Staplers, ubiquitous office tools used to fasten sheets of paper together, rely on the precise placement of staples to ensure secure binding. Understanding how to load staples into a stapler is crucial for efficient and effective use. This comprehensive guide will provide a step-by-step explanation, empowering you to master the art of stapling with ease.
Before delving into the loading process, it’s essential to gather the necessary materials: a suitable stapler and a box of compatible staples. Staplers come in various sizes and designs, so it’s important to select one that aligns with your specific needs. Once you have the tools in hand, you can proceed with loading the staples.
To begin, locate the stapler’s staple magazine. It is typically a small, plastic compartment situated at the rear of the stapler. Open the magazine by pressing the release button or levering it open with your fingernail. Carefully insert a stack of staples into the magazine, ensuring they are aligned correctly with the loading direction. Once the staples are in place, close the magazine firmly to secure them.
Selecting the Correct Staples
Choosing the appropriate staples for your stapler is crucial to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage to your documents. Here’s a detailed guide to help you select the right staples for your needs:
Size and Capacity
Staples come in various sizes, ranging from 26/6 to 24/8. The size refers to the wire diameter and length, which determine the number of sheets the staple can bind. Smaller staples (e.g., 26/6) are suitable for a few sheets (up to 20), while larger staples (e.g., 24/8) can handle thicker stacks (up to 150 sheets).
Type of Staple
There are several types of staples available, each designed for specific applications:
- Standard Staples: General-purpose staples suitable for most paper types and applications.
- Heavy-Duty Staples: Thicker and stronger staples used for binding thicker materials or multiple layers of paper.
- Tacker Staples: Designed for use in tackers, these staples have a pointed end that allows for easy penetration into hard surfaces like walls or bulletin boards.
- Fine Staples: Thin and delicate staples used for delicate materials or where a smaller staple size is required.
Material
Staples are typically made of steel, but can also be found in other materials like aluminum or plastic. Steel staples offer strength and durability, while aluminum staples are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Plastic staples are often used for temporary bindings.
Table of Common Staple Sizes and Capacities
| Staple Size | Sheet Capacity |
|---|---|
| 26/6 | 12-20 sheets |
| 24/6 | 20-30 sheets |
| 21/4 | 30-45 sheets |
| 23/6 | 50-75 sheets |
| 23/8 | 75-100 sheets |
| 24/8 | 100-150 sheets |
Loading the Stapler
Before you can staple anything, you need to load the stapler with staples. Here’s how to do it:
- Check the stapler to see what size staples it takes. This information is usually printed on the stapler itself.
- Turn the stapler upside down and open the staple tray.
- Insert a strip of staples into the staple tray. Make sure the staples are facing the right way.
- Close the staple tray.
### Staple Orientation
The orientation of the staples is important for proper stapling. Here’s how to tell which way the staples should face:
| Staple Type | Orientation |
|---|---|
| Standard staples | Legs facing down |
| U-shaped staples | Legs facing up |
| Pin staples | Point facing down |
Positioning the Papers
Accurately placing the papers in the stapler is crucial for effective stapling. Follow these steps to ensure proper alignment:
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Gather and align the papers you want to staple. Ensure they are stacked neatly with their edges aligned.
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Open the stapler’s handle and insert the papers into the stapling channel. Align the papers’ top edge with the edge of the channel for optimal staple placement.
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Adjusting for Sheet Thickness
The thickness of the paper stack influences the position of the staples. For thicker stacks, adjust the paper position slightly away from the channel’s edge to allow enough space for the staples to penetrate through the thickness. Conversely, for thinner stacks, place the papers closer to the channel’s edge to ensure a secure hold.
Paper Stack Thickness Paper Position Thin Close to channel’s edge Average Aligned with channel’s edge Thick Slightly away from channel’s edge
Inserting the Staples
Once the stapler is ready, you can insert the staples. Here’s a detailed guide:
- Open the stapler: Press the stapler handle to open it and expose the staple cartridge.
- Insert the staples: Take a strip of staples and align it with the groove in the cartridge. Push the staples into the groove until they snap into place.
- Close the stapler: Return the stapler handle to its closed position. Ensure that the staples are firmly seated in the cartridge.
- Check the staple capacity: Most staplers have an indicator that shows the remaining number of staples. Check the indicator to determine if you need to add more staples.
Stapler Type Staple Capacity Indicator Manual Stapler Window or transparent strip showing staple count Electric Stapler Digital display or LED indicator Heavy-Duty Stapler Spring-loaded window or clear case
Squeezing the Stapler Handle
Step 1: Hold the Stapler Securely
Grip the stapler firmly in one hand, with your thumb on the hinge and your fingers wrapped around the handle. Ensure a stable hold to prevent the stapler from slipping.
Step 2: Align the Documents
Place the documents to be stapled on a flat surface. Ensure they are stacked neatly for accurate stapling. Align the edges of the papers precisely to avoid any misalignment.
Step 3: Insert the Documents
Open the stapler handle by pressing down on the top lever. Insert the aligned documents into the stapler’s throat. Ensure they are fully inserted to allow for proper stapling.
Step 4: Release the Handle
Once the documents are in place, release the stapler handle. The inner mechanism will drive the staple through the papers, binding them together.
Step 5: Force Control
The force required to squeeze the stapler handle depends on the type of stapler and the thickness of the paper. For thicker stacks, a greater force may be necessary. Apply gentle pressure initially and increase it gradually until the staple is driven through the papers.
| Stapler Type | Paper Thickness (sheets) | Force Required |
|—|—|—|
| Standard | 1-10 | Easy |
| Heavy-Duty | 10-25 | Medium |
| Power | 25+ | Strong |
Removing the Papers
Once the staples have been removed, it’s important to carefully remove the papers from the stapler. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Grip the papers firmly
Use your thumb and forefinger to grasp the papers securely on both sides of the staple holes.
2. Gently pull the papers apart
Slowly and evenly pull the papers apart, being careful not to tear or damage them. If the papers are stuck together by adhesive, you may need to gently pry them apart with a knife or other thin object.
3. Inspect the papers
Once the papers have been separated, inspect them for any damage or tears. If any damage has occurred, you may need to repair or replace the papers.
4. Remove any remaining staples
If there are any remaining staples or staple fragments in the papers, carefully remove them using a pair of tweezers or a needle. Be sure to dispose of the staples properly.
5. Stack the papers neatly
Once the papers are free of staples, align them neatly and stack them together. You may want to use a paperweight or other heavy object to keep the papers in place.
6. Store the papers properly
Store the papers in a dry and protected location to prevent damage or loss. Consider using a binder, file folder, or other storage system to keep the papers organized and secure.
Clearing Staple Jams
Even the finest staplers can experience jams occasionally. Clearing these jams promptly is essential to maintain productivity and prevent damage to the stapler.
To clear a jam, follow these steps:
- Unplug the stapler if it’s electric.
- Open the stapler’s magazine by pressing the lever or button.
- Use a pair of tweezers or pliers to gently remove the jammed staples from the jaws.
- Check the anvil for any bent or broken pieces and remove them if necessary.
- Close the magazine and insert a new strip of staples.
- Plug the stapler back in, if applicable, and test it with a few sheets of paper.
Additional Tips for Preventing Staple Jams
To minimize the risk of staple jams, follow these recommendations:
| Practice | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Use high-quality staples designed for your specific stapler. | Inferior staples can bend or break more easily, causing jams. |
| Don’t overload the magazine with staples. | Overcrowding can cause staples to bind together and jam. |
| Avoid stapling thick stacks of paper. | Thick stacks can put excessive pressure on the staple mechanism, leading to jams. |
| Keep your stapler clean and well-maintained. | Dirt and debris can accumulate and hinder the smooth operation of the stapler. |
| Use a staple remover to remove staples when necessary. | Trying to pull staples out by hand can damage the stapler. |
Troubleshooting Common Stapling Issues
Issue: Staples are jamming.
Possible causes:
- Staples are bent or damaged.
- Stapler is old or worn out.
- Paper is too thick or thin.
Solutions:
- Replace bent or damaged staples.
- Clean or replace the stapler.
- Use paper that is the recommended weight for your stapler.
Issue: Staples are not penetrating the paper.
Possible causes:
- Stapler is not strong enough.
- Staples are too short.
- Paper is too thick.
Solutions:
- Use a stapler designed for the number of sheets you need to staple.
- Use longer staples.
- Use thinner paper.
Issue: Staples are not holding the paper together.
Possible causes:
- Staples are not clinched properly.
- Staples are too large or too small.
- Paper is too thick or too thin.
Solutions:
- Press the stapler firmly when stapling.
- Use the correct size staples for your stapler.
- Use paper that is the recommended weight for your stapler.
Issue: Staples are not ejecting from the stapler.
Possible causes:
- Ejector mechanism is jammed.
- Staples are bent or damaged.
Solutions:
- Clean or replace the ejector mechanism.
- Replace bent or damaged staples.
How To Put Staples In Stapler
Staplers are a common office supply used to bind sheets of paper together. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, but the basic mechanism is the same. To put staples in a stapler, follow these steps:
- Open the stapler. The top of the stapler should lift up, revealing the staple compartment.
- Load the staples into the staple compartment. The staples should be inserted with the points facing down.
- Close the stapler. The top of the stapler should snap back into place.
- To staple papers, simply insert the papers into the stapler and squeeze the handles together.
People Also Ask About How To Put Staples In Stapler
How many staples can a stapler hold?
The number of staples a stapler can hold varies depending on the size and model of the stapler. However, most staplers can hold between 100 and 200 staples.
What size staples should I use?
The size of staples you need will depend on the thickness of the paper you are stapling. For most office paper, standard staples (26/6) will be sufficient. However, for thicker paper, you may need to use larger staples (24/6 or 23/6).
How do I remove a staple?
To remove a staple, you can use a staple remover. Staple removers are small, handheld tools with a forked end. To use a staple remover, simply insert the forked end into the staple and squeeze the handles together. The staple should pop out of the paper.
