For the novice nailer, the difference between bump and sequential firing can spark confusion. But understanding these firing types can prevent purchasing errors—and serious accidents. (For tips on preventing nail gun mishaps, see 10 Tips for Air Tool Safety.) To shed some light on nail gun triggers, read on.

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The micro-pin nailer reigns supreme, as tool of choice for trim carpenters, finish woodworkers, and anyone else who works on cabinets, finish and trim, picture frames, and light furniture assembly. While these tasks don't require a lot of holding power, they do require a nail that leaves virtually no footprint and won't split wood. So, which 23 gauge pin nailer do you choose?

To help in the decision making process, we’re comparing the Metabo HPT NP50A, Cadex V2/23.55A, and Grex P650. Each of these micro pinners drive a 23-gauge headless pin nail of 2" or more in length. While the tools naturally share some features, it's really about the details—and which can best suit your particular needs. Continue reading →

Mark your calendars; Nail Gun Depot's Cyber Weekend starts November 23! That's when our biggest sales drop, so sink your nails into a few of the previews, below.

For more specials, see the Cyber Weekend Catalog at Nail Gun Depot. Get 'em before they're gone! Offers start November 23, 2018, and run through November 26, 2018 - while supplies last.

A Deal a Day = One Excellent Weekend

A Hat You Won't Forget

Your Coffee's Coolest Keeper

FREE Spares Are The Best Kind

Your Favorite Tunes—Even On a Roof

A Blade or a Hose... Can't Decide? Get Both!

Winter is Coming.

To Err is Human, To Remove it is Divine

Good Fence Staplers Make Great Fences

 It's Like the Lottery—But With Tools

For more Cyber Weekend specials on Cadex, Grex, Makita, Metabo HPT/Hitachi, MAX, Paslode, Senco, and more, see Nail Gun Depot's Cyber Weekend page.

Know someone else who likes a sweet deal? Share the cyber sale news on Facebook or Twitter!

Why can’t I order staples for my pneumatic stapler by dimension?

Unlike nails, staples are often sold by series, which doesn't tell you much about size. Furthermore, staples are not "one-size-fits-most," contrary to most categories of collated nails. Staples are instead measured not only by leg length and wire gauge, but also by crown width.

Pro Tip: If you’re having trouble deciding on a staple gun, see “Choosing A Staple Gun For Your Project.”

Crown Size

The crown is the bridge, otherwise known as the horizontal part of a staple that joins the legs. Crown sizes are typically segmented into wide, medium and narrow designations. This can become tricky, as some manufacturers measure the inside of the crown, while others measure the outside (or exterior) of the crown.

Staple crown type can vary by application. For example, some staples come with a flat top, while others have a round or "U-shaped" crown. However, we'll take a closer look at the various crown types in a later article.

Leg Length

While a staple series is typically determined by gauge and crown (which we'll cover later in this article), leg length can vary significantly - even within the same series of staple. See the different leg lengths for the 7/16” crown staple, for example, below.

There are a couple rules of thumb with regard to staple length:

1. Leg length requirements vary by application type, as well as the base material you are driving the staple into. The staple has to be able to fully penetrate and clasp to form a tight bond.

2. The longer the staple legs, the greater the hold or withdrawal strength.

Pro Tip: Never try to force a staple into the wrong tool. Not only can this create a jam, but it could break the staple or damage the tool.

Getting To The Point

Most staples have chisel points, which taper to a point on both legs. This lets the staple legs drive directly into the base material.

Another variation is the divergent-point staple, where the tips taper to opposing points. This forces the legs to bend outward in different directions. Divergent point staples are more difficult to pull out, providing greater holding power.

Wire Gauge

As with nails, staples are categorized by different wire gauges or thicknesses. Gauge is determined by the wire diameter, a standard set in the early half of the 20th century by American Wire Gauge standards. It might seem counter-intuitive, but the thinner the wire, the higher the gauge number. The smallest gauge staple wire we carry here at Nail Gun Depot is a 23-gauge staple for upholstery applications, while the largest is 9 gauge for wire fence building.

Generally speaking, the thicker the wire gauge, the more rugged the application. For finer applications, like fastening upholstery to a furniture frame, a thinner gauge staple is preferable.

What’s In A Staple Series?

Finally, let’s talk staple series. Is there a rhyme or reason for the different series numbers?

In short, yes, it’s true that tool manufacturers want you to use their staples -- and they do make proprietary fasteners to drive the point. Most staple series are determined by the staple's crown size (width) and gauge (thickness).

One way many manufacturers make staple shopping easier, they may designate a particular "series" of staple that is compatible with their tool. Each staple series makes it easier to find the exact staple you need, without having to know all of the dimensions—or how the crown is measured.

In order to consistently get the right staples for your tool, rely on the staple gun itself. More often than not, staple dimensions are printed on a staple gun's magazine.

Finding The Right Fasteners

To help you find the right series, we’ve created the Fastener Finder tool on Nail Gun Depot. Just choose your stapler brand/model from the drop-down menu, and we'll do the rest.  Even if you’re using an older model of air stapler, we can help identify the correct staples for your tool.

Have other questions? Contact us here.

~ The Nail Gun Depot Team

The holidays are here, and Nail Gun Depot wants to make sure you’re giving a gift that will stay productive well beyond the holiday season. Check out our top picks for cost-efficient (quality-assured) tools and accessories for the holidays:

First on the list, the Fasco-Maestri 7C-16 3/8” Crown Electric Stapler is great for everything upholstery. This 100% electric fine wire stapler, designed with super durable reinforced fiberglass, is ideal for any picture frame construction, decorative trim, upholstery, carpeting, furniture repair, cable sheathing, and many more projects. Pairing maximum power with high fastening speed, you’ll have no trouble getting the most from any project.

Pairing nicely with the Fasco-Maestri electric stapler, the Spotnails P-97482 Heavy-Duty Upholstery Staple Remover does a great job removing fine wire upholstery staples. The perfect accessory for anyone working with upholstery, Spotnails’ staple remover is designed specifically to reduce the risk of snagging fabric. Its compact size and price also make for a great stocking stuffer.

Back by popular demand, for finish and trim woodworkers, grab a Grex Holiday Bundle:

Grex is offering several holiday gift sets this year. The first, a Grex P635 23 Gauge Headless Pinner Holiday Gift Set, for $148, includes a P635 headless pin nailer plus a FREE FT230.1 edge guide – a $70 value, but only available through Christmas! Give the gift of green, and still have some left in your wallet too. The Grex P635 pin nailer is lightweight, powerful, and has an industrial strength design for added durability. It’s the perfect reliable tool for light wood assembly, finish work, decorative trim, and craft work, among other projects.

The second set, a Grex 1850GB 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Holiday Gift Set, is $168 (until Christmas), and includes a 1850GB 18 gauge brad nailer and FREE FT230.1 edge guide. If you’re shopping for someone who loves projects working with trim and moldings, cabinet and light wood assembly, window beading, or jig fixtures, you can’t beat this special holiday bundle. This Grex “Green Buddy” features an extremely slim nose for extra precision in tight-to-reach areas.

We’re also offering a Grex P650L Headless Pinner Holiday Gift Set. Currently listed at $248 for the 2017 holiday season, you get a P650L headless pin nailer and FREE FT230.1 edge guide, with savings added up to $70. This Grex bundle is an excellent gift for anyone who works with light wood assembly, rattan furniture, craft work, or mirror and picture frame assembly. For the little details, Grex’s FT230.1 edge guide allows for even greater precision on the job.

Gifting for the level-headed? Stabila is offering a couple “Best of Three” bundles – great for anyone’s workshop:

The first, a Stabila 48370 Classic Set, includes a 37448 48” type 196 spirit level, a 37424 24” type 196 spirit level, a 25100 torpedo level, and a carrying case. Built for quality and durability, and featuring a limited-time only price of $199.99, this deal is a steal. Made in Germany, these levels house crystal clear vials that will never leak, break, fog, or need recalibration. In fact, the vials are guaranteed for life. Talk about a gift that will last a lifetime.

Stabila is also offering a 48380 Type 96M Magnetic Level Set. This set includes one 38648 48” type 96M magnetic level, one 38624 24” type 96M magnetic level, a 25100 diecast magnetic torpedo level, and a carrying case. As the name implies, every level in this set is magnetic – ideal for jobs that require hands-free work with metal. If you’re looking for a new level set for the holidays, don’t pass this deal up!

For pneumatic fanatics, we have a couple awesome bundles to consider:

Our Senco PC1342 23 Gauge Micro Pinner Kit includes an 8F0001N FinishPro 23SXP 23 gauge headless pin nailer, and a PC1010N air compressor. This deal, for the 2017 holidays, is still in stock at $229. The Senco FinishPro pinner is ideally suited for any intricate, light finish wood work and wood assembly. Powerful and precise with an ultra-narrow nose, this tool doesn’t split wood. The perfect mate, Senco’s PC1010N air compressor uses an oil-free pump and induction motor, cutting back on noise and reducing maintenance.

Receiving an honorable mention this year, Cadex has the ultimate finish and trim bundle, exclusive only to Nail Gun Depot. Our Cadex V2/BUNDLE, which includes both 21 and 23 gauge Cadex pin nailers, an air compressor, 75’ air hose and sample pin pack. Priced at $599 with free shipping included, this package deal is only here until supplies run out.

MAX out the volume with a new Bluetooth speaker:

MAX USA Tools is making some noise, and while supplies last, you can too. For a limited-time, get a FREE Bluetooth speaker with ANY MAX framing nailer. This deal includes top-selling models like the SN883RH3 Full Round Head Framing Nailer and SN890CH3/34 Clipped Head Framing Nailer, among others. For roofers, and siding installers, we’re including a FREE tool bucket bag with purchase of ANY MAX roofing or siding nailer – while supplies last.

And finally, for the high tech woodworker on a budget, it’s time to cut the cord:

The Hitachi NT1850DE Li-Ion 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer is a fantastic gift for those who don’t want the hassle of hoses and cords. Equipped with brushless motor technology – this Hitachi brad nailer delivers increased power at reduced weight, a longer tool life, and longer run time per charge compared to most competing cordless brad nailers. As a special holiday bonus, while supply lasts, Hitachi is including a FREE spare battery with this tool!

One more tough-as-nails cordless, battery-only nailer in our holiday line-up, take a look at the new Bostitch BCN680D1 20V MAX 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Kit. Priced just under $299 for the holidays, this brad nailer pairs Bostitch brand quality with the latest cordless technology. Certain to bring cheer Christmas day and beyond.

Be sure to note, our shipping experts recommend ordering no later than December 14, 2017 for delivery before Christmas.

Which gift on this list would make you merry?

~ The Nail Gun Depot Team