How Carton Staplers Work

Overview

• Carton staplers work in a manner similar to conventional staplers, but they hold heavy-duty staples that are used to close cardboard boxes. Carton staplers work either through manual pressure or pneumatic technology. Most models can hold different sizes and styles of staples and can be adjusted for compatibility with various thicknesses of cardboard.

Loading

• Loading a carton stapler is a simple process that resembles loading a conventional stapler. Although carton stapler models vary slightly, the loading process includes opening the slider on the stapler's receptacle and sliding a row of connected staples into the device. Once the staples are on their track, closing the slider pushes them toward the head of the stapler.

Manual Operation

• Using a manually operated carton stapler is more labor-intensive than using its pneumatic counterpart, but it offers you total control of the device. After closing the flaps on a box, set a manually operated carton stapler on top of the box so its head spans the gap between two cardboard flaps. Push firmly on the lever on the top of the stapler to release a staple. You'll be able to see whether or not the staple entered the box correctly.

Pneumatic Operation

• A pneumatically powered carton stapler is ideal for someone familiar with using a carton stapler. Using this style of stapler requires connecting an air compressor hose to the stapler's coupler, which is at the back of the stapler. Set the air compressor to 80 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure, or whatever pressure the stapler's manual recommends. Instead of a lever, this style of stapler has a trigger, much like an air nailer. Press the trigger to release a staple into a box.