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.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

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• Cramp.
• Crimp.
• Fittings.
• Fixing and fastener.
• Fixture.
• Furnishings.
• Furniture, fixtures and equipment.
• Maintenance Repair Operations MRO.
• Nails - a brief history.
• Strap.
• Types of bolts.
• Types of fixings.
• Types of nails.
• Types of nuts.
• Types of screws.

Comments

1. Heavy-Duty Staples: These are thick and sturdy staples commonly used with staple guns or pneumatic staplers. They are suitable for securing a variety of materials, including wood, insulation, roofing felt, wire mesh, and upholstery.
2. Crown Staples: Crown staples are wider staples with a distinctive crown shape (top surface). They are often used for fastening thin materials, such as fabric, cardboard, and lightweight trim work.
3. Flooring Staples: These specialized staples are designed specifically for installing hardwood or engineered wood flooring. They have barbed edges or serrations to provide improved grip and prevent the floorboards from shifting or squeaking.
4. Fence Staples: Fence staples, also known as U-nails or poultry staples, have a U-shaped design with pointed ends. They are used to attach wire mesh, fencing, or netting to wooden posts or frames.
5. Insulation Staples: Insulation staples are designed for securing insulation materials, such as fiberglass or foam boards, to walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. They have longer legs to penetrate and hold insulation securely in place.
6. Cable Staples: These staples are used to secure electrical wires or cables to wooden surfaces or studs. They help to organize and secure wiring during electrical installations.
7. Roofing Staples: Roofing staples are commonly used in roofing projects to fasten roofing felt, tar paper, or underlayment to the roof deck. They have wide crowns for increased holding power and resistance against wind and weather.