Stapler’s handle easy to squeeze, speeding the job

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This article was published 30/04/2006 (7192 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WHEN Stanley’s tool researchers asked consumers what they wanted in a stapler, the No. 1 answer was an easy-to-squeeze handle. The TR250 Sharpshooter is the company’s response.

What it is

The Stanley TR250 Sharpshooter is a combination brad nailer and heavy-duty stapler, which takes 12 millimetre and 16 mm brads and a range of staples. Depending on fastener size, it handles materials from window screens and draperies to light panelling and small mouldings. It’s also a cable tacker for low-voltage wires or holiday lights.

Claim to fame

Stanley reports the Sharpshooter delivers 37 per cent more output than other leading staplers while requiring 30 per cent less force, thanks to its E-Z push handle.

How it works

Push the flexible end on the loading slide in and down to remove the slide and load the staples or brads (pointy ends towards the stapler’s bottom). If using brads, ensure they’re seated properly against the channel (check the slide’s directional arrow). Press the stapler firmly against the surface, and squeeze the handle.

Upside

The aircraft aluminum body not only looks good, but is lighter than many comparable staplers, which lessens fatigue, especially when you’re stapling above your head. A clip locks down the handle when it’s not in use, making it easier to store.

Loading the staples and brads was straightforward — the stapler has an anti-jam design, but if a jam did occur, the open channel in which the fasteners sit would make it very easy to fix.

The handle’s ergonomic design and soft grip really do add comfort.

It still requires some effort to squeeze the handle, but it’s easier than many other staplers, and if you were doing a big job, that would become increasingly important.

The biggest problem with manual staplers is their tendency not to seat the staples completely — you end up following behind the stapler with a hammer. The trick is to get as much weight or pressure behind the stapler as you can. The Sharpshooter’s instructions don’t show this (and they should), but it’s actually designed with a soft grip platform in front of the handle so that you can place one hand on the platform while you’re squeezing the handle. This technique comfortably seats staples and brads properly the first time.

You can also adjust the pressure using the stapler’s high-low switch.

The cable-tacker guide is helpful if you’re stapling over light wiring (use insulated staples).

The guide dials down, providing a depth guide for the stapler so that it doesn’t choke the wire’s insulation.

Downside

As with many tools, the instructions are a little thin. Also, don’t expect this stapler to handle jobs that a heavy-duty, air-compressor-driven brad nailer is better suited for — the Sharpshooter works well, but only with the lightweight brads for which it’s designed.

Bottom line

With its acceptance of both brads and staples, the Sharpshooter’s versatility makes it a good buy — but the added value of its comfortable grip and its ability to seat the staples properly makes it a winner. Remember to wear safety glasses when using any fastening tool.

Availability

The TR250 Sharpshooter is available where Stanley tools are sold at a suggested retail price of $29.95.

For more information, see www.stanleytools.com.J

–CanWest News Service