3 Common Staple Gun Problems

By understanding how a staple gun works, the user can eliminate many frustrating situations. Staple guns use a spring loaded firing mechanism, where a hammer is driven down forcefully enough to splice off a staple, penetrate the materials being joined, and bend the edges of the staple back toward the staple gun.

As the hammer rises, the next staple is forwarded by a spring which pushes the staple bar forward along guide rails, allowing the staples to feed evenly. Since the mechanism works together in a system, if there is one problem, the entire process falls apart. Three common areas of issue are a jam within the staples themselves, a worn out spring, or a clogged hammer.

1. Staple Jam

First make sure the staples being used are the correct size for the staple gun. Guide rails along which the staples feed are designed for a specific distance between each staple point, and even a fraction of a millimeter can cause an uneven flow of staples and result in a staple jam.

If nothing is coming out of the stapler at all, a staple jam is most likely the issue. Open the staple gun and remove the bar of staples. Slide the spring back and forth to check that the staples are able to freely be forced out.

If the spring will not move, there might be a staple lodged in the guide rails or around the spring preventing motion. Hold the stapler up to a light source to the gap where the staple should be feeding.

If light cannot be seen, there is at least one staple jammed in between whether it is visible or not. A flat head screwdriver or butter knife can often remove visible staples. If the staple cannot be seen, attempt to slide the screwdriver through the feed to dislodge it. If this does not work, snap the head back down on the staple gun (without replacing the staple bar) and slam the head of the stapler 10 times against the heel of your shoe or other rubber surface. Often this combination is enough to dislodge the staple.

2. Worn Out Spring

If the spring cannot maintain adequate tension, there will not be enough force to continuously feed new staples. To test your spring, open the stapler, slide it back, and let go. The spring should rapidly contact the bar of staples. If the spring's reaction is slow or not forceful enough, a replacement is needed.

3. Clogged Hammer

Misshapen staples can be the product of the hammer not hitting the individual staple in the correct stop. Again, make sure the staples are the correct size first. If the staples are sized correctly, open the staple gun and check the hammer by pressing down on the head of the stapler.

The hammer should freely slide downward without impediment. Any obstructions can usually be dislodged with a flat head screwdriver, but if dirt, grease, or gunk has clogged or is hindering the hammer, WD-40 or white vinegar can be utilized as a degreaser to remove it. Adding a small amount of lubricant to the hammer can also ease tensions and help the stapler function more smoothly.

Common Staple Gun Problems FAQ

Why does my staple gun keep jamming?

If you have repeated jams, you may be using the wrong staples. Staples also can get bent or stuck in the head of the staple gun, which will create jams.

Additionally, the spring inside the gun may be worn out and no longer pressing the mechanism forward with enough power to send the staple through the head of the gun. This will leave the staple lodged in the gun and create a jam.

How do you unclog a staple gun?

It is possible to remove a jam from a staple gun and unclog the head of the gun so that staples come out smoothly. First, slide out the pusher rod.

This can be released with a small tab near the back of the staple gun. Pull this all the way out.

If there is a magazine with a screw, unscrew this and remove the magazine. Use pliers to carefully remove the object from the head of the staple gun.

Why is my stapler not stapling tightly?

If the stapler is stapling smoothly but the staples are not tightly or securely connecting, you may have a problem with the spring. The spring inside the stapler will wear out and lose its springiness over time, which will keep the gun from working properly.

Should you oil a staple gun?

Pneumatic staple guns need to be oiled with lubricating oil made for pneumatic tools. A few drops of the oil are enough to keep the gun working smoothly, but you want to apply this regularly the keep everything well lubricated.

What is the correct way to put staples in a stapler?

Staplers of all kinds are usually loaded at or near the back of the stapler. You will usually see a little spring-loaded compartment that opens up when you press the little metal tab.

The staples are loaded into the chute. Once loaded, press the chute back into place and close the stapler.