Hand-operated Staple Gun

[SpikeDram]

I am looking for some opinions of a simple hand-operated, not-electric or compressed air, staple gun. I need it about 8 or 10 times a year and don't feel like spending a fortune for a replacement. I have gone through 3 in the past 4 years and need another one. The last dud I bought was a Cobra, because the hand grip is comfortable and eveone could use it easily. Alas, a small piece fell out and it has stopped dead. I fear there has been a reversal of an old truism: They sell he staple guns cheap so theey will make money on the staples. (I know the saying originated with Razors.)

[deaconsbench]

I've used a Black & Decker PowerShot for a number of years.

Welcome to The Grumble!

[Dave]

Welcome to the Grumble, SpikeDram!

I used a hand operated staple gun for many until it gave up the ghost. It was a Stanley.

However, since buying an electric gun, I will never go back to a manually operated staple gun again.

Dave Makielski

[Bill Henry-]

You didn’t mention what you were planning to use the staple gun for … which (Oh, crud, I’m gonna get a post from Cap’n English).

In addition to an electric heavy duty stapler, we have a “medium” duty hand stapler bought from Sears. We’ve had it for almost twenty years with no problems, and use it quite frequently. It takes #516 Swingline staples.

[Pat Murphey]

Go with the Sears Craftsman "Easy-fire". It is designed so that when you push the lever, you are pushing on the end that staples. The staples go all the way in with far less effort.

Pat :D

[MerpsMom]

Bill, I can't speak for Captain English, but she and I have had a conversation in the past: it is no longer a grammatically criminal offense to end a sentence with a preposition. The gurus- who-know caved. Now...as to whether or not it is socially acceptable, or indemnifies you from Captain English's critiques? That, gentle reader, is quite another matter.

[RoboFramer]

I've used a rapid proline for years, it's pretty bulletproof and the handle doubles as a spindle for balls of crotchet cotton when lacing needlework!

[RoboFramer]

Rapid proline - pretty bullet proof. The handle of mine doubles as a spindle for balls of crotchet cotton when lacing neeldework!

[Jim Miller]

The nicest manual stapler I've seen is the "Rocama 16/Model ST 50 O.C." It is made by Romeo Maestri (aka ro-ma) in Milano, Italy. I think it was marketed in the USA under the name "Maestri".

This machine is well made and sturdy. The spring tension is adjustable and it will shoot a range of staple lengths. Also, there is a unique, optional "foot" -- easily attached without tools -- that bends the staple outward instead of shooting it straight in. That means you can shoot a staple into 3/16" foam center board and it will not come out the other side. That would be quite handy for covering a background board with fabric, for example.

United stocked them for a time, but I think they are discontinued now. I don't know of a current source, but if you can find one, I suggest you buy it.

[Sherry Lee]

Jim (& others),
We tried to call Romeo Maestri's N.Y. phone number last month and it seems to not be in service any longer. If you, or anyone, comes up with a U.S. contact number, please let me know.

Thanks!

[SpikeDram]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I will try the Sears Product. If Worse comes to worst, I will add it to my growing collection of inoperable staples and donate the lot the the Smithsonian.
I found this site for the Italian Staple
http://www.romeomaestri.com/en/prodotti/ufficio/confezionamento/roma_h/roma_h.htm
I am worried though that the European model might use staples measured in Metric measurements.