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Finding the Best Stapler for Upholstery

Candace Osmond

Are you looking to fix an old upholstery chair but lack the tools? Or maybe you want to make a comfy outdoor bench. In both cases (and many others), having an upholstery stapler is game-changing. Let us show you how to find the best stapler for upholstery by understanding what makes a good product in the first place.

1. YEAHOME Store – Editor's Choice

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  • Price Range: $10 – $20
  • Number of Fasteners: 6000
  • Weight: ‎3.25 pounds

2. WEN 61705 Pneumatic Stapler

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  • Price Range: $20 – $25
  • Number of Fasteners: 100
  • Weight: ‎9.9 pounds

3. WETOLS Staple Gun

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  • Price Range: $10 – $20
  • Number of Fasteners: 2,400
  • Weight: 1.6 Pounds

4. Meite MT7116LN Pneumatic Upholstery Stapler

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  • Price Range: $80 – $90
  • Number of Fasteners: N/A
  • Weight: 2.31 pounds

5. Surebonder Pneumatic 22G Narrow Crown Upholstery Staple Gun

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  • Price Range: $20 – $30
  • Number of Fasteners: N/A
  • Weight: 3 pounds

6. HBT HB7116P-KT 22 Air Stapler Kit

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  • Price Range: $30 – $40
  • Number of Fasteners: 6,000
  • Weight: ‎1.98 pounds

7. Arrow PT50 Oil-Free Pneumatic Staple Gun

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  • Price Range: $30 – $40
  • Number of Fasteners: N/A
  • Weight: 1.3 pounds

8. Bielmeier Electric Staple Gun

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  • Price Range: $30 – $40
  • Number of Fasteners: 1,200
  • Weight: 1.6 pounds

What Type of Stapler Is Used for Upholstery?

There are different types of staplers available on the market. As you understand each type, you can determine which is best for your upholstery stapling needs.

Pneumatic

These particular models of staple guns are often best suited for use by experienced contractors. The pneumatic model is your best option if you are looking for a great stapler that can handle heavy-duty work. It is a great pick for projects that need lots of stapling with less brute force. They are good for complex and large projects as you can cover large areas quickly.

Pneumatic stapler guns are designed to reach difficult spots and work with various nails and staples. They typically require less maintenance than electric staplers, but they have a reputation for being exceptionally long-lasting. 

Because of the incredible force of pneumatic guns, not only are they capable of firing a large number of staples, but they also provide a greater danger to the user.

They are more expensive than electric guns, in addition to being noisier. Still, due to the durable materials they are constructed of, they will survive for a longer period.

Manual

The most frequent form of staple gun is the manual variety, the least expensive option out of the three. Because of its spring mechanism, you will need to use more force than with the other staples. However, this will allow it to function better. 

When you work with it for an extended time, your hands are more likely to experience pressure, which can lead to discomfort.

Manual staples have the advantage of being relatively portable, which is one of their many benefits. However, manual staplers are typically only used for relatively little work. Suppose you want to work on more substantial projects. 

So, it’s best to invest in a pneumatic and electric gun rather than a manual stapler because using a manual stapler will require a significant amount of physical labor.

Electric

A low-effort stapler gun is an electric model. Connected to a power outlet, it draws electricity, so you don’t have to put in a manual effort. It functions similarly to a drill in that a trigger must be pulled to turn it on. 

Electric guns are less likely to damage or waste staples than manual counterparts. The ability of electric guns to generate more staples than their manual counterparts is the primary benefit of using electric guns.

Because they are electrically powered rather than manually operated, these staplers are more effective and require less physical effort to use. They are more portable and don’t make as much noise as pneumatic staplers. 

One of the disadvantages is that they are not the ideal choice for tight or difficult spots. 

To sum it up:

  • Pneumatic staplers are good for large projects and working with heavy-duty materials but also the best choice for upholstery. 
  • Buy a manual stapler if you want to do small home repairs, woodworking tasks that demand precision, and other DIY projects.
  • Consider electric staplers if you want to install carpets or flooring. 

You might want to read this: 24 of the Best DIY Bedroom Decoration Ideas

What to Look for in an Upholstery Stapler 

Like any tool, they come with a list of safety rules.

Safety

The staple gun’s built-in safety mechanisms are not something that should be ignored in any circumstance. An upholstery gun, like a real firearm, can cause as much, if not more, damage if used carelessly. 

Real rifles, for instance, come outfitted with various safety mechanisms that prevent the weapon from being discharged inadvertently or when it is not in use. The same rule should apply to a staple gun, whether it is operated by hand or by air pressure, particularly if you want to use it for DIY projects or repairs around the house.

Capacity

There is a wide selection of staple guns on the market nowadays. Some are made lightweight and portable by being created in a more compact form. 

However, this does have the effect of lowering the reserve capacity that an upholstery staple gun is capable of holding. For the most part, staple guns that are manually operated have a capacity that is significantly lower than that of a pneumatic staple gun. 

No Jams

There is no point in purchasing a stapler gun that can fire many staples but has a high jamming rate. You want a stapler gun that does not frequently jam and a system that allows it to quickly remove jams so that it can continue firing without delay.

You might want to read this: Wood Bed vs. Upholstered Bed

The Best Stapler for Upholstery

I’ve used several of these tools myself over the years, so I know what to look for. I chose these based on price point, overall quality, and user reviews.

1. YEAHOME Store – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Price Range: $10 – $20
  • Number of Fasteners: 6000
  • Weight: ‎3.25 pounds

Pros

  • Easy to wield.
  • Rust proof.
  • Versatile use.

Cons

  • Included staples are pretty flimsy.

Let’s welcome a manual stapler gun that comes at a reasonable price and features an adjustable screw lever that can be used to enhance the tension in the gun. Due to the impressive selection of brad nails and staplers that come packaged with the gun, it may be utilized for various do-it-yourself projects.

Additionally, safety gloves are included in the complete set and a remover compatible with all the various types of staples and brad nails. This manual stapler is simple to operate and has a design that makes it quite comfortable.

I think this is the best upholstery stapler out there when it comes to portability, ease of maneuvering, and learning curve.

2. WEN 61705 Pneumatic Stapler – Runner Up

Highlights

  • Price Range: $20 – $25
  • Number of Fasteners: 100
  • Weight: ‎9.9 pounds

Pros

  • Can reach difficult spots.
  • Works on multiple surfaces.
  • Adjustable exhaust.

Cons

  • Lacks safety features.

Now, I’m not a huge fan of the weight of this gun (at least when you compare it with some of the others I’ve added to this review), I think this is a fantastic product overall. This air-driven stapler feels very sturdy and comes at quite an affordable price.

It can tackle easy upholstery chores, heavy-duty carpentry, vinyl installation, and more. It has a magazine that can store up to one hundred fasteners at once and features an extender that you can use to reach fasteners in places that are difficult to access.

A maximum of one hundred nails can be stored in the roomy magazine, and a window on the side of the magazine indicates when there are fewer staples available. The exhaust may be adjusted to rotate in any direction, giving the user complete control over how much air is sent away from them.

The WEN Stapler can work at pressures ranging from 70 to 100 PSI and consumes 0.28 SCFM of air when operating at 90 PSI. The lightweight and portable form makes it ideal for stapling upholstery in even the most confined spaces. In addition to this, it is a WEN product.

3. WETOLS Staple Gun – Bargain Buy

Highlights

  • Price Range: $10 – $20
  • Number of Fasteners: 2,400
  • Weight: 1.6 Pounds

Pros

  • Can fasten multiple staple types.
  • Made with thick carbon steel.
  • Includes 2,400 staples.

Cons

  • N/A

I don’t think you need a high budget for a good upholstery stapler; here is the product to prove it. With 2,400 fasteners and a compact design that’s portable and easy to maneuver, this is my favorite product in terms of money-saving staplers. You can use it for upholstery, DIY projects, carpentry, and other similar home projects.

Since three types of fasteners are included with the purchase, you can work on various projects. The pressure setting knob is useful if you want to adjust the depths of the staples. It even has other cool features, like a non-slip handle and a staple removal tool attached to the unit.

4. Meite MT7116LN Pneumatic Upholstery Stapler – Best for Professionals

Highlights

  • Price Range: $80 – $90
  • Number of Fasteners: N/A
  • Weight: 2.31 pounds

Pros

  • Wide application.
  • Ergonomic grip.
  • Easy to use.

Cons

  • Requires an air compressor.

Design with a lengthened and narrow muzzle, increased operational flexibility, and convenience, the Meite is a tool designed for home and professional use alike. This nailer is designed for industrial purposes, capable of powerful and deep outputs, and boasts great efficiency. In other words, it goes brrrr!

It has an ergonomic design, and the handle is comfortable to hold. Your hands might sometimes get sweaty, but the built design makes it so that it won’t slip from your hands. Like every other pneumatic stapler, this one also requires an air compressor to function. However, I think it’s an excellent investment if you work in furniture reconditioning, for example.

5. Surebonder Pneumatic 22G Narrow Crown Upholstery Staple Gun – Best Overall

Highlights

  • Price Range: $20 – $30
  • Number of Fasteners: N/A
  • Weight: 3 pounds

Pros

  • Easy loading.
  • Safety latch.
  • Quick release connector.

Cons

  • Trigger is tricky.

From the fancy case it’s delivered in to the specifications that make it perfect for your upholstery needs, this is the staple gun you’ve been looking for. It’s compatible with 300 series staples and works for light wood assembly, car and boat seats, window treatments, and even fixing that porch bench with the backrest fabric that’s coming loose.

It operates at pressures from 60 to 100 PSI, but you must purchase the air compressor separately. It’s compatible with many leg length staples and has a magazine capacity of 500 pieces.

6. HBT HB7116P-KT 22 Air Stapler Kit – Most Versatile

Highlights

  • Price Range: $30 – $40
  • Number of Fasteners: 6,000
  • Weight: ‎1.98 pounds

Pros

  • Work on different surfaces and materials.
  • Includes 6,000 fasteners.
  • Quick jam release mechanism.

Cons

  • No safety latch.

This small stapler can be used with 22 ga. 3/8-inch (9mm) crown staples ranging from 1/4″ to 5/8″ in length, and it also fits 71 Series or other similar staples. However, it does not fit T50 staples.

Due to its lightweight, which eases operations, it’s a versatile tool perfect for fabric and vinyl and a trustworthy companion whether you’re into automobile interior work, upholstery, light-duty wood assembly, and much more.

A few characteristics include the rear exhaust used to keep the user and workpiece clean by directing the air and tool oil away, a quick-clear jam release to resume work in a moment, and an easy drop-in loading magazine. You will need an air compressor which is not included in the package.

7. Arrow PT50 Oil-Free Pneumatic Staple Gun – Best Overall

Highlights

  • Price Range: $30 – $40
  • Number of Fasteners: N/A
  • Weight: 1.3 pounds

Pros

  • Good for small and large projects.
  • Professional-grade construction.
  • Easy-load magazine.

Cons

  • It needs an air compressor to work.

The Arrow PT50 is exactly what you need if you are in the market for a large, heavy-duty staple gun that can be used for different purposes. With only 1.3 pounds, this gun is so easy to work with that you’ll be tempted to tackle more DIY projects at home.

This model is particularly slim to fit into tight spaces, and it utilizes bump firing for speedy stapling with air compressors that can reach up to 120 pounds per square inch of pressure. This model features an easy-load magazine that can accommodate various sizes of T50 staples and an exhaust cap that allows for speedy reloading without compromising safety.

It’s a pneumatic gun that doesn’t require any oil, and if you need this for professional projects, it can handle the job perfectly. Other features that could tempt you include an easy-load magazine, a bump firing mechanism, and an over-molded grip.

8. Bielmeier Electric Staple Gun – Best for Small Projects

Highlights

  • Price Range: $30 – $40
  • Number of Fasteners: 1,200
  • Weight: 1.6 pounds

Pros

  • 3 safety switches.
  • Lightweight and easy to use.
  • Only 2 hours to fully charge.

Cons

  • Underpowered.

I love tackling DIY projects, whether repairing or reconditioning something or starting something from scratch. With a stapler gun like one, you can start working on many different home projects, not just ones strictly related to upholstery. The cordless design is perfect for maneuvering since no wires will ever get in the way.

With only 1.6 pounds, working with this stapler gun feels so easy. I admire that it comes with three safety switches, as opposed to some competitor products with no safety features at all. As an electric model, this baby is equipped with a lithium-ion battery and can shoot 850 staples per charge.

When to Use an Upholstery Stapler 

Upholstery staples use the tried-and-true traditional technology we already know from the traditional office stapler. Upholstery staples may look like standard office staples, but they are stronger and can penetrate even the thickest fabrics. 

Because of this, high-quality pneumatic staplers are typically utilized in the assembly of cladding, roofing, robust leather, and regular upholstery fabrics.

Staples like these may be quickly deployed into thick materials like hardwood, and they can go far deeper than conventional fasteners. Furthermore, these hold firmly and have a very low profile, unlike a screw, which isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing object to locate in your furniture.

Furthermore, upholstery stapling grants a snug fabric fit and prevents your furniture pieces from falling apart too soon. 

You can use a stapler for literally any piece of furniture with upholstery. You can fix an old armchair, make your own headboard for the bed, or make an outdoor bench. It makes the task easier and faster. 

You might be interested: 51 Unique DIY Headboard Designs and Ideas

Bottom Line

Fixing furniture is a breeze when you have an upholstery stapler. The key takeaway for your upholstery needs is to choose a good electric or pneumatic stapler. Make sure that it includes safety features if you’re not a handy person and don’t have experience with manipulating stapler guns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use a standard stapler for upholstery?

You can’t use a regular stapler for upholstery because it will not drive the staples through the wood frame.

Can you use a regular staple gun to upholster things?

If you mean a manual by regular staple gun, know it’s not an efficient choice for upholstery. Electric staple guns are better, while pneumatic ones are the best.

What size staples do I need for upholstery?

The most commonly used upholstery staples are 20 and 22-gauge. But it’s best to check the hardness of the wood and the thickness of the upholstery material first.