Q&A for How to Fix a Jammed Manual Stapler

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  • Question
    Why does my stapler keep jamming?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What’s that other setting on a stapler for?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do you remove staples from a stapler?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I fill the stapler with staples?
    Community Answer
    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!
  • Question
    What can I do if the staple storage part of my Rapid Heavy Duty 110 stapler won't close?
    Community Answer
    Your stapler might be jammed; ask friends or family for help.
  • Question
    I have a heavy duty staple gun, and it won't push the staples down and out of the gun. What can I do to get it to work?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I get the stapler to pop back into position for the next staple if it won't do it now?
    Sarah Battilana
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What can I do if the staple storage part of my Rapid Heavy Duty 110 stapler won't close?
    Sarah Battilana
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What should I do if I can open the stapler (the bottom part)?
    Sarah Battilana
    Community Answer
    Try using a long, thin object, like a letter opener or even a heavy-duty paperclip, to pry the two sections apart.
  • Question
    How can I fix a stapler that always bends staples?
    Sarah Battilana
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Where does the long spring connect to on a manual stapler?
    Sarah Battilana
    Community Answer
    It connects to a hook on the top metal section and to the bottom bar that pushed the staples forward in the stapler tray.
  • Question
    Staples are jammed on the uderside of the ACCO 50. Tried to put them in wrong. Sentimental stapler need to fix it?
    Sarah Battilana
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What do I do if my stapler won't staple anymore?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I change the staple plate so the staples spread out?
    Community Answer
    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!
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