How to Choose a Stapler: Heavy-Duty vs Standard
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A stapler seems simple until it jams halfway through a report, or struggles with a thick stack of papers. The right stapler depends on how many sheets you staple, how often you do it, and which pins it takes.
This guide explains the types of stapler, how to read sheet capacity and pin sizes, and how to choose between a standard and a heavy-duty model.
The short answer
- Everyday desk use (up to about 30 sheets): a standard or "less effort" metal stapler using 24/6 or 26/6 pins.
- Small personal use (about 20 sheets or fewer): a compact No.10 stapler.
- Thick reports, booklets and files (50 sheets and up): a heavy-duty stapler with 23-series pins.
- Pinning notices to boards or sealing packing: a staple gun, not a stapler.
Types of staplers
Compact No.10 staplers use small No.10 pins and handle light stapling, usually around 20 sheets. They suit personal desks and home use.
Standard desk staplers use 24/6 or 26/6 pins and typically handle around 30 sheets. They are the workhorse of most offices.
Less-effort staplers are standard staplers with a mechanism that reduces the force you need to press. They are easier on the hand if you staple all day.
Plier-type staplers are held in the hand like pliers. They are quick to use and handy at a busy desk.
Heavy-duty staplers use larger 23-series pins and can fasten far thicker stacks, in some models 100 sheets or more. They are bigger and heavier, and usually sit on a desk or counter.
Staple guns (tackers) are a different tool. They fire staples into wood, boards and packaging, not paper stacks. See our staple guns.
Understanding sheet capacity
Sheet capacity is the maximum number of sheets a stapler can staple at once. Two things to know:
- It is measured with standard office paper. Kangaro quotes its capacities for 75 to 80 gsm paper. Thicker or heavier paper means fewer sheets.
- It depends on the pin. A longer pin goes through more paper. A stapler's maximum capacity needs the longest pin it takes.
Stay below the stated capacity, as pushing a stapler to its limit every time is the most common cause of jams and bent pins.
Understanding pin sizes
Pin numbers look like codes, but they are simple. In 24/6, the first number is the wire size, and the second is the leg length in millimetres.
| Pin | Used in | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| No.10 | Compact personal staplers | Light stapling, around 20 sheets |
| 24/6 and 26/6 | Standard staplers | Everyday office stapling, up to about 30 sheets |
| 23/6 to 23/17 and longer | Heavy-duty staplers | Thick stacks, booklets, reports |
For heavy-duty pins, a longer leg means more sheets. As a rough guide for the 23 series, a 23/6 pin suits around 10 to 30 sheets, a 23/10 around 30 to 70, a 23/13 around 50 to 100, and a 23/17 around 90 to 140. These figures vary by stapler and paper, so check your stapler's specification.
Always buy pins that match your stapler. The wrong size jams, bends, or doesn't fire. Browse our stapler pins.
Standard vs heavy-duty at a glance
| Standard stapler | Heavy-duty stapler | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical capacity | Up to about 30 sheets | Often 100 sheets or more |
| Pins | 24/6, 26/6 | 23-series, in several lengths |
| Size and weight | Small and light | Larger and heavier |
| Effort | Light | Needs more force, or a lever design |
| Best for | Daily desk use | Reports, booklets, print shops, large files |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Pins cost | Lower | Higher |
A good rule: if you rarely staple more than 30 sheets, a standard stapler is enough and cheaper to run. If you regularly bind thick stacks, a heavy-duty stapler saves time and avoids jams.
Features worth having
- Metal body: it lasts far longer than plastic in daily use.
- Quick loading: you can reload without fiddling.
- Reload indicator: shows when pins are running low.
- Rotating anvil: lets you switch between flat stapling and pinning (temporary staples that are easy to remove).
- Built-in staple remover: useful on desk staplers.
- Adjustable paper guide on heavy-duty models, for consistent positioning and jam clearing.
- Non-slip base: keeps heavy-duty models steady.
Staplers from our range
Kangaro HP-45 All Metal Stapler: a plier-type stapler with a metal body and plastic handle. It staples up to 30 sheets, takes 24/6 and 26/6 pins, holds 50 to 100 pins, and has a rotating anvil and a reload indicator. A good all-rounder for frequent desk stapling.
Kangaro Stapler LE-35: a less-effort stapler that staples up to 30 sheets with 24/6 and 26/6 pins. It needs less force than a standard stapler, and includes a built-in staple remover and a reload indicator.
Heavy-duty staplers: Kangaro's heavy-duty range goes much further. For example, the HD-23S17 is rated for up to 140 sheets and takes 23/6 to 23/17 pins. If you need one, browse our staplers or ask us on our B2B page.
See all Kangaro products on our Kangaro brand page.
How to stop a stapler jamming
- Use the right pins for the stapler, and keep them clean and dry.
- Don't staple more than the stated capacity.
- Load the pin strip correctly, pushed fully in and facing the right way.
- Clear a jam gently. Open the stapler, take out bent pins and don't force it.
- Keep it clean. Dust and torn paper bits build up in the mechanism.
- Replace damaged or rusty pins.
Keep fingers clear of the stapling area, and keep staplers and pins away from small children.
A few useful companions
- Staple removers for removing pins without tearing paper. See our staple removers.
- Punching machines for filing documents. See our punching machines.
How many staplers should an office have?
As a starting point, one for every 3 to 4 people, plus one heavy-duty model if you handle large reports. Our office stationery checklist has a full quantity guide for teams of 5, 10 and 25.
Buying for a school, coaching centre or large office? Send us your requirement on our Bulk Orders and B2B enquiry page.
Frequently asked questions
How many sheets can a stapler staple?
It depends on the stapler. Standard desk staplers handle around 30 sheets, compact No.10 staplers around 20, and heavy-duty models 100 sheets or more.
What do 24/6 and 26/6 mean?
They are pin sizes. The first number is the wire size and the second is the leg length in millimetres. Both are common in standard office staplers.
Can I use any pin in my stapler?
No. Use the size your stapler is designed for, or it will jam or fail to fire.
Is a heavy-duty stapler worth it?
Yes if you regularly staple thick stacks, such as reports or booklets. If you staple 30 sheets or fewer, a standard stapler is enough.
Is a stapler the same as a staple gun?
No. A stapler fastens paper. A staple gun fires staples into wood, boards and packaging.
Are the products on WERY genuine?
Yes. WERY sells 100% genuine products with official brand warranty.