Staplers, Tackers & Rivet Tools: Get the Right Fastener for the Job

A staple gun is one of the handiest tools to have in your toolbox. The spring trigger allows you to quickly fire fasteners into carpet, shingles, and other materials much faster than using nails or screws. Manual staplers are great for small tasks, but on larger jobs your hands may get tired from the continuous squeeze and release action. An electric stapler is more powerful and will make the work go quicker and easier, but care must be exercised as the firing mechanism is much more sensitive. If you need to move freely over a wide area, consider a battery-powered cordless stapler. Some staple guns are compatible with multiple sizes and types of staples including T50 staples and wide, medium, and narrow crown staples. You can also find stapler nailers that can accommodate both types of fasteners. A hammer tacker is ideal for putting up house wrap, moisture barriers, or paper building materials. Instead of a trigger, with this device you use a hammer motion to tack in the staples which allows you to work quickly and efficiently.

A rivet gun is well-suited to many DIY home repairs, as rivets are better able to withstand vibrations and tensions better than screws or bolts. You can use a rivet tool to repair lawn furniture, metal cabinets, heating ducts, eavestroughs, aluminum doors and windows, and much more. Many types of rivets are available for different applications including pop rivets, split rivets, and threaded rivets.