Work Better: What to Look for in a Your New Favorite Stapler

Sure, you may have a nice desk, an ergonomic chair, a variety of writing utensils and plenty of work to do. But an office isn’t complete without a good stapler. Fortunately, there’s plenty to choose from these days. Here’s how to find the right one for what you do.

Jobs come and go, but a stapler is typically forever. So why not find one in a bold color you love? It’ll bring a little more style to the mundane, plus make it much easier to track down if a borrower forgets to bring it back.

If you have a condition like carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis, consider investing in a one-touch stapler that doesn’t require a strong grip. Your wrists and fingers will thank you!

Sure, stapling a few papers together is easy. But repetitive office tasks can lead to aches and pains over time. That’s where electric staplers come in. Some are corded—so if you go for one of those, just make sure you have a power strip nearby.

Staplers aren’t one size staples all. Some have a stapling capacity of 10 sheets of paper; others are 25 sheets of paper; and the real heavyweights can staple up to 40 pages at a time. Consider how many papers you’ll usually need to staple to find the right stapler for you.

If you need your stapler to do more than paperwork, consider a staple gun. They are typically powerful enough to firmly affix posters to poles, tick new upholstery to wooden-framed furniture and assist with a host of other DIY and craft projects.