Buzz
There exist three primary varieties of staplers: the standard, mini, and staple gun. Furthermore, numerous printers and copiers are equipped with stapler cartridges. To replenish your stapler, it's essential to first ensure that the new staples match your specific stapler model. Once you've identified the appropriate staples, you can proceed to load your stapler.
Procedures
Replenishing a Standard or Mini Stapler
Access the standard or mini stapler. Typically, you lift the top of the stapler. There might be side latches that need to slide to unlock it. Alternatively, the stapler may not open upward; instead, a large push button on the top rear ejects the tray from the front.
- Inspect the stapler to determine the method for accessing the stapler tray.
- Your product manual can also provide guidance on the staple-loading procedure specific to your standard stapler.
Place the fresh staples into the tray. Insert a row of staples into the tray, ensuring they align with the slots on each side. Depending on your stapler type, you may open the top to drop in the staples or remove a magazine from the front or back to load them.
- Staples are typically held together in a row for easier insertion.
- If needed, use tweezers to handle the staples.
- You can also add partial rows as long as they fit easily into place.
- Avoid adding single staples, as this is not recommended.
Secure the stapler. Close the stapler by pressing down the top or sliding the tray back in. Listen for a click to ensure the magazine is in the correct position.
- If uncertain about the closure, check if a staple releases when pressing the magazine to the base.
- Pressing the magazine down might help secure an incomplete closure.
Test the stapler's functionality. Place a small stack of scrap paper between the magazine and base, then staple. If successful, the staples are correctly loaded.
- If staples are bent or stuck, reopen the stapler to realign them with the magazine edges.
- Avoid overloading a mini-stapler to prevent jamming or damage. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for staple capacity.
Reloading a Staple Gun
Locate the release button. Manual and electric staple guns feature a release button, often at the rear or end of the handle. Ensure the stapler is locked and unplugged for safety.
- Top loading is common for medium and heavy wire staple guns, while fine wire staplers are typically bottom load.
- Always ensure the staple gun is securely locked and unplugged before loading staples.
Depress the release button. Press the release button until the slide pops out or lowers, exposing the staple slot. Remove the pusher rod from the stapler.
- If there are any remaining staples, dispose of them.
- Use this opportunity to clear any dust or debris from the stapler.
Flip the staple gun upside down. Ensure the staple gun is inverted for easy staple loading. Insert the staples upside down into the slide, with the flat side inserted first and the sharp edges facing up.
- Verify that the staples are the correct size to prevent jamming.
Insert the staples into the staple gun. Ensure a snug fit for the staples, avoiding force if there is insufficient room in the slide. All staples should be straight and aligned.
- Staples should move smoothly along the rail without sticking up or leaning to one side.
- Errors often occur when loading staples facing the wrong direction.
- Load a full sleeve of staples rather than multiple small batches to minimize jams.
Secure the staple gun. Push the staple slide back into position, listening for a click to ensure proper closure.
- Avoid placing fingers under the staple dispenser during closure to prevent injury.
- If the staple gun is electric, refrain from plugging it in until fully closed.
Test your staple gun. With no one nearby, insert several sheets of paper between the magazine and base. Slowly squeeze the trigger to ensure proper staple ejection. If there are issues, release the slide to inspect and adjust the staples.
- A manual staple gun requires more pressure to activate than an electric one, so adjust accordingly.
- Squeezing the trigger too quickly may cause the staple gun to shift position.
Refilling a Stapler Cartridge
Purchase a refill cartridge. Obtain a replacement cartridge designed for your printer or copier, typically containing thousands of staples.
- Ensure the refill cartridge matches your specific model of printer or copier.
- Each cartridge is uniquely designed for your office equipment, despite the staples being of similar size.
Locate the finisher. Find the stapler cartridge within the finisher unit of your printer or copier. Release the cartridge by lowering it from its position within the finisher.
- Look for any tabs that may require pressing to release the cartridge.
- Consult your product manual for detailed instructions on finding the finisher.
Remove the top layer of staples if necessary. If your stapler cartridge is jammed, you might only need to remove the upper layer of staples. Lower the guide while gripping the cartridge knob.
- Slide out the upper layer of staples from the cartridge.
- Afterward, raise the guide while holding the knob and return it to its original position.
Replace the staple cartridge if necessary. For cartridge replacement, follow similar steps as above. Lower the guide while holding the cartridge knob.
- Consider recycling the used staple cartridge at an office supply store.
- Complete the process by raising the guide, holding the knob, and sliding the fresh staple cartridge into place.
Tips
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Ensure your stapler resides in an area free from excessive dust and debris accumulation.
Warnings
- When using a pneumatic stapler, always wear protective eyewear.
- Exercise caution as a stapler is a sharp tool; aim it solely at the intended object when in use.
