Construction staples

Construction staples are a type of fastener that is usually metal and comprises two connected prongs, in a U- shape. They are often used in construction for joining or attaching materials together.

Construction staples are typically larger, thicker and have more chiselled tips than ordinary staples but they follow the same basic principle – a staple gun or hammer tacker is used to punch them through a material. Under some circumstances the prongs may bend back on themselves, as with ordinary staples, but in construction, they generally retain their shape, and simply bed themselves into a material, rather than passing through it to the other side.

As staples are ejected from a staple gun at high speed they should be used with care, wearing safety glasses and gloves.

The crown of the staple (the horizontal piece between vertical prongs) provides a greater surface area than other fasteners such as nails or screws, which means staples can bridge materials that are butted together. Staples also have the advantage that they can fasten a piece of material without puncturing it, instead having a prong on either side, e.g. fastening electrical cables to timber framing. Staples can also be easier to remove, without causing damage, or leaving a noticeable hole.

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