How to Use a Staple

Stray unused staples are still functional if properly loaded.

A staple is a small piece of metal that is used to fasten sheets of paper together, using a device called a stapler. Usually staples are inserted into a stapler a row at a time, containing enough staples to fasten several times. If you have a stray staple you do not wish to waste, you can place the piece into the stapler on its own, but it may jam the stapler. A better way is to use the stability of a full row of staples to hold the single staple in place.

Things You'll Need

• Stapler
• Row of staples
• Paper

Instructions

1. Look closely at your stray staple and make sure it is unused. If the staple's teeth are at 90-degree angles from its base, it will fit into the stapler's cartridge. If the staple is bent out of shape, you cannot run it through the stapler a second time.

2. Open the stapler's staple cartridge. Depending on your model of stapler, the top of the device may pop open or the staple track may jut out the front. Compress the stapler's spring mechanism and load a full row of staples. While continuing to compress the spring, place the stray staple to the front of the full row so it will be the next staple to come out.

3. Place the paper you wish to staple into the mouth of the stapler. Close the stapler over the paper and press down so the staple exits the stapler and fastens the paper together.

References

• ABC Office: Stapler Guide