What Is the Difference Between Arrow T50 & T55 Staple Guns?

The Arrow T50 and T55 Staple Guns

• Both these staple guns are well manufactured and should provide years of trouble-free use. However, the Arrow T50 is more of a lightweight, all-purpose tacking tool for do-it-yourselfers, while the T55 is classified as an intermediate duty tacker gun

  The Arrow T50 is made from all steel with a durable chrome finish. You can buy the heavier duty Arrow T50 with a baked enamel finish or chrome finish. Both feature hardened steel working parts. Both have hand contoured, easy-squeeze handles and visual refill windows, making it easy to tell when you need to reload. The T50 and T55 are easy to use and can handle a wide variety of staples, though the T55 can use 17/32" 50CT Ceiltile (2750-0818) heavy .050 wire staples, while the T50 cannot.

  The T50 and T55 are both versatile tackers that can handle a variety of jobs from repairing screens to fastening down carpeting. Both are easy to use and feature patented, jam-proof mechanisms. You can purchase either of these tacker guns online from a number of sources or at your neighborhood hardware or building supply store. Both of these staplers are manufactured to rigid specifications and should last for years. They have been available for many years and have proven themselves in use around the U.S.

Staples Used With These Staple Guns

• Both of these staple guns are capable of firing staples in a variety of sizes. The Arrow T50 can be used with Heavy Duty 1250 Pack 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 9/16" & CT Staples-Narrow Crown. The T55 Uses 1/4" 504 (2750-0719), 5/16" 505 (2750-0735), 3/8" 506 (2750-0750), 1/2" 508 (2750-0776), 9/16" 509 (2750-0792), and

  17/32" 50CT Ceiltile (2750-0818) heavy .050 wire staples. Because the T55 is capable of using the heavy .050 wire staples, it is better for heavier duty tasks such as applying a vapor barrier or tacking down cables. The T50 can use staples up to 9/16" so may be better suited for "lighter" tasks--for example, installing screening or tacking down carpeting.

The Major Differences

• The major difference between the T50 and T55 staple guns is that the T55 can use larger staples, making it suitable for tasks the T50 might not be able to handle. The T50 is larger at 11 x 3 x 2 inches, while the T55 comes in at a svelte 1 x 8 x 7 inches. The T55's shipping weight is 1.5 pounds and the T50's shipping weight is 1.4 pounds. The T50 is less expensive than the Arrow T55, usually retailing for as little as $15 while the T55 usually sells for about $20. (These are online prices; retail prices may be higher.)

What Users Have Said

• Both these staplers are on the inexpensive side and, as you might guess, have drawn mixed reviews, depending on the individual user's experience with the guns. One T55 owner said that it was a sturdy, well-built staple gun that functioned smoothly and felt comfortable in the hand. This user went on to report that "staples are easy to load and clear if they jam." However, another user said, "I bought this for putting up Christmas lights. It ran through about 100 staples, jammed up, and there is no way to take it apart to clear the jam, so now it's a paperweight."

  The T50 also draws mixed reviews. One owner reported, "This testament to the quality of this tool may be how many times I've either had it stolen. For under 20 bucks you get a stapler that will work perfectly -- not a single jam -- until you 'lose it'. Great for stapling screen, fabric or any material into wood as well as other light surfaces." But another user said, "I've owned a couple of these over the years and they work great for awhile. Then, without warning they just stop working and I haven't been able to why or how to fix them."