A staple gun is a hand-held tool used for fastening materials together by driving metal staples into them. It is a versatile tool that is common in carpentry, upholstery, construction, and DIY projects. 

In woodworking, staple guns are suitable for various tasks, such as attaching fabric to furniture frames, securing trim or molding, as well as fastening thin materials together.

Types of Staple Guns

Here are the common types of staple guns:

• Manual: This type is manually operated, requiring users to squeeze a handle or trigger to drive staples into the material. Manual staple guns are suitable for light to moderate-duty tasks such as securing fabric, paper, or lightweight wood.
• Electric: Electric staple guns utilize electricity, making them useful for repetitive tasks.  They are suitable for upholstery and carpentry tasks, such as attaching fabric insulation and thin wood panels.
• Pneumatic: Pneumatic staple guns are powered by compressed air from an air compressor. They are suitable for heavy-duty applications, such as framing, roofing, and attaching thick materials like plywood and hardwood.

Staple Gun Handling Safety

• Proper Training: Although staple guns are fairly simple tools, beginners should seek basic training first before handling one.
• Wear Safety Gear: Wear safety goggles to shield eyes from flying staples. Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands as well.
• Use the Appropriate Staples: Use the correct size and type of staples for the project to avoid jams and inefficient stapling.
• Proper Hand Placement: Hold the staple gun with both hands and maintain a firm grip. Keep fingers away from the trigger when not actively stapling.
• Lock Safety: Engage the staple gun’s safety or trigger lock when not in use to prevent accidental firing.
• Clearing Jams: If a staple becomes jammed, disconnect first from the power source or air supply, before attempting to clear the jam.