Staples by Max Brands

Staple leg length must suit the thickness of the material being fastened and the stapler’s supported range. The legs need enough length to pass through the full stack and form a secure clinch underneath without leaving excessive metal exposed. Thin documents generally require shorter staples, while thicker stacks need longer legs and a stapler designed for that capacity. Do not load longer staples merely to gain extra strength because the machine may not support them. Paper weight also affects the result, so sheet count alone is only a general guide. Coated sheets, cardstock, covers, and mixed materials can create a thicker stack than standard office paper. Test the intended document before ordering a large supply, particularly for recurring production work.

Strip staples are joined in straight rows and loaded into a stapler magazine. Cartridges hold a larger quantity within a replaceable unit designed for a specific electric stapler. Cartridges can reduce reload frequency and simplify supply changes in busy offices, but they are usually model-specific. The available electric staplers may use standard strips, specialised staples, or dedicated cartridges depending on their design and capacity. Confirm the machine’s supply format before purchasing because a cartridge cannot be substituted with loose strip staples unless the manufacturer permits it. Consider daily volume, reload frequency, storage space, and supply cost. Label cartridges clearly when several electric stapler models are used in the same work area.

Bent staples may result from using an incompatible size, exceeding the stapler’s capacity, inserting an uneven stack, or loading the supply incorrectly. A worn driver, damaged magazine, loose component, or debris inside the staple channel can also affect feeding. Begin by removing the jam according to the machine instructions and confirming that the staple reference matches the exact model. Align the sheets and reduce the stack thickness before testing again. Do not force the handle or repeatedly activate an electric stapler when the mechanism is blocked. Continued operation can push damaged staples deeper into the machine. When the same problem continues with approved supplies and a suitable stack, inspect the stapler for wear or arrange qualified service.

Several sizes are useful when one compatible heavy-duty stapler handles documents with widely different thicknesses. Shorter staples provide a neater clinch on smaller stacks, while longer approved staples are needed when the material approaches the machine’s higher capacity. Standard office staplers generally accept a much narrower supply range, so confirm compatibility before stocking alternatives. Heavy-duty staplers are more likely to support multiple staple lengths for varied document sizes. Keep each supply in its labelled box and store it beside the correct machine. A simple chart showing document thickness and approved staple reference can prevent loading errors. Avoid mixing loose staples because differences in crown, wire, and leg length may be difficult to identify visually.