How to Unjam a Staple Gun

Co-authored by Sarah Fogle and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: July 18, 2022 References

Using a staple gun is a great way to fire a lot of staples super quickly. But getting a staple jammed in the gun can really disrupt your flow, especially if you still have a lot left to staple. Fortunately, unjamming a staple gun isn’t hard, and you only need a screwdriver and a pair of needle-nose pliers to fix most models. If you have any concerns, consult your owner’s manual to figure out what your staple gun needs.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

How do you unjam a heavy duty staple gun?

1
Slide out the pusher rod. This rod runs the length of the magazine, pushing staples up and feeding them into the gun’s chamber. Look for a knob or tab at the bottom of the staple gun which is connected to this rod. Simply grab it and it and pull to slide the rod out, then set it aside.^{[1]
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2
Unscrew the magazine and take it out. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw at the bottom of the stapler. Once the screw is out, reach in and remove the staple gun’s magazine. It should slide right out without any problems.^{[2]
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3
Clear the jam with needle-nose pliers. Check out the top of the stapler where the staples are discharged. Use the pliers to pinch the staple and pull towards you, pulling the staple out of the stapler’s nose. After that, reassemble the staple gun by putting the magazine back in and screwing in the screw.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

How do you unjam a hammer stapler?

1
Remove the pusher from the bottom of the stapler. Hold the stapler at eye level and look for the metal base on the very bottom. Simply grab the bottom and pull the pusher out, then set it aside.^{[4]
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2
Use a screwdriver to push the pin out of the bottom of the stapler. The pin is on the bottom of the stapler right above the pusher mechanism you just pulled out. Push the point of the screwdriver onto the pin, then grab it and slide it out of the stapler.^{[5]
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3
Slide the magazine out to remove any jams. The magazine is the long metallic piece at the front of the stapler that does the actual stapling. Now that it’s loose, simply slide it out of the stapler and check for jams. Remove any staples that are stuck using needle-nose pliers.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

How do you unjam an electric staple gun?

1
Remove the staple clip. Unplug the staple gun before you try to fix it to avoid any injuries. Look for the release lever on the very bottom of the staple gun. Pull on the lever to unclip the magazine, then pull the magazine out of the gun.^{[7]
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2
Remove any jammed staples in the magazine with needle-nose pliers. Some jams are caused by staples failing to properly leave the magazine. If you notice your staples are crushed by other staples, use needle-nose pliers to gently unstick the jam.^{[8]
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3
Use needle-nose pliers to remove staples in the discharge area. Check out the discharge area to look for staples that aren’t in the magazine, but haven’t actually discharged. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to reach the jam and pinch the staple to remove it. Work slowly and try to be gentle so you don’t accidentally damage the staple gun in the process.^{[9]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Why does my stapler keep jamming?

1
You might be firing it too fast. Firing a staple gun super quickly can cause the staples to stack on top of each other and jam the gun. If your staple gun jams a lot, slow down your stapling to a more moderate pace.^{[10]
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2
You could be using the wrong staples. Staples come in different sizes (usually small or large). If you’re using the wrong size, it could cause your gun to jam. Check the owner’s manual to find out which staples you should be using for a smooth stapling experience.^{[11]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Which way do the staples go in?

1
The sharp edges of the staples should be sticking up. It’s easy to put the staples in upside down and accidentally jam the stapler. Slide your staples into the magazine with the flat side down and the sharp edges pointing upward.^{[12]
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- This is true for most staple guns, but it could vary depending on the model you have. If you’re not sure, check your owner’s manual.
- Be sure to note the end of the staple gun where the staples are supposed to come out of, since it's not always located where you might think.
- The tool is often marked with an arrow of where the staples will come out.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you stop a stapler from jamming?

Sarah Fogle
DIY Specialist
Sarah Fogle is a DIY Home Improvement Specialist and the creator of Ugly Duckling House. With over a decade of experience, Sarah specializes in beginner-friendly home remodeling projects. Sarah holds an MBA from Georgia State University. She has been featured in multiple publications including Better Homes and Gardens and Make Magazine. She has also partnered with brands such as Lowe's, Home Depot, and Martha Stewart Crafts.

Sarah Fogle

DIY Specialist

Expert Answer

To avoid that, I always load my staple gun from the back using a full sleeve of joined staples, since using smaller broken bits of staples tends to jam more.

Warnings

If you’re working with an electric staple gun, make sure it’s off and unplugged before you start taking it apart.

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