Why is my staple gun not working (Problems + solutions)

You go to use your staple gun for the first time in a while, and it doesn’t seem to be working. It’s frustrating when something you rely on suddenly stops working. Especially if you don’t know how to fix it.

This guide will help walk you through the basics of how a staple gun works, what might be causing it not to work, and how to fix it.

It’s frustrating when your staple gun isn’t working properly. You may be wondering if you’re doing something wrong or if there’s something wrong with the gun itself.

Why is my staple gun not working (Problems + solutions)?

A staple gun is a handy tool to have around the house, but sometimes it can be difficult to get it to work properly. These handy tools are found in most homes and offices and can be used for a variety of tasks from upholstering furniture to hanging pictures on the wall.

Even if you’ve never used a staple gun before, chances are you’ve at least seen one. While staple guns are generally pretty reliable, sometimes they can give you trouble.

There are a lot of reasons why a staple gun might not work. Sometimes the staples are too big, sometimes the staple gun is old and needs to be replaced, and sometimes there’s just something blocking the path of the staples. Whatever the reason, it can be frustrating when you need to use a staple gun and it just won’t cooperate. But don’t worry there are plenty of ways to get around this problem.

We’ll discuss some of the most common staple gun problems and how to fix them. We’ll also provide tips on how to use a staple gun correctly and safely. So, if you’re having trouble with your staple gun, read on for helpful advice.

1. The gun isn’t firing staples:

There are a few reasons why your staple gun might not be firing. First, make sure that the power switch is in the “on” position. Next, check to see if there is a safety mechanism engaged that is preventing the gun from firing. Make sure that the staples are properly loaded and that there is no jam in the gun.

If your staple gun is still not firing, the first thing you should check is the type of staples you’re using. Some staple guns can only be used with certain types of staples.

If you’re using the correct type of staples and the gun still isn’t firing, then there may be something blocking the path of the staples.

This could be a piece of paper or fabric that’s preventing the staples from passing through, or it could be something more serious like a jam in the gun.

If you think there’s a paper or fabric jam, try removing the item that’s blocking the path.

2. Problem with the trigger mechanism:

Another common problem with staple guns is that the trigger mechanism isn’t working properly. This can be caused by a variety of things, but the most common cause is a jammed trigger.

A jammed trigger can be caused by a piece of paper or fabric getting caught in the mechanism. It can also be caused by dirt and debris buildup.

If your trigger is jammed, you’ll need to take apart the gun to clear the jam. Once you’ve cleared the jam, be sure to clean the trigger mechanism before putting the gun back together.

3. Gun jams frequently:

If your gun jams frequently, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. First, make sure you’re using the correct type of staples for your gun.

If you’re still having trouble, try cleaning the gun. A build-up of dirt and debris can cause the gun to jam. To clean the gun, disassemble it and wipe down all the parts with a clean cloth.

You may also want to lubricate the moving parts of the gun. This will help keep the gun running smoothly and prevent jams.

4. Air leaks from the gun:

If air is leaking from your staple gun, it could be due to a problem with the O-ring. The O-ring is a small rubber ring that helps seal the air in the gun.

If the O-ring is damaged, it will need to be replaced. You can usually find replacement O-rings at your local hardware store.

5. Staples bend or break:

If your staples are bending or breaking easily, it could be due to a problem with the anvil. The anvil is the metal plate that the staple hits when it’s fired from the gun. If it’s damaged, it can cause the staple to bend. Try replacing the anvil and see if that fixes the problem.

If your staples are still bending or breaking, the problem could be with the magazine. The magazine is what holds the staples in place and if it’s damaged, it can cause the staples to bend. Try replacing the magazine and see if that fixes the problem.

If you’re still having problems, it could be due to a problem with the gun itself. Try taking it to a professional to get it fixed.

6. I can’t get the staples out:

First, check if there is a release lever or spring-loaded button on the back of the stapler. If so, engage it and the staples should come out easily. If not, try using a paperclip or other small, sharp object to pry the staples out.

7. Difficult to load staples into gun:

Check that the staples are the correct size and shape for your gun. If they are, try loading them into the gun upside down.

8. Misaligned staples:

If the staples are not properly aligned in the magazine, the staple gun will not work correctly. The first thing you should do is check to see if the staples are properly aligned. If they are not, realign them and try again.

9. Misfiring:

If your staple gun is misfiring, the first thing you should check is whether or not the staples are properly loaded. If they are, then the next thing to check is the anvil.

The anvil is the part of the staple gun that actually drives the staples into whatever surface you’re trying to staple. If the anvil is damaged, it can cause the staples to misfire. To replace the anvil, you will need to disassemble the staple gun.

10. Damage Spring:

The spring is the part of the stapler that provides tension and pushes the anvil down onto the staple. Over time, this spring can become damaged or overused, which will cause it to lose tension.

This will make it difficult for the stapler to push the anvil down, and may cause staples to not be properly inserted into the paper. To fix this, you will need to replace the spring.

11. Uneven anvil:

Over time, the anvil can become bent or misshapen, which will cause the staples to be inserted at an angle. This can make it difficult to staple together multiple sheets of paper. To fix this, you will need to replace the anvil.

12. Clogged Staples:

If the staples become clogged, it can prevent them from being properly inserted into the paper. This can be caused by a number of things, such as dust or dirt build-up, or using the wrong type of staples. To fix this, you will need to clean out the staples and make sure you are using the correct type.

13. Nosepiece not retracting:

The nosepiece is the part of the gun that holds the staples in place. If it’s not retracting, it may be jammed with a staple. To fix this, first try using a paperclip or other small object to clear the staples from the nosepiece. If that doesn’t work, you may need to disassemble the gun and clear the nosepiece manually.

14. Staple gun fires but won’t drive staples:

If your staple gun fires but the staples don’t seem to be driven into the material, the problem is likely a faulty firing mechanism. To fix this, you will need to disassemble the gun and replace the firing mechanism.

Why is my staple gun bending staples?

There are several reasons why a staple gun might bend staples. Following are the most likely reasons.

1. Firing at wrong angle:

The most common reason is that the gun is not being held at the correct angle when firing. The gun should be held at a 90 degree angle to the surface being stapled in order for the staples to enter correctly.

2. Wrong way to hold the gun:

Another reason why staples might bend is if the gun is not being held firmly enough. The gun should be squeezed tightly when firing in order to ensure that the staples enter straight.

3. Quality of Stable:

The quality of the staples can also affect how well they enter the surface. If the staples are old or of poor quality, they may bend more easily.

4. Too long staples:

If your staple gun is bending staples, it may be because the staples are too long for the gun. Try using shorter staples. If that doesn’t work, try adjusting the tension on the gun. If that doesn’t work, the gun may need to be replaced.

5. Staples are not properly inserted:

If your staple gun is bending staples, it is likely because the staples are not properly inserted into the gun. Make sure that the staples are lined up correctly with the jaws of the gun, and that they are fully inserted into the loading chamber. If the staples are still not being inserted properly, you may need to replace the loading spring on your staple gun.

If your staple gun is consistently bending staples, it is likely that you are not using it correctly. Make sure to hold the gun at the correct angle and squeeze it firmly when firing.

How to fix a jammed staple gun?

If your staple gun is jammed, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it. Firstly, you need to identify what type of staple gun you have. There are two common types of staple guns.

  • Manual:
  • Electric:

Step by step guide for manual  staple guns:

Step 1: If you have a manual staple gun, the first thing you need to do is to find the release lever. This is usually located on the side of the gun. Once you have found it, push it down and hold it in place.

Step 2: Now, take a look at the loading chamber. You will see a spring-loaded plunger inside it. This is what pushes the staples out of the gun when you pull the trigger.

Step 3: To release the jammed staples, you need to push down on the plunger with something like a screwdriver or a pen.

Step 4: Once the plunger is pushed down, the staples should start to come out of the gun.

Step by step guide for electric staple guns:

Step 1: Unplug the electric staple gun from the power outlet.

Step 2: Remove any jammed staples from the magazine with a small screwdriver or other sharp object.

Step 3: Clear any debris from the stapler mechanism with a can of compressed air or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Step 4: Insert new staples into the magazine, being careful to insert them in the proper orientation.

Step 5: Plug the electric staple gun back into the power outlet and test it by firing a few staples into a piece of scrap wood.

With these steps, you should be able to fix a jammed staple gun.