The 7 Best Staple Guns for Upholstery – Reviews in 2019

When most of us think of the best staple gun for upholstery, we are generally thing about those ever-so-useful little tools that we use in the office to keep papers together.

People working on making or repairing upholstery also need staple guns, but a lot more power is needed than that obtained from a little squeeze of the hand. Many of these work with an attached air compressor to force out the staple at high velocity.

The air compressors usually have to be bought separately. But in some cases, the staplers are electric powered without the assistance of an external compressor.

When most of us think of staple guns, we are generally thing about those ever-so-useful little tools that we use in the office to keep papers together. People working on making or repairing upholstery also need staple guns, but a lot more power is needed than that obtained from a little squeeze of the hand. Many of these work with an attached air compressor to force out the staple at high velocity. The air compressors usually have to be bought separately, but, in some cases, the staplers are electric powered without the assistance of an external compressor. In this article, we will consider how we might choose the best staple gun for upholstery.

7 Best Staple Guns For Upholstery 2018 Reviews

1. Porter-Cable US58 1/4-Inch to 5/8-Inch 22-Gauge C-Crown Upholstery Stapler

The Porter-Cable US58 works with a separate compressor. It needs 70-120 psi air pressure, so you do not need to buy an expensive compressor for this, but it should work with just about any compressor should you already have one in your tool box.

The type of staples that it uses are the standard Senco Type, 22 ga. 3/8-inch crown staples from 1/4-inch to 5/8-inch long, making them easy and cheap to replace when needed.

The Porter-Cable US58 works with a separate compressor. It needs 70-120 psi air pressure, so you do not need to buy an expensive compressor for this, but it should work with just about any compressor should you already have one in your tool box.

The type of staples that it uses are the standard Senco Type, 22 ga. 3/8-inch crown staples from 1/4-inch to 5/8-inch long, making them easy and cheap to replace when needed.

Porter-Cable US58 1/4-Inch to 5/8-Inch 22-Gauge C-Crown Upholstery Stapler

Check More Photos & Price at: amazon.com

The light weight design of this stapler is great for usability. Coming in at only one and ¾ pounds, you can use it for as long as you need without wrist ache. You’re also safe in the knowledge that the exhaust for the compressor faces away from the user.

The light weight design of this stapler is great for usability. Coming in at only one and ¾ pounds, you can use it for as long as you need without wrist ache. You’re also safe in the knowledge that the exhaust for the compressor faces away from the user.

2. Surebonder 9615A-300-3A 22G Pneumatic Upholstery Staple Gun Kit-includes15,000 Staples

The Surebonder works at its peak with 80 to 100 psi air pressure. There is no pressure adjuster on the stapler itself, pressure needs to be adjusted on the compressor.

Staples used are 22G, 3/8" crown staples from 5/16" to 5/8" leg length. Unlike many staple guns, 1500 staples are included when you purchase this stapler (5000 of each of three different sizes), meaning you can attack any job straight out of the box.

The Surebonder works at its peak with 80 to 100 psi air pressure. There is no pressure adjuster on the stapler itself, pressure needs to be adjusted on the compressor.

Staples used are 22G, 3/8" crown staples from 5/16" to 5/8" leg length. Unlike many staple guns, 1500 staples are included when you purchase this stapler (5000 of each of three different sizes), meaning you can attack any job straight out of the box.

Surebonder 9615A-300-3A 22G Pneumatic Upholstery Staple Gun Kit-includes15,000 Staples

Check More Photos & Price at: amazon.com

In addition to the 15,000 free staples, the staple gun comes with tool oil, an allen wrench and a carrying case. Users report it to be a comfortable tool to operate.

In addition to the 15,000 free staples, the staple gun comes with tool oil, an allen wrench and a carrying case. Users report it to be a comfortable tool to operate.

3. Surebonder Pneumatic 22G Narrow Crown Upholstery Staple Gun with Blow Molded Carrying Case

The Surebonder is fairly similar to the Surebonder 9615A but can work with a lower air pressure ratio at only 60-100 psi.

The same type of staples are used as with the 9615A. With these universally available staples, replacements are not a problem. This product comes with its own specially designed case for easy storage and a handy place to keep all those spare staples you may have.

The Surebonder is fairly similar to the Surebonder 9615A but can work with a lower air pressure ratio at only 60-100 psi.

The same type of staples are used as with the 9615A. With these universally available staples, replacements are not a problem. This product comes with its own specially designed case for easy storage and a handy place to keep all those spare staples you may have.

Surebonder Pneumatic 22G Narrow Crown Upholstery Staple Gun with Blow Molded Carrying Case

Check More Photos & Price at: amazon.com

Features promoted by the manufacturer include a quick release magazine to make loading easy and a safety mechanism to prevent accidental firing which is a great addition especially if you may be working with children around.

Features promoted by the manufacturer include a quick release magazine to make loading easy and a safety mechanism to prevent accidental firing which is a great addition especially if you may be working with children around.

4. Surebonder 9600B Pneumatic Heavy Duty Standard T50 Type Stapler

The Surebonder 9600A is fairly similar to the Surebonder 9615A, but can, like the Surebonder 22G, work with a lower air pressure – 60-100 psi is the quoted range. It is marginally less expensive and has been rated as one of the best pneumatic staple gun available to buy.

It uses Surebonder #4 Staples or Arrow T50 type Staples. It will work effortlessly with 6 different sizes of staple, making it adaptable to whatever job you are looking to complete.

The Surebonder 9600A is fairly similar to the Surebonder 9615A, but can, like the Surebonder 22G, work with a lower air pressure – 60-100 psi is the quoted range. It is marginally less expensive and has been rated as one of the best pneumatic staplers available to buy.

It uses Surebonder #4 Staples or Arrow T50 type Staples. It will work effortlessly with 6 different sizes of staple, making it adaptable to whatever job you are looking to complete.

Surebonder 9600B Pneumatic Heavy Duty Standard T50 Type Stapler

Check More Photos & Price at: amazon.com

Two hex wrenches, tool oil, a quick release connector and a carrying case are included. The manufacturer claims that the Surebonder 9600A’s general balance and rubber grips make the tool particularly comfortable to work with.

Two hex wrenches, tool oil, a quick release connector and a carrying case are included. The manufacturer claims that the Surebonder 9600A’s general balance and rubber grips make the tool particularly comfortable to work with.

5. Fasco 11081F F1B 50-16 1/2-inch Crown 20 Gauge Duo-Fast 50 Series Upholstery Stapler

This Fasco single-shot, air powered, stapler is considerably more expensive than the previous staplers we have reviewed in this article. It offers no extras in the purchase kit. It just has an impeccable reputation for quality.

Staples used are the duo fast 50 series or similar. Sizes that can be handled are ¼ inch to 5/8 inch leg length, giving you adaptability when you need it the most.

This Fasco single-shot, air powered, stapler is considerably more expensive than the previous staplers we have reviewed in this article. It offers no extras in the purchase kit. It just has an impeccable reputation for quality.

Staples used are the duo fast 50 series or similar. Sizes that can be handled are ¼ inch to 5/8 inch leg length, giving you adaptability when you need it the most.

Fasco 11081F F1B 50-16 1/2-inch Crown 20 Gauge Duo-Fast 50 Series Upholstery Stapler

Check More Photos & Price at: amazon.com

Its ingenious bottom loading design makes changing the size or adding extra staples a breeze. If you do get a jam or blockage this also makes it easy to rectify quickly and safely.

Its ingenious bottom loading design makes changing the size or adding extra staples a breeze. If you do get a jam or blockage this also makes it easy to rectify quickly and safely.

6. Roberts Model 10-600, 120-Volt, 15-Amp, Professional Electric Stapler with Carrying Case

The Roberts Mopdel 10-600 is an example of an electric as opposed to air-powered stapler. It has a North American style 120 volt plug. Capacity is 15 amps while it runs with a 1500 watt solenoid.

The stapler itself can hold over 85 staples inside, making finishing a job without having to reload every two minutes an easy concept.

The Roberts Mopdel 10-600 is an example of an electric as opposed to air-powered stapler. It has a North American style 120 volt plug. Capacity is 15 amps while it runs with a 1500 watt solenoid.

The stapler itself can hold over 85 staples inside, making finishing a job without having to reload every two minutes an easy concept.

Roberts Model 10-600, 120-Volt, 15-Amp, Professional Electric Stapler with Carrying Case

Check More Photos & Price at: amazon.com

The 10-600 comes with a 14-gauge, 12 foot power cord so that you don’t have to bring what you are working on to the plug. You have the length and space to work. The rubber grip on the handle makes it easy to hold and control the stapler while case is included with the purchase.

The 10-600 comes with a 14-gauge, 12 foot power cord so that you don’t have to bring what you are working on to the plug. You have the length and space to work. The rubber grip on the handle makes it easy to hold and control the stapler while case is included with the purchase.

7. Unicatch USC71/16L (US2238AL) Long Nose Upholstery Stapler 22 Gauge 3/8" Crown

The Unicatch is a further example of an air-powered stapler. The air-compressor must provide at least 65 psi and not more than 120 psi. 90 psi is a recommended pressure as below that it often skips. Above 100 psi you could be hastening wear.

Staples used are 22 gauge 3/8" crown staples which are easy and cheap to replace as well as being a great size to work with.

Staples used are 22 gauge 3/8" crown staples which are easy and cheap to replace as well as being a great size to work with.

Unicatch USC71/16L (US2238AL) Long Nose Upholstery Stapler 22 Gauge 3/8" Crown

Check More Photos & Price at: amazon.com

A special feature is a particularly long nose that makes for easier access in those awkward to reach places. This seems to be the main draw for people choosing the Unicatch.

A special feature is a particularly long nose that makes for easier access in those awkward to reach places. This seems to be the main draw for people choosing the Unicatch.

Quick Buying Advice

We have mentioned some of the staple guns on the market that are suitable for working on upholstery. So, which is the best one for you to buy?

  • If you are going to be working with the stapler on a daily basis spend the money on a quality product.
  • For occasional use you, a largely price-based decision might be appropriate.
  • If you habitually work on difficult to access areas, choose a stapler with a long nose.
  • long-arrow-right
    If you don’t need an air compressor for other things, you might opt for an electric powered tool.
  • long-arrow-right
    Consider how easy it is to handle your tool, particularly if you will be using it a lot.

We have mentioned some of the staple guns on the market that are suitable for working on upholstery. So, which is the best one for you to buy?

FAQ About staple gun for upholstery

We may all be used to using our office staplers, but a staple gun for upholstery requires a little more sophistication. It must be capable of ejecting staples with enough force to penetrate the wood or other underlying material.

Question: Should I buy an electric stapler, or an air powered one?

Answer: For light home repairs, an electric stapler is probably best, especially if usage is limited. However, for more heavy duty work it would be better to choose pneumatic.

Question: Should my Stapler be capable of high psi settings?

Answer: Usually the PSI settings will be made on the air-compressor not on the stapler, incidentally. The higher pressure will cope with tougher material beneath the upholstery, but in most cases a psi of 90 should be adequate.

Question: Why do some staplers feature oddly-shaped long noses?

Answer: It is true that some staplers have longer noses than others. The reason is that these make it easier to reach less accessible areas that need to be upholstered.

Question: Staplers carry different amounts of staples in their magazines. What is the point of holding lots of staples?

Answer: Quite simply if you just need to put in one or two staples there is not much point at all, but if your unit to be upholstered requires a lot of stapling then it is much easier if the magazine carries many staples and does not need constant reloading.

Question:Staple sizes are shown in abbreviations like 22 ga. 3/8 inch. What does this mean?

Answer: The “ga.” Is the gauge of the wire and the fraction of an inch is the length of the staple’s leg or shank.

Electric vs. Pneumatic Staple Gun Video Analysis

Video Credit Goes To: Alvarez Metal Works

How to use upholstery staple gun Perfectly

We may all be used to using our office staplers, but a staple gun for upholstery requires a little more sophistication. It must be capable of ejecting staples with enough force to penetrate the wood or other underlying material.


Question: Should I buy an electric stapler, or an air powered one?


Answer: For light home repairs, an electric stapler is probably best, especially if usage is limited. However, for more heavy duty work it would be better to choose pneumatic.


Question: Should my Stapler be capable of high psi settings?


Answer: Usually the PSI settings will be made on the air-compressor not on the stapler, incidentally. The higher pressure will cope with tougher material beneath the upholstery, but in most cases a psi of 90 should be adequate.


Question: Why do some staplers feature oddly-shaped long noses?


Answer: It is true that some staplers have longer noses than others. The reason is that these make it easier to reach less accessible areas that need to be upholstered.


Question: Staplers carry different amounts of staples in their magazines. What is the point of holding lots of staples?


Answer: Quite simply if you just need to put in one or two staples there is not much point at all, but if your unit to be upholstered requires a lot of stapling then it is much easier if the magazine carries many staples and does not need constant reloading.


Staple sizes are shown in abbreviations like 22 ga. 3/8 inch. What does this mean?


Answer: The “ga.” Is the gauge of the wire and the fraction of an inch is the length of the staple’s leg or shank.

Using an upholstery staple gun is relatively simple. First thing to do is to choose suitably sized staples for the job. As we said earlier the sizes are measured in terms of the gauge, or thickness of the metal and the length of the wire.

The tougher the underlying material into which you are stapling, the tougher the gauge you will need. Likewise, the type of materials on which you are working will determine the length of staple wire that you should be using.

If you are stapling into wood, for example, specially if you are stapling two pieces of wood together, you will need a fairly long wire. If, on the other hand, you are simply stapling cloth onto wood then you will need fairly short staples which will sit fairly flush with the surface.

Having chosen the suitable size of staple to use, load your stapler’s magazine with staples. Different staplers are loaded in different ways, so you will need to read your instructions to see the specific way for your stapler.

Then, assuming that you are using a modern electric or pneumatic stapler (as opposed to a manual one), connect the power supply or the air supply hose, remove your safety catch (most staplers will have a safety catch) and fire away at your material.

The whole process is quite simple. Just make sure that you do read the instructions for the specifics of your stapler. If you still feel any uncertainty about using an upholstery stapler for the first time have a look at a You Tube clip on the subject. You tube is a great resource for finding “how to” tips on all manner of DIY work.

Safety Tips

Using an upholstery staple gun is relatively simple. First thing to do is to choose suitably sized staples for the job. As we said earlier the sizes are measured in terms of the gauge, or thickness of the metal and the length of the wire. The tougher the underlying material into which you are stapling, the tougher the gauge you will need. Likewise, the type of materials on which you are working will determine the length of staple wire that you should be using. If you are stapling into wood, for example, specially if you are stapling two pieces of wood together, you will need a fairly long wire. If, on the other hand, you are simply stapling cloth onto wood then you will need fairly short staples which will sit fairly flush with the surface.


Having chosen the suitable size of staple to use, load your stapler’s magazine with staples. Different staplers are loaded in different ways, so you will need to read your instructions to see the specific way for your stapler. Then, assuming that you are using a modern electric or pneumatic stapler (as opposed to a manual one), connect the power supply or the air supply hose, remove your safety catch (most staplers will have a safety catch) and fire away at your material.


The whole process is quite simple. Just make sure that you do read the instructions for the specifics of your stapler. If you still feel any uncertainty about using an upholstery stapler for the first time have a look at a You Tube clip on the subject. You tube is a great resource for finding “how to” tips on all manner of DIY work.

Working with a stapler that has been designed for upholstery tasks is a bit like working with a gun. The stapler ejects metal at high velocity and if someone gets in the way of that flying metal the consequences could be quite unpleasant, even if the stapler will not generally prove as lethal as a gun.

But using a staple gun safely is really a matter of common sense. Just follow this four-step approach to safe usage:

Working with a stapler that has been designed for upholstery tasks is a bit like working with a gun. The stapler ejects metal at high velocity and if someone gets in the way of that flying metal the consequences could be quite unpleasant, even if the stapler will not generally prove as lethal as a gun.


But using a staple gun safely is really a matter of common sense. Just follow this four-step approach to safe usage:

  • Keep the electricity (for electric staplers) or air hose (for pneumatic ones) disconnected when the stapler is not in use.
  • In particular, have these disconnected when loading your staples.
  • Keep your safety catch on until you are just about to fire your staples.
  • NEVER point your stapler at anybody.

Another small safety aspect to keep in mind is that it is good to choose a stapler that has a good solid rubber grip so that you don’t drop it or let it accidentally point at a different direction while you are using it.

Another small safety aspect to keep in mind is that it is good to choose a stapler that has a good solid rubber grip so that you don’t drop it or let it accidentally point at a different direction while you are using it.


Final Note

Modern technology has made life a lot easier for upholsterers Electronic and pneumatic staplers have played a not-insignificant role here. How much and what type of upholstery you do will determine the best upholstery staple guns that ties in with your requirements.

The market offers a considerable range of such tools and deciding which one to buy can be confusing. If this is the first time that you will be purchasing one, we hope that this article has been of some help in enabling you to make the right choice of staple gun. Enjoy your shopping.

Modern technology has made life a lot easier for upholsterers Electronic and pneumatic staplers have played a not-insignificant role here. How much and what type of upholstery you do will determine the best staple gun for upholstery that ties in with your requirements. The market offers a considerable range of such tools and deciding which one to buy can be confusing. If this is the first time that you will be purchasing one, we hope that this article has been of some help in enabling you to make the right choice when looking for the best staple gun for upholstery. Enjoy your shopping.

David Hanley
 

I am a contractor. I love my job to the moon and back. I like to try new tools that can ease my work and satisfy my clients. I am not a blogger, am a DIY person who wants to help my fellow friends.