Staple Guns & Nailers: specifications, types

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 type of tool is indicated by the method of power supply (energy source) that is used for work, and in some cases - by more specific parameters.

Based on power supply, modern construction staplers and nailers are divided into mechanical, impact (hammer), pneumatic, electric, battery and battery-gas. Also, handheld and floor-standing models are divided into separate types - they have their own specifics (the former usually use a pneumatic operating principle, while the latter combine pneumatics and impact). Here is a more detailed description of these varieties:

- Mechanical. One of the simplest and most popular types of modern staplers. Actually, the vast majority of such tools work specifically with staples; other types of fasteners (see below) are also found, but somewhat less frequently. A classic mechanical stapler looks like a D-shaped frame with a lever under the customer's hand. Such a frame is brought close to the surface to be treated; by pressing the lever, the customer cocks the spring, and when the lever is fully pressed, it is released, forcefully “shooting” the staple and driving it into the material. The main advantages of mechanical staplers are simplicity, low cost,...compactness, light weight and complete independence from external energy sources and other equipment. On the other hand, the productivity and impact force of such tools is low, which is why they are well suited only for relatively simple work on a small scale.

— Impact (hammer). A specific type of mechanical stapler (see above), which works not due to spring compression, but due to impact force. Simply put, when working, you need to hit the material with such a stapler like a hammer. Percussion instruments are extremely simple, compact and inexpensive even compared to traditional mechanical ones, but this is perhaps their only advantage. Among the disadvantages, it is worth mentioning, first of all, less accuracy - in order to hammer staples with an accuracy of at least half a centimeter, you need to seriously train. In addition, there is not enough room to swing everywhere, and such tools are usually incompatible with nails or studs. Therefore, this option was not particularly widespread.

- Electric. Staplers driven by an electric motor, connected to the network when working. This design provides good impact force, making it easier to work with hard materials and fasteners such as nails or studs that require significant force (see “Fasten Type”). The productivity of electric staplers is also quite high, despite the fact that the customer only spends energy on pressing the release button. On the other hand, electric tools are much heavier and more expensive than mechanical ones, and in the absence of outlets or other power sources, they become useless. And the connection to power is carried out through a power cord, which can limit mobility, get underfoot and create other inconveniences.

- Rechargeable. A variation of the electric staplers described above, created to eliminate one of the most serious disadvantages of such a tool - dependence on sockets. As the name suggests, cordless models are equipped with their own batteries and can operate regardless of the presence of nearby power sources. And the absence of a network cable often turns out to be a noticeable advantage. At the same time, this option also has serious disadvantages. So, with the same flow Rate characteristics, cordless staplers are more expensive and heavier than corded staplers (despite the fact that the power tool itself is not particularly light). Battery life is limited, and when the charge is depleted, a power source will still be needed. The autonomy can be somewhat expanded through the use of replaceable batteries, but this feature still does not eliminate the described shortcomings, and is not available in all models.

- Pneumatic. Staplers powered by compressed air supplied from a compressor. In terms of their advantages (impact force, productivity, low operator fatigue during operation), such models are similar to electric ones, but they also have certain advantages: the tool turns out to be more “fast-firing”, lighter and with less likelihood of sparking between parts (the latter, in turn, has a positive effect on fire safety). In addition, pneumatic models are often highly powerful and can handle very large fasteners. On the other hand, the need to use a compressor creates serious inconveniences: the entire set of working equipment turns out to be expensive, bulky and inconvenient when transporting from place to place, the compressor also needs to be connected somewhere (or refueled and serviced if it is equipped with an internal combustion engine), and the air the hose limits the mobility of the stapler. As a result, the main area of application for pneumatic staplers is furniture factories and other industrial facilities, where the volume of work is large and it is possible to constantly keep the tool in one place.

— Battery-gas. A rather original type of “driver”, the operating principle is similar to a firearm: fasteners (usually nails) are “shot” using the energy provided by the combustion of a small portion of gas, and the battery is only responsible for creating a spark for ignition. A spark requires relatively little energy, so the batteries in such tools are more compact and lighter than in “purely” battery-powered ones. Also among the clear advantages of battery-gas models are high driving force and excellent flow Rate (up to 180 beats/min). And no one has canceled the autonomy and ability to work independently of external equipment. On the other hand, the design still turns out to be quite heavy and cumbersome, such a tool needs to be “charged” with two types of consumables (battery energy and gas), and the price is quite high. As a result, battery-powered nailers are not particularly widespread; they are used mainly as a heavy professional tool - in cases where the described advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

- Handheld. A special compact type of pneumatic nailing tools. A palm nailer is a working attachment with a hammer, but without a magazine - essentially, a kind of hand-held pneumatic hammer. When working with such a tool, each nail must be held with your hand (or “sinked” into the work surface in advance), and driving, as a rule, occurs through a series of blows. In general, such nailers are inferior to traditional ones in terms of convenience and speed of work, but they also have advantages: handheld tools are compact, light in weight (which significantly reduces fatigue compared to conventional ones), the length of the nail for them is almost unlimited, and the permissible thickness is usually noticeably greater, than in classic “nail guns”.

- Floor-standing. A special type of tool designed for driving staples and/or nails when laying floorboards. It has the appearance of a V-shaped structure, the sole of which is installed on the floor during operation. One half of the letter V is the working part with a handle for holding in the hand, the second is the magazine; and the shape of the sole is selected in such a way that it is in close contact with the side end of the board being fixed and additionally presses this board to the already laid covering. Floor-standing devices use both pneumatics and impact, and it looks like this: having installed the tool connected to the compressor in the desired position, you need to hit the special protrusion at the end of the working part quite hard with the supplied mallet. This serves as a signal to trigger the pneumatic mechanism, and the impact energy complements the energy of compressed air, thanks to which floor-standing models are able to work with very long staples/nails.

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.

Standard sizes of fasteners for which the tool is designed. This information is necessary for the correct selection of consumables: each standard dimensions corresponds to certain dimensions of parts, and sometimes also design features. There are a great many standards describing standard sizes; they differ not only in the type of fastener, but also in the geography of application and even by specific manufacturers. Detailed data on various standard sizes can be found in special sources; here we will provide general points on some of the most popular options.

First of all, it is worth saying that the standard dimensions describes only two parameters - thickness and width (for nails - size and width of the head). The length can be different: for example, for the popular staple dimensions 53, the length range can be from 4 to 14 mm, and for 140 - from 6 to 14 mm. At the same time, tools for a certain standard dimensions are not necessarily compatible with all length options. So when assessing compatibility with consumables, you should pay attention not only to this point, but also to the restrictions on the minimum and maximum length of fasteners.

This is what the list of the most popular sizes for rectangular brackets looks like:

- 55. One of the smallest sizes used in modern staplers is 6 mm wide and 1.1 mm thick.
- 90. Another relatively small standard dimensions, it has even a slightly smaller width - 5.8 mm - and a thickness in the...range of 1 - 1.27 mm.
— 57. Staples 10.6 mm wide and 1.2 mm thick.
- 59. The “thin” analogue of dimensions 57, with the same width, provides a thickness of only 0.75 mm.
— 140. Quite rigid staples with a width of 10.6 mm and a thickness of 1.24 mm.
- 114. A slightly enhanced variation of dimensions 57, with increased width and thickness - 10.8 mm and 1.4 - 1.6 mm, respectively.
- 53/53F. Quite wide (11.3 mm) staples, available in both 0.75 mm (53) and 1.25 mm (53F) thicknesses.
— 72. In fact, it’s an analogue of the 53 described above: staples 11.3 mm wide and 0.7 mm thick.
- 54/58. Wide staples 12.8 - 12.9 mm, also available in two thicknesses - 0.75 mm in version 58, 1.25 mm in version 54.

Of the semicircular staples used mainly for fastening cables, the most popular options are:

- S. Relatively small staples with a width of 6.2 mm and a thickness of 1.25.
- L. Larger dimensions - 7.7 mm wide with the same 1.25 mm thickness.

In nails for driving tools, the thickness is indicated by the size, and the width by the largest dimensions of the head. The most popular sizes these days are:

— J. Small fastening nails only 1.2 mm thick with a head width of 2 mm.
— N. Diameter 1.65 mm, cap width 2.8 mm.
- DA. The so-called finishing (finishing) nails are quite large in dimensions: size 1.8 mm, head width 3.5 mm. The head has a characteristic D-shape and, as befits finishing nails, when hammered, it is almost completely recessed into the material.

Regarding pins/studs, it is worth noting that such fasteners are actually nails without heads. Therefore, the main dimensions of such parts is thickness (size), for the most common standard sizes it is as follows:

— 40. Thin pins/studs, only 0.64 mm thick.
— 41. Larger fastener, with a size of 1.2 mm.

Detailed information on choosing a standard dimensions for specific tasks can be found in special sources.

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.

Models of nails 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.

Models of pins and/or studs 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 total power consumed by a mains-powered electric tool (see "Power Source"). It is considered the main criterion for assessing the overall capabilities of a particular model: more power leads to better performance. In addition, data on power consumption also allows you to estimate the load on the power grid or other power source; in some cases this is unnecessary.

Air pressure for which the pneumatic nailer/stapler is designed (see "Type"). It is this pressure that the compressor to which the tool is connected should give out: if the pressure is too low, the efficiency will noticeably drop, and if it is too high, it can lead to breakage and even injury.

Normal air consumption during operation of the pneumatic nailer/stapler (see "Type"). Indicated per one hit; knowing the performance of the tool (see below), it is possible to assess whether the performance of the existing compressor is enough for the normal operation of the stapler. For example, for a model that produces 150 beats / min and consumes 3 liters per beat, ideally at least 3 * 150 = 450 liters of air per minute are needed. At the same time, in fact, even the most experienced operator finds it difficult to maintain a pace of 90 bpm or more; therefore, in fact, even relatively low-power compressors that do not reach the perfect value often turn out to be quite suitable for "quick-fire" staplers.

The maximum output of a nailer/stapler is the maximum number of strokes it can produce in a minute. Note that in this case, the theoretical maximum is usually indicated — the highest speed of operation achievable under perfect conditions, in fact — the rate of operation of automation, which in many models exceeds 120 beats / min. In fact, this speed is difficult to achieve, because. the performance of the stapler is noticeably limited by the skills of the operator and the features of the functionality: for example, a tool with contact actuation (see below) must be pressed every time, which reduces the speed of work. However, high performance clearly indicates good reliability and suitability for large volumes of work.

The actuation method provided in the design of the nail/stapler.

- Contact. This option assumes that direct contact with the material being processed is necessary for operation. Usually, a movable working tip (“nose”) is used for this: until the tool is pressed against the material and the nose is not retracted to the stop, the mechanism will not work. This way of actuation has a positive effect on both efficiency and safety of work: tight contact ensures that the fastener will be hammered as reliably as possible, and the risk that the hammer will “shoot” with a staple or nail in the air is reduced to almost zero. However the need to press the tool tightly every time reduces the speed of work: although pressing takes a fraction of a second, however, on tens and even more hundreds of clogged fasteners, this moment becomes noticeable. On the other hand, many tools provide the ability to hold the trigger so that the stapler automatically fires each time the spout is pressed. But the unequivocal disadvantage of this option can be called the fact that the presence of a safety contact mechanism complicates and increases the cost of the tool.

- Non -contact. Mechanisms that work regardless of whether the tool is pressed against the material or not. Other things being equal, the non-contact method of operation is faster than the contact one, because. does not require additional "body movements" du...ring work. And the tool itself is lighter and cheaper. On the other hand, non-contact triggering requires increased care from the user: if handled carelessly, the tool can trigger at a certain distance from the surface of the material (which impairs clogging efficiency), or even “shoot” in an undesirable direction, which is fraught with material damage and even serious injury .

A device that protects the tool from being triggered at the wrong time.

Most often in a modern tool there are manual fuses in the form of a button or switch. Such a device blocks the release button or opens the power circuit; thus, when the fuse is on, the tool will not work, no matter what the user does. This reduces the chance of fasteners "shooting" in the wrong direction and reduces the risk of personal injury and property damage.

The type of store — the container into which the fasteners are charged — provided in the design of the tool.

— Cassette. In this case, an elongated store is meant, in which the fasteners are arranged “in a row” — side by side, one after the other. Such a container is more convenient in reloading than a drum: for example, staples are usually produced fastened to each other, in the form of a “pack”, which allows several dozen parts to be inserted into the cassette in one movement. The cassette is less bulky and easier to fit into the instrument layout. And even with a large capacity, such a magazine stands for the overall dimensions of the stapler in only one direction, and in such cases, manufacturers try to arrange it in such a way as to minimize inconvenience to the user. Of the disadvantages of cassettes, we can first of all mention a lower capacity than drums — options for more than 150 “charges” are extremely rare among them, especially when it comes to working with relatively thick fasteners. And a capacious magazine that protrudes significantly beyond the edges of the tool can still be inconvenient. However, in fact, a large capacity is also required relatively infrequently. Thanks to all this, most modern staplers are equipped with cassette stores.

— Drum. Shop in the form of a cylindrical drum, colloquially referred to as a "snail". Fasteners inside the drum are usually arranged in a spiral. Such stores are notable...primarily for their solid capacity: even the most modest of them can hold at least a hundred fasteners, and in the most capacious ones this number can reach 400, and with a much greater thickness of the parts than in cassettes. On the other hand, drums are bulkier, more complex, more expensive, and weigh (empty) more than cassettes. And reloading such a container can be quite troublesome — parts usually have to be invested one at a time. Therefore, it makes sense to use drum magazines only in high-quality professional tools designed for large volumes of work and large fasteners.

The angle at which the magazine is set in the tool. Note that in this case, the angle is measured relative to the perpendicular to the body, more precisely, to the direction of the “shooting” of the fastener; in other words, if the angle of inclination is 0 °, this means that the store is strictly perpendicular to the body. This makes quite a practical sense: an inclined magazine makes it easier to work in hard-to-reach places, driving fasteners at an angle and some other specific tasks, and the greater the deviation of the magazine from the perpendicular, the more pronounced these advantages. At the same time, the real need for such a design is not always required, so many staplers (especially entry-level ones) have a perpendicular magazine, and in such cases the angle of inclination (0 °) is not indicated at all.

Also note that fasteners (especially branded ones, for a tool of a certain brand) can be sold in packs designed for a specific store angle; in such packs, the parts themselves are connected with a slope corresponding to this angle.

The number of fasteners that fit in the stapler magazine.

Note that manufacturers tend to indicate the maximum number of parts in the characteristics — that is, the capacity for the thinnest fasteners allowed by the design of the tool. Accordingly, fewer larger parts will fit in the store; this must be taken into account when choosing. Nevertheless, this parameter makes it possible to evaluate the instrument and compare models similar in class to each other.

Large capacity, on the one hand, allows you to work longer without interruptions to recharge the stapler. On the other hand, volume magazines are usually very bulky and can weigh a lot on their own, not to mention the weight of the fasteners loaded in them. Also, if parts are charged one at a time, recharging can become quite a long and tedious affair. Therefore, it makes sense to specifically look for a tool for 100 parts or more(especially when it comes to thick fasteners) only if the ability to work for a long time without reloading is more important than the disadvantages described above.

The number of "shots" for which the impact mechanism of the construction stapler is designed. For models with a twisted spring, it averages 10 – 12K strokes, for instances with a leaf spring — 55 – 60K operations.

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 largest width of staples (see Fastener Type) that the stapler can work with.

The width of the bracket is, roughly speaking, the distance between its legs. Different situations and types of work require different sizes of staples, and sometimes the width must be quite large. However, a staple that is too large simply will not fit into the store, not to mention the fact that the stapler can “shoot” it normally. Therefore, this limit cannot be exceeded, and if you plan to work with brackets, you should pay special attention to the maximum width when choosing.

The smallest length of staples (see Fastener Type) that the stapler can work with.

The length in this case means the length of the leg — in other words, the depth to which the staple clogged "to the stop" penetrates into the material. Small staples do not require much power to drive, but the tool may not be designed for fasteners that are too short due to other parameters — for example, the design of the magazine. Therefore, for many models, this limitation is quite relevant, and in powerful professional models, the minimum length can be quite large — more than 20 mm.

The largest length of staples (see Fastener Type) that the stapler can work with.

The length in this case means the length of the leg — in other words, the depth to which the staple clogged "to the stop" penetrates into the material. This means that working with staples of great length requires not only the appropriate design of the magazine and the feed mechanism — the stapler must also be quite powerful in order to provide the effort necessary for effective clogging. And this, in turn, affects the dimensions, weight and price of the tool. In fact, this means that it does not always make sense to specifically look for a model that can work with long staples — you need to evaluate the specifics of the intended work: often the best choice is a relatively “short”, but at the same time inexpensive and compact tool.

In general, a limit of 10 – 15 mm is typical for entry-level staplers, and in professional models this parameter can exceed 50 mm.

The smallest thickness of nails (see "Type of fastener") that the stapler can work with.

A nail that is too thin is just as undesirable for a tool as one that is too thick: already in the store, such parts can hang out, and there is no question of correct “shooting” at all. Therefore, this limitation should definitely be taken into account when choosing, especially if you plan to work with nails of small thickness. The most "thin" modern staplers have a minimum limit of about 1 mm, and in professional models it can exceed 2.5 mm and even 3 mm.

The largest thickness of nails (see "Type of fastener") that the stapler can work with.

Thick nails require not only the appropriate size of the magazine and feeder, but also significant effort is required to drive them. Therefore, the larger the maximum allowable nail diameter, the more powerful, heavier and more expensive the tool, usually. Professional pneumatic nailers can be compatible with fasteners of 3.5 mm or more, but for entry-level tools, a thickness of 1.2 — 1.5 mm is often more than enough.

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

With the same thickness, a longer nail requires not only the appropriate space in the magazine and feed mechanism, but also a higher impact energy — otherwise it simply will not work to hammer it “on the head”. This means that the maximum fastener length is directly related to the power and, accordingly, the overall level of the tool. Recall that a powerful professional tool has the appropriate dimensions and weight, moreover, it is often made pneumatic (for more details, see "Type"). Therefore, it makes sense to look for models that are compatible with long nails only if this is critical for the planned work.

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 shortest length of the attachment pin (see Attachment Type) that the stapler can handle.

Parts of small length are clogged relatively easily and do not require much effort, however, fasteners that are too short simply will not be captured by the tool and will “shoot” as expected. Therefore, modern staplers often have a limitation not only on the maximum, but also on the minimum length of the pin. This option is especially relevant if you plan to work with small details.

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.

— Adjustment of impact force / depth. The ability to adjust the force of impact or the depth of clogging fasteners. These functions are implemented somewhat differently: the impact force is changed by adjusting the power supplied to the striker upon impact, and the driving depth can be set due to a mechanical limiter — for example, by retracting the striker a certain distance back, so that it simply does not was able to move beyond a certain distance. However, the purpose and use of these functions is similar: first of all, they allow you to change the depth to which the fastener is driven into the material. In addition, adjusting the force of impact (namely force) can be useful when working with delicate materials, where too powerful impacts are undesirable. Specific details of the implementation of this function should be clarified in each case separately.

— Double hit. Possibility of operation of the stapler in the double impact mode. Here, this term means the ability to drive two fasteners at once in one blow — for example, for connections that require increased reliability. Note that double impact most often only works on staples, even if the tool is able to work with other types of fasteners (see above). Firstly, it is for brackets that this possibility is most relevant; secondly, it is much more difficult to implement it for nails or pins.

— Bending the staple.... The ability of the stapler to work not only for driving staples, but also for bending their legs after installation. The need for bending arises in cases where the tool is used to fasten relatively thin layers of material, and the staples pierce the parts to be fastened through: bent legs provide a secure hold, and are also safer — the risk of scratching or pricking the protruding edge of the staple is minimal. Note that such work requires an anvil of hard material placed under the fastened materials; in some tools with a bending function, the anvil is part of the design, but most often it is not.

— Blade of knife. The presence of a knife blade in the design of the stapler. This feature allows you to use the tool not only for driving fasteners, but also for cutting material — for example, preparing upholstery for furniture. The blades are usually made removable (so that a dull one can be quickly replaced with a fresh one or sharpened with convenience) and have a beveled shape (this allows you to cut with the very tip of the knife, providing high accuracy and accuracy). However, this function is quite specific, therefore it is rare, and mainly among percussion models (see "Type") — only they turn out to be quite light, compact and convenient for use as knives.

— Backlight. The presence in the stapler of its own built-in flashlight, usually directed in such a way as to highlight the place of impact. This feature is extremely useful when working in low light conditions. Note that such conditions can easily arise even under normal ambient lighting: for example, the tool itself often obscures the impact site, worsening visibility and complicating accurate aiming.

— Brushless motor. Such motors do not have the classic carbon brushes found in conventional power tools, whose friction during engine operation leads to additional heating, which leads to unnecessary energy consumption and general engine wear. Refusal to use them allows you to extend the battery life of the tool, on the one hand, as well as the life of the engine, on the other.

Features of the tool configuration regarding the battery.

Modern cordless staplers can be supplied with or without a battery; Moreover, in the first case, a different number of batteries, or even a built-in power source, may be provided. It is also worth noting that models with a removable battery usually do not use any original batteries, but universal solutions for power tools from the same manufacturer. The advantage of this design is obvious: first of all, it facilitates the search for power sources, including in addition to or as a replacement for “original” batteries. Here is a more detailed description of specific configuration options:

- 1 PC. Staplers that come with just one replaceable battery. This package may seem almost ideal: the tool can be used immediately after purchase, and when purchasing you do not have to overpay for a second power source. However, tools with 1 battery included are rare - noticeably less common than models with 2 batteries or no battery at all. At first glance this looks strange, but in fact there is nothing unusual here. So, if there is no battery, finding it is usually not a problem; and if the device needs to be used right away, “out of the box” - in many cases, a configuration with two batteries is a better choice: it is more expensive, but has a number of noticeable advantages. Returning to models with 1 power source, we can say this: this con...figuration is designed mainly for two situations. The first is when the tool is planned to be used for short-term work, when it is possible to take significant breaks to charge the battery; the second - if the household already has at least one spare battery, so there is no point in buying a model with 2 batteries.

- 2 pcs. The most popular configuration option among tools that generally come with at least some kind of battery. The presence of a second battery inevitably affects the cost, but in many cases this point is more than offset by the additional ease of use. Firstly, two batteries allow you to work longer without interruptions - in fact, autonomy is doubled. Secondly, while one battery is in use, the second one can be kept on charge; This allows you to minimize charging breaks, or even get rid of them altogether. Thirdly, the breakdown or loss of one power source does not interfere with work - it is enough to install a second one. And fourthly, a spare battery can be useful for another compatible power tool - for example, a screwdriver or jigsaw; this is especially useful given that staplers are rarely used “alone” without other tools nearby.

- Without battery. The most popular option in principle for completing battery-powered staplers. Along with the obvious inconvenience - the tool cannot be used out of the box - this package has a number of significant advantages. First of all, the customer can choose the model and number of batteries at his own discretion, without relying on the manufacturer in this matter. And if there is another battery-powered tool on the farm, then the power source from it may well be suitable for a stapler; This will completely eliminate the need to spend additional money and time. The second point is especially relevant in light of the fact that construction staplers are often purchased in addition to an already existing set of power tools, sometimes quite extensive.

- Built-in. A rather rare option, found mainly in relatively simple and low-power models. The built-in power supply allows you to make such a tool as compact as possible. In addition, the customer does not need to bother with a separate charger - just connect the included cable to charge. On the other hand, a dead battery cannot be quickly replaced with a fresh one - the only option is charging, which requires an energy source and can take a lot of time. Also, this design does not allow you to select batteries at your discretion; and if there are problems with the power source, you will either have to take the stapler for repairs or replace it with a new one. In light of all this, models with a built-in battery are usually intended mainly for minor home repairs and simple tasks that do not involve long-term work and high loads.

The name of the battery platform supported by the device. A single battery platform is used to combine various power tools of the same brand (screwdriver, grinder, circular saw, etc.) into one line. Devices on the same platform use interchangeable batteries and chargers. Thanks to this, for example, there is no need to select a battery for each individual model of a power tool, because one purchased as a spare battery can be used in various power tools, depending on the situation or as needed. Batteries of the same platform basically differ from each other except perhaps in capacity.

The operating voltage of the battery installed in the tool of the corresponding type (see above).

The higher the power of the stapler, the higher the voltage may be required (but not necessarily required) to power it efficiently. In other words, a high battery voltage is usually indicative of advanced performance, while a low battery voltage is not always a sign of an entry-level tool. From a practical point of view, this parameter may be useful only for some specific tasks — for example, searching for an external charger for a battery or buying a spare battery. In addition, this parameter must be taken into account when comparing different batteries in terms of capacity (for more details, see "Battery Capacity") .

Modern staplers most often use 12 V and 18 V batteries.

The type of battery used in the corresponding type of tool (see above). Modern batteries differ in manufacturing technology, which will be discussed in this case.

— Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium). One of the earliest technologies used in today's hand tool batteries. It is considered not very perfect, because. production is environmentally unsafe, and the batteries themselves are subject to the "memory effect" (if you charge the battery with an incomplete discharge, its capacity will decrease). On the other hand, when using advanced charge controllers or special chargers, this effect can be made almost imperceptible, the charging itself takes place quite quickly, and the batteries are reliable, resistant to cold and temperature extremes, and are relatively inexpensive. Thanks to this, NiCd batteries, despite the advent of the development of more advanced technologies, are still quite popular in power tools.

— Li-Ion. Lithium-ion cells were originally developed for pocket gadgets, but gradually gained popularity in more solid technology. One of the key advantages of such batteries is a high charge density — in other words, small size and weight with a significant capacity. In addition, such batteries are not subject to the memory effect and are generally quite unpretentious in maintenance. Their main disadvantage is their rather high cost; in addition, lithium-ion batteries do not tolerate abnormal temperatures — both too low and too high; and their operating te...mperature range is quite narrow.

The capacity of the battery supplied with the tool.

Theoretically, the higher the capacity, the more energy the battery accumulates and the longer the tool can work on a single charge. In fact, however, two points must be taken into account. Firstly, only batteries with the same voltage can be directly compared in terms of capacity in ampere-hours (if there is a difference in voltage, you need to convert the capacity to watt-hours using a special formula, and use these values already). Secondly, the actual battery life will depend not only on the characteristics of the battery, but also on the power consumption of the stapler itself; at the same time, the power consumption for battery models is not directly indicated in the specifications, and energy consumption has to be approximately estimated by other parameters — primarily performance, as well as the type and size of fasteners. Thus, the difference in battery capacity will only correspond to the difference in battery life if the compared tools have similar performance characteristics.

The model of a standard battery allows you to find out its characteristics in more detail, and also helps you understand what devices it is like and which one should be purchased in case of a replacement due to a malfunction or, if necessary, buy another similar one.

Battery models compatible with the tool.

When choosing a tool, this information is relevant mainly for models without a battery included. For tools that come with batteries, the battery model is more of a reference—it's mostly "for the future" if a spare or replacement battery is needed. However, this data can also be useful in the selection process — for example, to assess compatibility with an existing battery on the farm, or to find detailed data on compatible batteries and determine how they meet your requirements (in particular, there are formulas that allow you to determine the time of continuous operation from a specific battery; these formulas can be found in special sources).

The time to fully charge the battery that the tool is equipped with from a standard charger (when using other batteries or a “non-native” charger, this time may vary both in one direction and in the other).

Charging time data allows you to estimate how you will organize your workflow and how long breaks will be required to charge the batteries. The specific duration of the process will depend both on the capacity of the battery (ceteris paribus, a more capacious model takes longer to charge), and on the technologies used by the manufacturer to increase charging efficiency.

An indicator showing the battery charge level. The design and functionality of this indicator is usually quite simple — most often it is an LED indicator that flashes or changes colour to indicate various events related to the battery (“Normal charge level”, “Charge the battery”, “Charging in progress”, “Charging completed”, etc. .P.). Nevertheless, even such a simple device makes it much easier to control the charge level and reduces the risk of being left with a discharged battery at the most inopportune moment.

Removable battery attachment method used in a tool with the corresponding type of power supply.

— Clip. This method assumes that the battery is fully or partially inserted into a special compartment in the tool body. Staplers using such a mount can be divided into two categories. The first is relatively low-power tools that do not require capacious and bulky power supplies. In such devices, the batteries are almost completely hidden inside the case and do not affect its dimensions. The second variety is individual models with sufficiently high power and performance, in which the clip mount is a feature of the proprietary battery platform (see above), and you simply cannot do without it. At the same time, the batteries themselves are quite large and, when installed, protrude beyond the body, usually from the lower end of the handle; so that in terms of dimensions (in the working position), such staplers do not differ much from analogues with a slider-type mount.

— Slider. Mounting on special rails — a kind of "sled" on which the battery slides. Sliders are suitable for power sources of almost any power, and also have more relaxed requirements for the shape and design of the battery than clip-type clamps. Therefore, it is this option that is most popular in modern power tools in general and construction staplers in particular.

The number of staples supplied with the stapler.

Construction staplers can be supplied with a stock of fasteners (staples, nails, pins) — so that you can immediately start working without buying more consumables. And knowing the number of such parts, you can not only determine how much the initial stock will last, but also evaluate how profitable the purchase of this model will be compared to the model without consumables in the kit. For example, a relatively expensive model that comes with 1,000 staples can end up being a better value than a cheaper tool that doesn't come with any hardware.

The number of nails supplied with the stapler.

Construction staplers can be supplied with a stock of fasteners (staples, nails, pins) — so that you can immediately start working without buying more consumables. And knowing the number of such parts, you can not only determine how much the initial stock will last, but also evaluate how profitable the purchase of this model will be compared to the model without consumables in the kit. For example, a relatively expensive model that comes with 200 nails, as a result may be more profitable than a cheaper tool that does not come with any fasteners.

The number of pins in the stapler kit allows you to understand whether the device is suitable for work right out of the box. It will also eliminate the task of finding the necessary consumables in stores. At the same time, according to the complete number of pins, you can also ask the price of the product, because not always the cheapest stapler without pins will be more profitable more expensive with pins in the kit.

The presence of a case or bag in the tool kit.

Such accessories are more convenient than impromptu packaging, they greatly simplify the storage and transportation of both the tool itself and accessories / consumables. At the same time, cases are the most popular in construction staplers — characteristic suitcases made of solid material. Such a suitcase perfectly protects the instrument not only from moisture and dirt, but also from shocks and shocks; it is also often used as the factory packaging in which the tool goes on sale. Bags made of soft material, in turn, are less common: they do not provide such protection against impacts, and they do not resist water / dust as effectively. On the other hand, such packaging itself is less bulky, and when the bag is not needed, it can be rolled up quite compactly.