Although the word machine will initially refer to a large device, that name is also used for a small device, namely a stapler. There will be a stapler in every office (and even on every desk) and in every home. Sometimes for daily use and if not then regular use. With a stapler, a number of papers are fastened together by means of a staple, so that sheets of paper are less easily lost and small booklets can be made in an inexpensive way.
Types of staplers
There are four types of staplers suitable for different situations, namely a standard stapler, stapler, long arm stapler and block stapler.
Standard stapler
The standard stapler is the most common stapler. He is standing on a table or desk while the paper is attached by pressing the upper arm. Regular-thickness letterhead or copy paper easily staples two to more than ten sheets of paper together.
Stapler
A stapler is almost the same as a standard stapler but can be used hand-held without the support of a table or desk. A stapler is an easy stapler for quickly stapling a few sheets together. This device can staple up to twenty sheets, but there are also heavier versions with a capacity of up to sixty sheets.
Long-arm stapler
If you do not want to staple at a corner or edge of the paper, the long arm stapler is suitable. The paper can be slid between two long arms of the stapler. This is easy to make a book where the staples have to be in the middle of, for example, A3 format.
Block stitcher
A block stapler is designed in such a way that thick stacks of paper can be stapled together into many tens of sheets. The upper arm allows more force than a standard stapler to get through the many sheets. But there are also electric block staplers with which a possible problem to put into effect is solved.
Operation of staples
A stapler has a carriage with staples. A carriage consists of about fifty staples loosely glued together. A staple consists of a piece of flattened very thin metal wire in which two 90 degree angles are formed, creating a kind of double square. When using the stapler, the front staple is driven through the paper each time. Initially, the two legs (short particles of the staple) slide vertically through the paper. Then the ends of the legs are bent under the bottom sheet of paper. Many staplers are handheld devices, but there are also electric staplers that do not require pressing force to drive staples through thick paper.
Remove staples with staple remover
Removing staples without using a tool is a difficult job and has already cost many a torn nail. It is better to use a special device called a staple remover. A staple remover is a type of pliers with four wedges that end up under the top of a staple by a squeeze. After that, the staple can be easily removed without damaging the paper.
Types of staples
Staple size is indicated by two numbers. One number indicates the strength of the wire and the other the length of the legs. A common thread strength is indicated by the number 24 which, in combination with the length of the legs, equates to the designation 24/6 where the legs are 6 millimeters long. With longer leg length, more sheets of paper can be stapled together. Incidentally, about 4 millimeters of the leg is needed to be bent over. For the other millimeters, 10 sheets of paper require about 1 millimeter of leg. Naturally, when selecting staples, it must be taken into account whether the size in question fits the available stapler.
Staple material
Staples are made from copper, steel or galvanized material.
- Copper staples: Copper staples are quite tough and will not rust.
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Steel:
These staples are strong, will not break or rust. It is the best of the three.
- Galvanized material: This is the cheapest kind, but also the least strong. Over time, galvanized staples will also rust.
Choosing quality over use
If the staples go wrong, it could be due to misuse, poor staple quality, or machine failure. A defect may, for example, be the failure of the spring to function properly because the device has fallen or a defective hinge has arisen for the same reason. Although relatively cheap staplers are available, the type of use can be better taken into account and the quality adjusted accordingly, which requires a slightly higher investment.