Why the stapler does not hammer the staples to the end: learn how to repair the tool

Why doesn’t the stapler drive the staples completely through? This is a common question asked by many users of a construction stapler. Over time, like any other construction tool, staplers can develop issues due to frequent use. There is no need to immediately discard the stapler and rush to buy a new one, as most problems with the tool can be resolved by the user in just a few minutes.

The inconsistent operation of the stapler is often accompanied by minor malfunctions in its components or improper adjustments. To learn how to fix the stapler on your own, make sure to read the article in its entirety.

Why does the stapler not hammer the staples all the way through?

First and foremost, let us examine the design of the construction stapler. To accomplish this, please direct your attention to the accompanying image:

Typically, construction staplers are manufactured using either metal or a combination of metal and plastic components. It is unnecessary to delve into the specific materials used in the construction of staplers, as this information will not be of assistance during repairs. If you decide to disassemble the construction stapler yourself, you will discover that it primarily consists of a body and several spring mechanisms. These may include:

• a spring for the staple dispenser;
• a spring for firing;
• a spring for the handle;
• and so on.

All the mechanisms involved in operating a stapler play an essential role. However, if you are experiencing issues with the stapler not being able to staple completely, it is crucial to focus on the firing spring and the associated force adjustment screw. One of the most common reasons for incomplete stapling is an incorrect tension adjustment of the spring. Simply put, if the stapler is set up to drive staples efficiently into soft wood, it may not have enough force to drive them into harder materials. In such cases, all that needs to be done is to "tighten" the spring force adjustment screw, so that the stapler can exert more power and deliver successful stapling results.

Why the stapler does not hammer the staples all the way through: the tension screw did not help

What can you do if you have adjusted the tension screw of the action spring "back and forth" and the stapler still fails to drive the staples completely through? Yes, it happens. There are a few possible explanations for this situation:

1. You may be using the "wrong" stapler. It is possible that you are trying to insert staples into a particularly tough material, and your stapler is simply not up to the task. Even after tightening the firing spring to its maximum level, the staples still won’t penetrate. Construction staplers come in various sizes, with different staple sizes and differing capabilities. It might be necessary to find a more powerful stapler that can handle the job at hand.
2. The staples may be "incorrect". This is a commonly encountered issue. It may be that you have started using staples from a different manufacturer, and they are of low quality. As a result, your stapler is unable to properly drive them into a hard surface and instead bends them. In such cases, it is recommended to replace the staples with higher quality ones.
3. The material you are trying to staple may be very dense. It is possible that you are attempting to drive staples into a material that is extremely dense, making it impossible for any stapler to complete the task. While you can try adjusting and cleaning the action spring, changing the staple manufacturer, or even upgrading to a more powerful stapler, these measures will not resolve the issue completely, as staplers also have their limitations. In this situation, you can either tolerate the presence of "unbeaten staples" and manually remove them using a small hammer, or abandon the stapler altogether and explore alternative methods of fastening.
4. Improper handling. A stapler failing to drive staples completely through could be due to inadequate use of the tool. When attempting to drive a staple into a firm surface, the stapler may lack the necessary weight and bounce off the surface upon encountering resistance from the staple. The only solution is to firmly and forcefully press the stapler against the surface while operating it. Failing to do so will result in no stapler being able to fully drive a staple into a solid base.

A construction stapler is a seemingly straightforward tool that should not pose any operational issues. However, during the course of its usage, the "working" components of the stapler endure wear and tear, leading to a variety of problems. Below are a few instances of unstable functioning and troubleshooting tips to rectify the stapler:

1. The staples are not ejecting. The simplest explanation could be that the magazine of the stapler is lacking staples, necessitating a reload. Another possibility is that the staples do not correspond to the stapler. They may be slightly larger in size or improperly installed. It is also plausible that the exit hole is obstructed – in a scenario where you selected staples that are too soft and attempted to drive them into a rigid surface, one of the staples might have crumpled and blocked the hole.
2. The staples are being ejected inconsistently. It is highly likely that the issue lies within the refill mechanism. This component is responsible for pushing the staple cassettes into the stapler magazine. Typically, this problem can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the mechanism. However, it is also important to inspect the exit hole for any potential blockages that may be causing the staples to be released one at a time.
3. The staples are becoming deformed. We have already touched on this issue indirectly. It is primarily caused by the quality of the staples not aligning with the structure of the substrate they are being inserted into. For example, if you use soft staples with long legs on a hard wood surface, they will likely bend. In such cases, it would be preferable to choose hard staples with shorter legs, as they are easier to insert into hard wood materials.
4. If two staples become dislodged or if they become stuck together, it is probable that there is a defect in the stapler’s mechanism responsible for releasing the staples. This part may become deformed or completely unusable over time, leading to issues with staple output. It is important to inspect this component. If it is simply deformed or obstructed, it can be cleaned and restored to its proper shape. If all else fails, it will need to be replaced.
5. The staples are emerging in a unique "M" configuration. The issue at hand is not due to the stapler itself, but rather the staples and their level of quality. Typically, the "M" shaped staples are equipped with elongated legs. To resolve this, it is recommended to substitute the elongated leg staples with those featuring shorter legs. If this solution proves ineffective, the problem may be attributed to the side mechanism, which has gradually experienced wear and deformity. In such a scenario, it becomes necessary to disassemble the stapler and utilize a file to make slight adjustments to the geometric shape of the striker.

Conclusion

Now you are aware of nearly all the causes for the stapler’s inability to staple completely. In most instances, this issue can be resolved independently. Additionally, if there are any other problems with the stapler, you can also repair it by yourself. The decision to either fix the existing one or purchase a new one is entirely yours to make.