy legs first into the staple tray. To close top load staplers, push the top of the stapler down until it clicks into place. For back load staplers, push the stapler tray in to close it.

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This is the amount most manual desktop and electric staplers can bind, but heavy-duty staplers can handle up to 100 or more pieces. Be sure your papers are all facing the same way and are in the order you want to bind them in.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Stapling Paper

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1
Put the upper left edge of the stack of paper in the stapler’s mouth. The staple is going to come out of the stapler ejection gap (located at the very end of the stapler tray), so place the part you want to staple under it. ^{[2]
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Research source}
- If you are using an electronic stapler, the staple will shoot out immediately.
- If the electronic stapler does not shoot the stapler out immediately, push your papers further back, and be sure it is plugged in.
- You will hear electronic staplers “click” when the papers are bound.
Then, let go of the stapler’s top, and your papers should be bound.
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You can remove the staple if it is not in the location you wanted, if it is loose, or if it is bent. Pry open the staple legs, then pull the staple out, and try stapling it again.
Staplers often jam if you try to staple too many papers or if a staple bends in an unexpected way. Open up the stapler, and use tweezers, pliers, or a similar tool to pull out any jammed staples. Unplug electronic staplers before fixing any jams.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Using the Stapler for Tacking

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1
Open the stapler. Hold the base of the stapler firmly in one hand, then pull back the top of the stapler where the staple tray is. ^{[3]
X
Research source} Other stapler models include a silver tab on the bottom of the stapler, toward the back. Press it, and the stapler will automatically pop open, enabling you to use it for tacking purposes.
- Let the base hang as you use the stapler tray end for tacking.
- Do not use electronic staplers for tacking.
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You may need to ask a friend for help since you do not want to tack a crooked piece of paper to the wall, and using the stapler to tack will require two hands. Tape the paper in place while you staple it if a friend cannot help you hold it.
You will hear the staple enter the wall. Repeat this tacking process as necessary. If the tacking function is not working, do not force it. Your walls may simply be too thick for staples, and you will have to use screws or hooks.

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Question

How do I put staples into my stapler?

Community Answer

The very top of your stapler should be able to easily open. Then you can place the staples in.

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Tips

Most everyday staplers can handle a packet of about 20 pages. Beyond that, you may need a more specialized or heavy-duty stapler.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Ensure you are not so soft when pressing. Once you are sure of the position, a quick firm press should be it.
When stapling sheets of paper, do it at a 45-degree angle to keep the staples from easily being ripped out.

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Warnings

Never staple a body part.

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Do not use staplers to bind heavy-duty materials like cardboard.

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Keep fingers away from the staple ejection gap. Stapling your fingers can be painful, so keep fingers and other extremities away from where the staplers come out to prevent injury.

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Things You'll Need

A manual desktop, electric, or heavy-duty stapler
The paper you need to bind
Extra staples

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How to Use a Stapler

Steps

Preparing the Stapler and Paper

Stapling Paper

Using the Stapler for Tacking

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Tips from our Readers

Warnings

Things You'll Need

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