Refilling a stapler is not something we think about until we run out of staples. Fortunately, staples running out at home are not as often as at the office. However, you will still be required to refill your standard stapler eventually.
Here are the steps you should follow when you want to refill a standard stapler:
- Select the appropriate staples
Staples come in different sizes, and you should ensure that the ones you have are compatible with your standard stapler. Normally, the standard staples will fit a standard stapler. Nonetheless, some standard staples will fit the average stapler.
Standard staples are easy to find, but they do not fit in other staplers such as mini-staples. Also, staples made for mini-staplers will not work for a standard stapler. Therefore, make sure that you have the correct type of replacement staples for your standard stapler.
- Open up the standard stapler
On most staples, all you need to do is lift the top. There may be some latches on the inside that need to slide to unlock it. The top opens all the way and forms a straight line with the bottom part. In other cases, the stapler does not open upward. These have a large push button on the top rear, which ejects the magazine out. Hold the bottom using one hand and open the top using the other hand. Ensure that you have examined the stapler that you are refilling to understand how to open it.
Ensure that the magazine is clean and free of debris, such as single staples and shredded paper lying flat or sideways. Some staples may also be wedged into part of the inside of the stapler, in positions they are not supposed to be.
- Load the stack of staples
This is done by placing a row or stack of joined staples in the tray. The stick should be aligned so that the edges go inside the slots of the tray on each side. Staples are normally held together gently in a stick by force or glue. This eases the refilling process compared to adding single staples. If the staples are too long for your staples, you can break off the extra staples and use them another time.
- Close the stapler
You need to push the top of the stapler down or slide the tray back in, depending on the type of your standard stapler. You should ensure that the new row of staples has settled into the magazine with the legs of the staples fitting down. You should not be surprised if this step is harder than you might think. There are instances that you may be forced to smack it shut or even push hard enough to eject a staple for it to close.
- Test the stapler
Make sure that the stapler is functioning correctly by doing a test staple. You can use a few sheets of scrap paper and test the stapler to ascertain that the staples eject straight and do not get stuck. If it works, then you have added the staples correctly. If not, then it means that there is a probability that the staples are crooked or there is a single staple that is stuck. You need to reopen and check the alignment of the staples and make the necessary adjustments. Use tweezers to remove any staple that is stuck or deformed, causing your stapler to jam.
Final Thoughts
It is important to have an idea of how to refill a standard stapler. The technique discussed above will save you a lot in case your stapler needs refilling. The most important thing is to understand the size of the staples required by your stapler. This will make it very easy to follow the subsequent steps discussed in this article.
Also, make sure that you can distinguish between a mini-stapler and a standard stapler. This is important as it will help you when you want to purchase staples for refilling. You can also practice how to refill your standard stapler using the detailed steps above. You will never waste time again waiting for someone to help you refill your standard stapler.
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