Electric Staple Gun / Brad Nailer, worth buying?

13 Jan.,2025

 

Electric Staple Gun / Brad Nailer, worth buying?

hitman989 [OP]
Member
395 posts
181 upvotes
GTA

Electric Staple Gun / Brad Nailer, worth buying?

I'm new to the scene in terms of using staples guns and brad nailers. I don't need pneumatic.
Is it worth purchasing something like this?

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/dewalt ... 23 replies
tmkf_patryk
Deal Fanatic
posts
upvotes
Edmonton
No, go air powered ( pneumatic) warming up the earth 1 gas fill-up at a time...
You only live once, get a v8
deep
Deal Guru
posts
951 upvotes
I disagree. Pneumatic is overkill for a casual user. Electric brad nailers/staplers work great for small jobs. I love my Ryobi brad nailer for trim.
torontotim
Deal Fanatic
posts
upvotes
Toronto
What are you going to do with it? That's kind of the key thing here. The Dewalt stapler you posted is fine as a staple gun. It's not a finish nailer to put trim up. Read the reviews on it.

For brad nailing, you're going to want something a lot more powerful. I have a few pneumatic nailers, but recently got a Ridgid battery powered nailer and love it. I installed MDF and cedar shiplap boards on all the interior walls of my cabin, and I used the Ridgid nailer for all of it. Not having a hose and the noise of the compressor was awesome. Just need a few batteries on the go to keep rolling through the day.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ridgid ...
drz400
Deal Addict
posts
upvotes
Toronto
If you get quality stuff, electric is fine. It's just expensive is the thing. The tool and batteries are not cheap.

For people who already have a compressor, a strong air tool is pretty cheap. If you need to invest in a compressor then it doesn't make as much sense for a home user. Although it would be nice to have the compressor for other things in the future. As simple as touching up air in tires after season swaps. Last edited by drz400 on Apr 1st, 3:40 pm, edited 1 time in total. ------------------------------------
hitman989 [OP]
Member
395 posts
181 upvotes
GTA
Thanks for the valuable feedback all.
SubjectivelyObjective
Deal Addict
posts
upvotes
GTA
What are you going to use it for? If its just DIY projects and random stuff around the house, I would 100% buy an 18ga battery powered one and never look back.

I have M12 pinner, Dewalt 18ga, 16ga and 15ga. The 16ga pretty much just collects dust.

The 18ga has probably shot tens of thousands of nails and never had any issues. Also, when Im doing after hours work, or doing stuff around the house that just needs something quickly, its amazing.

I just simply love cordless for basically everything I do. Sure, if you're going to be in a shop and have good hose management, or if you want to be as cost effective as possible as see yourself buying a bunch of air tools, then air has its upsides, but really, for most people I think battery is the way to go.

The M12 pinner seems to be good so far, I got it not too long ago, but doesnt seem to have an issue with hardwoods.

I have noticed that the 15ga has some issues when you're sinking hardwood into hardwood. It seems to just lack the power to drive a 2.5" fastener the full depth. That said, for attaching door jambs or what not, you're never going to have an issue.

Ultimately, let us know what you intend to use it for, then we can likely better guide you.
smitty
Deal Addict
posts
864 upvotes
GTA
I'm a Luddite so I mostly have pneumatic tools. I have a small quiet air compressor with a short hose for work inside my house.
hitman989 [OP]
Member
395 posts
181 upvotes
GTA
SubjectivelyObjective wrote: &#;What are you going to use it for? If its just DIY projects and random stuff around the house, I would 100% buy an 18ga battery powered one and never look back.

I have M12 pinner, Dewalt 18ga, 16ga and 15ga. The 16ga pretty much just collects dust.

The 18ga has probably shot tens of thousands of nails and never had any issues. Also, when Im doing after hours work, or doing stuff around the house that just needs something quickly, its amazing.

I just simply love cordless for basically everything I do. Sure, if you're going to be in a shop and have good hose management, or if you want to be as cost effective as possible as see yourself buying a bunch of air tools, then air has its upsides, but really, for most people I think battery is the way to go.

The M12 pinner seems to be good so far, I got it not too long ago, but doesnt seem to have an issue with hardwoods.

I have noticed that the 15ga has some issues when you're sinking hardwood into hardwood. It seems to just lack the power to drive a 2.5" fastener the full depth. That said, for attaching door jambs or what not, you're never going to have an issue.

Ultimately, let us know what you intend to use it for, then we can likely better guide you.
Which battery powered one do you recommend? I want it to be both a stapler and Brad nailer.
RCLapCar
Deal Addict
posts
upvotes
hitman989 wrote: &#; Which battery powered one do you recommend? I want it to be both a stapler and Brad nailer.
You can't have both in one tool. Personally I have the Ryobi brad nailer and their crown stapler. If you wait for a free battery event you can get the batter with the tools to make it cheaper.
jzmtl
Deal Addict
posts
upvotes
Montreal
The one you linked is a corded model and quite weak, handles 1" brad at most.
dirtmover
Deal Fanatic
posts
upvotes
WFH
RCLapCar wrote: &#; You can't have both in one tool....
Sure you can.
Jon Lai
Deal Expert
posts
upvotes
Richmond Hill
What uses does a homeowner have for a staple gun? A brad nailer is much more useful for house maintenance and I'd just go with that. As others have said, get two tools, not the combination ones. Tons of things for sale!
Silver Coins and Numismatics | Heatware
tmkf_patryk
Deal Fanatic
posts
upvotes
Edmonton
hitman989 wrote: &#; I'm new to the scene in terms of using staples guns and brad nailers. I don't need pneumatic.
Is it worth purchasing something like this?

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/dewalt ...
If you don&#;t want an air powered brad nailer, how about something like this?

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/milwau ... warming up the earth 1 gas fill-up at a time...
You only live once, get a v8
Ballroomblitz
Deal Addict
posts
upvotes
Toronto
Staple gun i have a Dewalt manual one seeing i usually staple in wires/cables and going through joists / crawl spaces and it is quick and easy for that type of work. The odd time my wife may staple a chair fabric of such and again simple enough for what i already have. If i used a lot it would be tough on whether i would go 120v or battery....portability wise battery however i tend to not go that direction for personal reasons.

Brad Nailer on the other hand is about the one tool i do not have. Air powered would likely be my choice however if you have an investment in other battery operated tools i would match the brand so that i could share battery packs across all your tools.

Batteries are very expensive however, i tend to only go 120v on my tools so i believe I would go Air powered myself. Both are very good options. The only battery tool i own is a brand new Makita leaf blower which i picked up for an incredible price, i plan on replacing with a gas version as performance is very good however run time is atrocious. I also don't want to join that battery replacement cycle, i picked the blower/trimmer and 5AH battery for less than $100 at end of season, used it twice and determined that wasn't the best direction for me. Many others swear the other way including my brother who only buys battery powered tools, it really is preference and how often you use the tool and your needs/uses. Please remember that "Newbie Season" does not mean "Bag 'em and tag 'em". Kindness and patience, and as always like(s) for positive posts!
JEDI Force
Deal Addict
posts
upvotes
Longueuil
deep wrote: &#; I disagree. Pneumatic is overkill for a casual user. Electric brad nailers/staplers work great for small jobs. I love my Ryobi brad nailer for trim.
I would say the opposite (IMO) that pneumatic is the way to go for casual users unless you are talking about corded. You can then buy tools of any brand that are cheaper than battery powered ones once you get a small compressor. After many years, when/if your compressor dies you can simply buy another one and keep all your tools. When your batterie dies after many years and the line is not supported anymore, you have to replace your tools (happened to my father recently with an old drill that you cannot buy batteries anymore). I can understand a frequent user not wanting to deal with the hose and the noise of a compressor but as a casual DIY, I really don't mind since I don't use it that often (and I don't need to plan in advance on recharging batteries not always knowing when I will need them). Try not! Do or do not, there is no try...
elfion
Deal Addict
posts
upvotes
JEDI Force wrote: &#; I would say the opposite (IMO) that pneumatic is the way to go for casual users unless you are talking about corded. You can then buy tools of any brand that are cheaper than battery powered ones once you get a small compressor. After many years, when/if your compressor dies you can simply buy another one and keep all your tools. When your batterie dies after many years and the line is not supported anymore, you have to replace your tools (happened to my father recently with an old drill that you cannot buy batteries anymore). I can understand a frequent user not wanting to deal with the hose and the noise of a compressor but as a casual DIY, I really don't mind since I don't use it that often (and I don't need to plan in advance on recharging batteries not always knowing when I will need them).
that's exactly right. the reason to get electric is if you need to do a lot of work and you want a lot of convenience, i.e. don't want to deal with the compressor and the hose. for a casual user a pneumatic tool is a much cheaper option.
sam123
Deal Addict
posts
814 upvotes
Kitchener
I'm going to install MDF baseboards once the floors get done. Would this do the job for me? I've already got the batteries from other tools I own.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ryobi- ...
Shaidin
Sr. Member
875 posts
540 upvotes
Oshawa, Ontario
The ryobi brad nailer works great. It'll have no issue with hardwood baseboards, let alone MDF

Electric Vs. Air Staplers: Which is Best for Upholstery?

Electric vs. Air Staplers for Upholstery: Pros, Cons, and Which to Choose

Click here to get more.

When it comes to fabric upholstery, choosing the right stapler is essential to achieving a professional and long-lasting final product. Two of the most popular stapler choices are electric and air-powered (pneumatic), each offering unique advantages and potential drawbacks depending on your individual circumstances. Whether you&#;re a seasoned upholsterer or embarking on a new DIY project, understanding the features, benefits, and limitations of each stapler type will help you make an informed choice. In this Learning Centre article, we&#;ll weigh up electric and air staplers, considering factors such as budget, noise, runtime, and portability; all to help you decide which might best suit your unique needs.

Understanding the Basics of Electric and Air Staplers

Before diving into the pros and cons, it&#;s helpful to understand how each type of stapler operates:

Electric Staplers: These staplers are powered by a battery or (usually) 230V 3-prong plug. They&#;re often compact, easy to set up, and can be used both on-site and in workshops. With no need for an air compressor, they are often seen as convenient for lighter projects, but we'll talk more about that later...

Air Staplers (Pneumatic): Air staplers, or pneumatic staplers, are powered by an air compressor, providing considerable, consistent power and speed. They are highly efficient for high-volume projects, but they do require a compressor, which should be an important consideration to make.

With this overview in mind, let&#;s explore the pros and cons of each type in more detail.

1. Power and Performance

Electric Staplers
Electric staplers offer moderate power, which makes them suitable for light to medium upholstery tasks, though if battery powered, you might see inconsistencies in the power delivery as the battery life reduces. If you&#;re working on smaller personal projects, such as chair re upholstery or minor furniture repairs, electric staplers are typically powerful enough to drive staples securely into a range of timbers and materials.

  • Pros: Moderate power is adequate for small to medium projects; easy to control and adjust.
  • Cons: May struggle with tougher timbers like Ash, or thick upholstery fabrics as power is generally lower than that of air staplers.

Air Staplers
Air staplers, powered by compressed air, offer exceptional force and speed, making them suitable for professional or high-demand upholstery projects. Most importantly, the power delivery is consistent at all times. For thicker materials, such as dense foam or heavy fabric, the additional force ensures secure, consistent stapling.

  • Pros: Powerful enough for challenging materials and high-volume tasks; fast and efficient.
  • Cons: Overpowered for light tasks; typically higher initial setup costs and operational noise due to the compressor.

Verdict: If you frequently work with dense materials or require high-speed, high-volume stapling, an air stapler is likely the better choice. For smaller personal projects, an electric stapler should suffice and pose as a great gateway tool into the upholstery world.

2. Budget Considerations

Electric Staplers
Electric staplers are generally more affordable and don&#;t require additional equipment like compressors and airlines, which typically results in reduced setup costs. Replacement parts, if needed, are usually inexpensive, making them a cost-effective option for DIYers or hobbyists.

  • Pros: Lower initial cost; no need for extra equipment; budget-friendly option for smaller projects.
  • Cons: May need upgrading when your upholstery projects grow in scale or complexity.

Air Staplers
Although entry level air staplers themselves are generally affordable (<£100), the need for an air compressor increases the initial investment. The costs can add up further if you&#;re purchasing a high-end staple gun and compressor to ensure longevity. However, for frequent or professional use, the long-term durability and power can justify this investment.

  • Pros: Potentially lower long-term costs for frequent use; high durability.
  • Cons: Initial cost can be high due to the compressor; may not be as cost-effective for occasional or light projects.

Verdict: For budget-conscious users or those new to upholstery, an electric stapler is a more economical choice. Professional upholsterers, or those who plan to invest in high-quality tools, may find an air stapler offers better long-term value.

3. Noise and Usability

Electric Staplers
Electric staplers tend to operate quietly, making them ideal for home settings or quieter work environments. They&#;re easy to handle, and the lack of compressor noise makes them much less intrusive during use.

  • Pros: Quiet operation; easy setup; user-friendly for various environments.
  • Cons: Less powerful than pneumatic alternatives.

Air Staplers
The compressor required for an air stapler adds some noise to the operation, which may be disruptive, particularly in shared or quiet environments. There are 'Low-noise' or 'Silent' compressors available which tend to roughly match the noise level you'd expect in a working office - but they still aren't as quiet as electric alternatives.

  • Pros: Suitable for workshops or environments where noise is less of a concern.
  • Cons: High noise level can be disruptive if in clients homes etc; requires a level of tool and compressor maintenance.

Verdict: If noise is a concern or if you&#;re working in a quieter environment, an electric stapler is likely the better option. For workshop settings or where noise is less of an issue, an air stapler remains a solid choice.

Goto EAGLE to know more.

4. Portability and On-Site Use

Electric Staplers
Electric staplers are typically more portable than air staplers, as they don&#;t require a bulky compressor. This makes them easy to transport, ideal for users working on projects in different locations or at clients&#; homes.

  • Pros: Lightweight and portable; ideal for remote or on-site projects.
  • Cons: Limited by access to electricity or battery power.

Air Staplers
Due to the compressor requirement, air staplers can be cumbersome to transport (an average compressor weight might be circa 10kg). However, they&#;re ideal for stationary setups in a workshop where power and reliability are priorities. Newer, battery powered compressors may help somewhat, but they still carry a good amount of weight with them.

  • Pros: Reliable for stationary use in workshops.
  • Cons: Can be challenging to transport; requires on-site access to an air compressor.

Verdict: For portability and on-site use, an electric stapler is generally the better choice. If you primarily work in a fixed location with ample space, an air stapler setup is perfectly suitable.

5. Runtime and Efficiency

Electric Staplers
Plug-in electric staplers provide consistent power, as long as there&#;s access to an electrical outlet or sufficient battery life. However with prolonged use, their maximum battery life may deplete, especially if they&#;re not designed for heavy-duty applications.

  • Pros: Consistent power with plug-in models; generally no need to refill.
  • Cons: Battery powered staplers may have slowly reducing maximum battery life.

Air Staplers
With air staplers, runtime is only limited by the air supply and the compressor&#;s capacity. They&#;re designed for extended use, which makes them ideal for intensive or long-term projects.

  • Pros: Consistent, extended runtime; designed for high efficiency, productivity, and professional use.
  • Cons: Requires monitoring of air compressor and hose connections; compressor will kick in to re-pressurise when air gets low.

Verdict: For longer, intensive projects, an air stapler provides reliable runtime and efficiency. For lighter, shorter tasks, an electric stapler is generally sufficient.

Conclusion: Which Stapler is Best for Upholstery?

When choosing between an electric and an air stapler for upholstery, consider the scope of your projects and where you&#;ll be working. Electric staplers are excellent for lighter projects, home use, and DIY upholstery, thanks to their portability, ease of use, and quieter operation. For professional or high-volume work, particularly involving thicker materials, an air stapler provides superior power, runtime, and efficiency, though at a higher initial investment and with some additional noise.

Ultimately, the best tool entirely depends on your specific requirements, budget, and workspace. If upholstery is a hobby or occasional task, an electric stapler is likely sufficient. For more intensive upholstery work, an air stapler is worth the investment, offering reliability and power for a wide range of materials and projects.

Ready to Get Started? Explore Our Upholstery Beginner Kits

To make your choice even easier, MyToolkit offers electric and pneumatic upholstery beginner kits that include everything needed to get started in upholstery. These kits are perfect for newcomers, whether you're looking for the simplicity of electric stapling or the enhanced power of a pneumatic setup. Each kit is carefully curated with tools, and accessories, so you&#;ll have everything required to dive into your first upholstery project with confidence.

Explore Our Kits:

  • Electric Upholstery Starter Kit &#; Ideal for smaller, DIY projects, this kit includes a user-friendly electric stapler, a free box of staples, and essential upholstery tools to get you started.
  • Pneumatic Semi-Pro Starter Kit &#; Designed for more intensive or professional projects, this kit features an entry level air stapler, an quiet compressor, a free box of staples, and a range of tools, providing the full setup needed for tackling any upholstery project.

Whichever kit you choose, each provides the right tools and support to bring your upholstery ideas to life. 

If you're still confused or have any further questions, don't hesitate to get in touch. You can reach us on  345,  or DM us on our social media channels @mytoolkitonline.

P.s., Subscribe to our newsletter & get useful hints, tips & tricks directly to your inbox! 

** When using nails, staples or any tooling equipment, it's important to follow safety guidelines and use them responsibly. 

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