Staple Guns and Carton Staplers for Cardboard and Timber
There are two very different tools behind the word "stapler". A carton stapler closes cardboard boxes. A staple gun fixes things to timber and other solid surfaces. Here's how to tell which one you need, which staples go with each, and when it's worth stepping up to a cordless carton closer.
Carton stapler or staple gun?
Ask yourself one question: is there something solid behind what you're stapling?
| Carton stapler (BH-35) | Staple gun (Arrow T50) | |
|---|---|---|
| Use it for | Closing the flaps of cardboard boxes | Fixing fabric, sheeting, wire and signs to timber |
| How it works | Pushes the staple through both flaps and folds the legs over inside | Fires the staple straight into a solid surface |
| Staples | 292 series, 16mm or 19mm | T50 series, 8mm, 10mm or 12mm |
The tools
Arrow T50 staple gun: for timber and trade jobs
The Arrow T50 is the classic heavy-duty staple gun. Its hardened steel body and strong spring drive staples cleanly into timber, so it's the go-to for upholstery, fixing plastic sheeting, insulation, shade cloth and signs. It takes T50 staples, which we stock in three leg lengths.
BH-35 carton stapler: for closing cardboard boxes
A hand-operated carton stapler with a light aluminium body that holds up to 100 staples. You place it over the box flaps and squeeze, and it clinches the staple closed on the inside. It suits heavier cartons where tape alone isn't enough, and takes 292 series staples in 16mm or 19mm.
Ordered in on request. We bring the BH-35 in to order, so send us an enquiry or call 02 9725 2211 for current lead times.
Matching staples
Staples only fit the tool they're made for, so match the series first, then pick the leg length.
| Staple | Fits | Pack | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 292 series 16mm | BH-35 | 2,000 per box | Standard single wall cartons |
| 292 series 19mm | BH-35 | 2,000 per box | Thicker and double wall cartons |
| T50 8mm | Arrow T50 | 5,000 per box | Thin fabric, paper and light sheeting |
| T50 10mm | Arrow T50 | 5,000 per pack | Everyday upholstery and general fixing |
| T50 12mm | Arrow T50 | 1,250 per box | Thicker material and a firmer hold in timber |
See everything in one place in our staplers and staples range.
Choosing a leg length
The leg needs to go through your material and still bite well into what's underneath. Too short and it pulls out. Too long and it can bend over or poke through the back.
For cartons, 16mm suits most single wall boxes and 19mm gives extra grip on thicker board. For timber, start with 10mm and step up to 12mm when you're stapling through something thicker, like doubled-over fabric or heavy sheeting.
Josef Kihlberg staplers for packing and production lines
Josef Kihlberg has been making fastening tools since 1841 and is now part of Signode. When a hand stapler can't keep up, their range is what we turn to.
The range covers top and bottom carton staplers, automated fastening systems, cap staplers and flat staplers, plus tools for upholstery, bed bases, cabinets and door and window frames. We supply the models below and can source others in the range. Tell us what you're stapling and we'll match you to the right tool.
Warranty, service and parts
Josef Kihlberg tools come with a 12-month guarantee covering parts and wear. For servicing or spare parts, contact our team and we'll sort it out. You can explore the full range on the Josef Kihlberg website.
Stapler questions
Can I use a staple gun to close cardboard boxes?
Not really. A staple gun fires straight into whatever is underneath, so there's nothing to fold the legs over and the staple just pulls out. A carton stapler clinches the legs closed on the inside of the flap, which is what holds a box shut.
Do other brands' staples fit the Arrow T50?
Any staple sold as T50 type should fit, because T50 is a standard size. Staples from a different series won't, even if the length looks right.
Should I staple or tape my cartons?
Tape is quicker for most boxes and gives a cleaner seal. Staples are worth it for heavy or oversized cartons, or where boxes get handled roughly and tape may lift. Many warehouses use both. For high volumes, packaging tape or a carton sealer is usually faster.
Is a cordless carton stapler worth it?
If you close a lot of cartons, usually yes. A cordless closer like the Josef Kihlberg c.561B staples much faster than a hand tool and saves the cost of a compressor, air lines and fittings. It also moves with the operator, so you can close boxes wherever they're packed.
What leg length should I use for timber?
Start with 10mm T50 staples for most jobs. Use 12mm when you're stapling through thicker material, and 8mm for thin fabric or paper.
Need staplers or staples in bulk?
Tell us which tool or staples you're after and roughly how many. Our Villawood team will come back to you with pricing and lead times.