Comparison Stanley FatMax FMHT6-70868 vs Stanley 6-TR150L

General purpose of the instrument.

A construction stapler in the original sense of the word is called a staple gun — a tool designed to work exclusively with staples. For driving nails, in turn, nailers are used, while in such devices the matter may not be limited to nails alone. However, the most versatile are the combined models — 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 staplers. Here is a more detailed description of all these varieties:

— Stapler. Stapling tools that are not intended for use with other types of fasteners. One of the most popular areas of application for such devices is furniture production and other activities where it is necessary to sheathe various structures with fabric, mesh, etc.; although, of course, the matter is not limited to this. Anyway, staplers are not as versatile as 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 models, but at the same cost, a highly specialized tool usually turns out to be more performant, practical and reliable than a combination device.

— Nayler. He's also a "nail gun". Tools similar to staplers, but designed to work with nails (sometimes also with pins / studs) and do not involve the use of staples. For a number of reasons, pneumatic nailers are most widely used nowadays, but there are other variations.

— Stapler (2-in-1). Devices that can work with both staples and nails; in other words, a combination of a traditional stapler and...a nailer in one tool. The main advantage of such models is versatility: a combined tool can replace two specialized ones at once. At the same time, it will cost significantly less than two separate devices, and it will take up less space; and to switch between different types of fasteners in many models, you don’t even need to change the store — just load the desired type of consumables into it. However, if you plan to work with only one type of fastener, you should not buy a combined device so as not to overpay for unnecessary functionality.

— Stapler (3 in 1). Tools from this category are capable of working with staples and nails, as well as with pins (studs). Thus, such models are generally similar to 2 in 1 devices, but they have even more extensive functionality and, accordingly, are somewhat more expensive.

The main structural element of the construction stapler. The spring first compresses, accumulating mechanical energy, and then decompresses, releasing it to clog the fastener. According to the type of springs are divided into two subcategories:

— Vitaya. The impact mechanism with a twisted (torsion) spring is cocked and then released when the lever is pressed. The force with which the bracket will be clogged is regulated using a special screw, if it is provided for in the design. The working resource of a twisted spring averages 10-12K strokes, after which the recoil becomes stronger and it is no longer so comfortable to work with the tool.

— Plate. In staplers with a leaf spring, a flat spring located horizontally is responsible for the tension of the striker. Usually, this type of springs is used in professional tools — they have a long service life (about 55 – 60K strokes), which allows the use of construction staplers for large-scale work.

— Nail. Traditional nails are pointed rods with hats. However, hammers are often made for specific types of nails, and ordinary ones cannot be charged in them, this point in each case must be clarified separately. The nail is usually hammered in as a whole, right up to the head; such fasteners are tightly held in the material.

— Staple. Colloquially, staples are sometimes referred to as "paper clips", although this is not entirely true. Such fasteners are familiar to many from ordinary stationery staplers, however, staples can also be used for more serious tasks — for example, attaching upholstery to wooden furniture. They do not hold as tightly as nails, but the oblong shape of the staple is in some cases a decisive advantage, and reliability is often enough.

— Pin / hairpin. Fasteners that are driven in the same way as nails, but do not have expanded hats at the top. In addition, they differ somewhat in application: the pin can protrude above the surface of the material, or vice versa, be completely hidden inside, in such a way that then “mask” the fasteners with putty, decorative film, etc. All this requires specific design features, so not every stapler capable of using nails will be compatible with pins / studs.

Staple models that the tool is compatible with.

Usually, quite specific options are indicated in this paragraph, so finding compatible consumables is not difficult. The specific dimensions of the fasteners should be specified according to the manufacturer's data — different brands use different markings.

The smallest staple width that the stapler can handle.

The width of the bracket is, roughly speaking, the distance between its legs. Different situations and types of work require different sizes of staples, sometimes quite small. At the same time, staples that are too small will hang out in the store and will not be able to properly fit under the drummer, which is why modern staplers have a minimum size limit. You should pay special attention to it if you plan to work with brackets of small width.

The shortest length of nails (see Fastener Type) that the stapler can handle.

The shorter the fastener, with the same thickness, the less effort is required to drive it, but a nail that is too short simply cannot stand under impact normally. Therefore, for many instruments, this restriction is directly indicated. It is worth paying attention to it first of all if you plan to work with small short nails.

The smallest diameter of the attachment pin (see Attachment Type) that the stapler can handle.

The tool cannot effectively capture a workpiece that is too thin, and, accordingly, effective clogging is out of the question. However this limitation can be so small that it can be neglected — in particular, because such thin pins for general use are simply not produced. Therefore, the minimum pin diameter is indicated relatively rarely, and mainly in cases where it exceeds 0.5 mm.

The largest diameter of the attachment pin (see Attachment Type) that the stapler can handle.

The limitation on the maximum diameter is connected not only with the size of the “seats” in the tool, but also with its power: with an increase in thickness, the force required to effectively drive fasteners also increases. This, in turn, affects the weight and price of the stapler. Therefore, it does not always make sense to pursue the opportunity to hammer in thick pins — you need to take into account the actual specifics of the planned work.

The longest attachment pin (see Attachment Type) that the stapler can handle.

A long pin not only needs to fit in the magazine and the feed mechanism of the tool — it also requires significant effort to be applied, otherwise the part cannot be hammered to the desired depth. Accordingly, an increase in the permissible length of the pin (with the same thickness) requires an increase in the power of the tool, and this, in turn, affects the dimensions, weight and price. In fact, this means that the principle "the more — the better" does not work in this case — you should choose a stapler based on how much longer the length is really needed for the planned work.