Published on July 20, 2023
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
Amazon Basics Stapler DLSP-01
Its generous depth, good compartment capacity, stability and affordable price make it a great choice for your office.
This sturdy tabletop stapler features good overall quality and an understated design. Its non-slip rubber-covered base won’t slip on the desk when pressed. According to the brand, it staples up to 10 sheets, but we were able to assemble up to 35 sheets during our test. We were also able to staple some cardboard boxes, and observed good efficiency and precision. In addition, the stapler’s depth of around 8 cm means that staples can be placed wherever they’re needed. Its staple compartment holds around 200 staples, making it comfortable to use without recurring refills, and we easily refilled the instrument. Design-wise, it’s easy to handle (even with one hand), and the anvil can be opened and reversed for hanging documents on a board or wall. Last but not least, it comes with 1000 staples, so you can use it straight away.
Rapesco R53500R2 Bowfin
Very reliable, this machine staples well and effortlessly. Its ultra-robust design, inverted anvil and ease of filling are 3 of its main assets.
This tabletop or desktop half-strip stapler is designed with a very solid, high-quality metal frame. Its non-slip base ensures good stability at every touch. It is compatible with 26/6 and 24/6 mm staples, which makes it more suitable for paper sheets, although we were able to staple some cardboard boxes during our test. According to the instructions, it can bind 25 sheets (80 g/m²), but we were able to staple up to 35. The mouth depth of 5.9 cm is correct. Easy to load and unload from the top, the staple compartment holds just over 150 staples, and small holes on the sides let you see when it needs refilling. In fact, it comes pre-loaded with 105 26/6 mm staples. What’s more, it doesn’t require much effort to operate, and we easily operated it with one hand. What’s more, it opens up and can effectively hang documents on a board or wall.
Rapid Pince-Agrafeuse Classic K1
This is one of the best-selling staplers in the world. Its ergonomic handle offers unrivalled comfort of use, and its design quality is excellent with a handy adjustable anvil.
This stapler plier is made of metal with a chrome-plated surface, making it a durable and hard-wearing tool. Although slightly bulkier and heavier (360 g), it provides an excellent grip and promises easy handling with its ergonomic handle allowing effortless one-handed operation. Compatible with 24/6, 24/8, 26/6 and 26/8 mm staples, it staples well whether binding documents or assembling a few thin cardboard boxes. During our test, we were able to staple 30 to 35 sheets with the 24/6 staples, but other, more suitable staples will undoubtedly enable us to reach the 50 sheets of paper (80 g/m²) claimed by the brand. Maximum insertion depth is 5.6 cm, and the stapler is quite precise. A special feature of this model is the adjustable anvil, which can be used for stapling or stapling. Although it’s a little less intuitive, loading the compartment from the rear is not really complicated, and it holds just over 100 staples. Nevertheless, it doesn’t open and therefore can’t hang documents on a board, and staples aren’t supplied.
Rapesco 1688 Germ-Savvy Antibacterial
Its flat stapling is convenient for threading several linked documents, and it requires little effort. Its personalization label and antibacterial treatment are also noteworthy.
This half-band table or desk model features a recycled plastic covering with an antibacterial Germ-Savvy-treated top and an internal metal frame. Under its base, there’s a small anti-slip line that prevents the stapler from slipping when in use. Its flat stapling system is practical for stapling documents and efficient (even on some cardboard), and it accepts 24/6 mm staples (the brand supplies no fewer than 2000). According to its specifications, it has a 35-sheet capacity (80 g/m²), which proved true in our test. Its depth of 5.2 cm is sufficient. Even so, its load capacity is more limited (just over 100 staples), but that doesn’t make it any less easy to fill and unload from the top. What’s more, the small holes on the sides make it easy to see when it’s time to refill the compartment. In terms of handling, even though it’s a bit big, we were very satisfied with it, and we handled it easily with one hand, without any great effort when pressing down. Unfortunately, it can’t open fully to 180°, so you can’t hang documents on a board. Finally, there’s a personalization window for putting your name or initials.
Swingline 747 Rio
Its solid, durable and stable design, efficiency on many materials, great depth, adjustable anvil and large compartment make it one of the best models on the market.
Designed for the office, it boasts a high-quality design and is made of metal. Its non-slip base offers excellent stability when resting, and it performs a stapling function as well as a pinning function for hanging posters thanks to its reversible anvil. It accepts high-quality Swingline S.F. 4 and conventional 16 mm staples. As a result, it staples not only paper sheets, but also cardboard and some thicker materials with efficiency and precision. The brand advertises that it can bind 25 sheets, but in our test we even bound up to 35 sheets of paper. Its mouth depth is also one of the highest at 9.4 cm. Its staple compartment can hold up to 210 staples, and small holes on the sides let you see when a refill is needed. Refilling is also easy. On the other hand, its design is heavier and bulkier, but this doesn’t detract from its maneuverability since we were able to handle it easily and effortlessly with one hand. Note that no clip is supplied in the packaging.
Our selection
Our choice, Best value Best mid-range Best high-end Mid-range alternative Top-of-the-range alternative Amazon Basics Stapler DLSP-01 Rapesco R53500R2 Bowfin Rapid Pince-Agrafeuse Classic K1 Rapesco 1688 Germ-Savvy Antibacterial Swingline 747 Rio Its generous depth, good compartment capacity, stability and affordable price make it a great choice for your office. Very reliable, this machine staples well and effortlessly. Its ultra-robust design, inverted anvil and ease of filling are 3 of its main assets. This is one of the best-selling staplers in the world. Its ergonomic handle offers unrivalled comfort of use, and its design quality is excellent with a handy adjustable anvil. Its flat stapling is convenient for threading several linked documents, and it requires little effort. Its personalization label and antibacterial treatment are also noteworthy. Its solid, durable and stable design, efficiency on many materials, great depth, adjustable anvil and large compartment make it one of the best models on the market. £ 5.24 on Amazon £ 6.80 on Amazon £ 34.33 on Amazon £ 12.33 on Amazon £ 24.17 on Amazon
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How did we test?
To test these staplers, we first checked their design (bulk, sturdiness, non-slip base, maximum mouth depth, compartment capacity, etc.) and their ergonomics (adjustable anvil, stability when pressed, ease of filling, refill indicator, etc.). Then we judged their maneuverability with the machine in hand or resting on a table (grip, pressure force, weight, etc.).
To assess performance and accuracy, we used staples adapted to each stapler, then stapled into cardboard and assessed how many maximum sheets they could assemble. Finally, we took into account the number of staples supplied and any other accessories.
How to choose your stapler?
The stapler is an indispensable tool for those who regularly perform office tasks. As basic as this type of instrument is, there are nevertheless different models.
To make the best choice for your needs, here is a list of criteria to consider before buying:
- The type of stapler:Smaller, pocket staplers are less effective. However, it’s ideal if you’re often on the move, as are stapling pliers, which are also lightweight and handy, and offer excellent grip. More suitable for recurring use, tabletop staplers are sturdier and often have a non-slip base for better balance. Heavy-duty staplers can staple large quantities of sheets or thicker materials. For those who need to staple large numbers of sheets on a regular basis, electric staplers are available, either battery-powered or plug-in, and are less tiring to use. Finally, the upholstery stapler is intended for home DIY or decoration.
- Staple size: The size of a staple is generally indicated by 2 digits or numbers. The first indicates the gauge and the second refers to the height. For cardboard or thicker materials, we recommend staples of at least 12 mm.
- The depth: this is more or less equivalent to the size of the stapler’s mouth. In fact, it determines how far your staples are from the edge of the sheets. The deeper the mouth, the further your staples can be from the edge of the sheet, and vice versa. Also consider how many sheets the stapler can bind.
- Compartment capacity: A larger compartment requires less frequent reloading, as it admits more staples. This is a criterion not to be overlooked if you regularly staple documents.
- Handiness: favor a lightweight but sturdy stapler with a comfortable handle. Steel and aluminum are stronger but also heavier.
Other staplers we recommend
Leitz Mini (€7.20 at time of publication): A pocket-sized model. Tested by GS Safety, this mini stapler, composed of plastic and metal, is ultra-light (70 g) and very compact, allowing it to be slipped into a pencil case or pen tray. It’s easy to handle with one hand, and its design opens to 180° so you can hang documents on a board. The staple compartment is easy to fill and holds around 100 P2 staples (n°10 = 10/4 mm), which is not bad for its small size. The small holes on the sides are useful for checking if a refill is needed. Performance-wise, we were able to bind around twenty sheets during our test (the brand advertised up to 10), but because of its small size, its mouth has a shallower depth (4 cm max). Moreover, because of its small staples, it is not suitable for thicker materials. Note that staples are not supplied by the manufacturer.
Rapesco 1482 Germ-Savvy Antibacterial (€8.22 at time of publication): Another affordable option. This half-strip tabletop or desktop stapler features metal and recycled plastic with built-in antibacterial protection (Germ-Savvy). 1000 staples 24/6 mm are supplied by the brand. In our opinion, it staples sheets of paper and thin cardboard well (provided you press well). The brand says it can bind 20 sheets, but we bound up to 35 during our test, and the mouth depth was 5.3 cm. Its compartment has a good capacity (over 200 staples) and is easy to fill and unload. We also appreciated its comfortable handle. Despite this, its base slips slightly more than the other models tested, and its design requires a tiny bit more force when pressed.
Rapid R53 (€28.63 at time of publication): Ideal for DIY or decorating. Made in Sweden to exacting quality standards, this upholstery stapler combines plastic and metal in a design that’s easy to handle with just one hand. During our test, we found its handle ergonomic and comfortable. It can be locked for storage and transport. Compatible with n°53 fine wire staples (4/10 mm), it can be used to fasten fine materials or paper to a wall or chalkboard. Its compartment (on the underside) holds 150 staples, and small holes on the sides let you see when a refill is needed. However, no staples are supplied.
