Staple guns are a go-to for many DIY projects. There is a range of staple guns to choose from, depending on your needs. Certain staple guns work better on certain materials. Even though there are staple guns that work on plastic, it might not be the ideal choice for the project at hand.
In most cases, staple guns are not practical on plastic. However, electric and pneumatic staple guns have been used successfully on plastic. It is best to consult your operations manual to determine whether your staple gun is suitable for use on plastic.
Staple guns can be pleasant to work with, but there could be a better option for the project you are facing. Let’s have a look at the variety of staple guns and what alternatives you could consider instead.
What Are The Uses Of Staple Guns?
The function of a staple gun is to fasten materials together, sturdily and straightforwardly. Much like a typical office stapler, staple guns shoot metal staples into a variety of materials. These materials are most commonly wood. Projects including upholstery, foam, leather, fabric, carpeting, and sometimes plastic could also make use of a staple gun.
Staple guns are very versatile in their application. They are used in projects ranging from creative decoration, like making personalized picture frames, to heavy-duty carpeting, to avoid the expense of getting the professionals in.
What Are The Different Types Of Staple Guns?
Staple guns are robust tools that are available in three types: manual, electric, and pneumatic.
Manual Stape Guns
Manual staple guns are the most commonly used for at-home projects. They are operated by manually pressing on the handle. The power to use these staple guns comes from your hand and not from an electrical source.
Manual staple guns are very portable and used mostly on smaller, simple projects which require fewer staples. These projects use unchallenging materials for staple guns, like wood.
Electric Staple Guns
Electric staple guns can run on an electric cord or batteries. The user should preferably have precise aim as electric staple guns operate quicker than manual staple guns. It requires less physical power and can be used more easily on larger projects.
An electric staple gun that operates on batteries is a good option for portability combined with force.
Pneumatic Staple Guns
Pneumatic staple guns are the most powerful and work with compressed air. They are always corded. Although less portable than manual or electric staple guns, pneumatic staple guns are more versatile; they accommodate nails and tacks, not only staples.
These staple guns are used for heavy-duty projects, typically in the construction industry, and can penetrate harder surfaces more easily. Its versatility and power make a pneumatic staple gun pricier than its counterparts.
Can You Use A Staple Gun On Plastic?
Staple guns are typically not used on plastic. I am assuming we are discussing a hard plastic surface, like the interior of a seat armrest. If you are determined to use a staple gun on plastic, the absolute best option would be to use a pneumatic staple gun. However, a viable second option could be an electric staple gun.
A pneumatic staple gun provides enough power to pierce through the dense plastic surface thoroughly. Its use does not require much effort from the user, even on difficult surfaces such as plastic. Pneumatic staple guns are commonly more expensive than electric staple guns.
Electric staple guns have been used successfully on plastic. This type of staple gun requires more manual pressure from the user’s hand to get a satisfactory amount of staples inserted correctly. Electric staple guns are often cheaper than pneumatic staple guns.
Pneumatic staple guns will cost you slightly more but will give you a better-finished product than an electric staple gun would.
Staple Guns Acceptable For Use On Plastic
Any pneumatic staple gun would do an acceptable task. Here is a quick overview of two options available on the market:
- Surebonder Pneumatic Heavy Duty Standard T50 Type Stapler (9600B). This Amazon bestseller is lightweight and easy to use. To ensure comfort, the handle is covered with soft rubber and loading staples are quick and easy. The Surebonder 9600B is relatively small, making its use quite effortless.
- Craftsman 18-Guage Narrow Crown Stapler. The Craftsman Stapler has been mentioned more than once on motorcycle repair forums, usually with regards to fixing a seat pan. It offers maintenance- and oil-free features and is an acceptable choice for beginners as well as professionals. It will get the job done effortlessly.
There are a variety of brands available on the market. Discuss your budget and needs with your store representative to find a suitable model. Whichever staple gun you choose, ensure that it is heavy-duty and easy on the hands. Always ensure that you take the necessary safety precautions, as pneumatic staple guns are quite forceful.
Why Should You Avoid Using A Staple Gun On Plastic?
The reason people tend to use staple guns during a project is to finish it quickly and with the least amount of effort possible. Smooth plastic surfaces could cause the staple gun to slip, leading to injury.
Working with plastic is a tricky task. Hard plastic tends to fracture when under pressure; that makes it difficult to pierce. For staples to be inserted correctly into the plastic, you’ll need to use more manual labor. A more expensive type of staple gun would be preferable, too, which might end up costing you more than an alternative method would.
What Fastening Tools Work Well On Plastic?
Adhesive glue is an ordinary, affordable, and easily attainable alternative for use on plastic. It is imperative to determine the materials you will be using when choosing the glue for the project. The best types of adhesive glue for use on plastic are:
- Cyanoacrylate. Cyanoacrylate, typically known as Super Glue, can be used on anything! It only needs some form of water to create the bond between two surfaces. The humidity in the air is often enough to supply a sufficient amount of moisture for Super Glue to work. You’ll need to sand smooth plastic surfaces before applying the glue, though. It’s the only exception to the rule.
- Model Cement. Model cement is designed solely for the use of plastic on plastic. It is the welder of plastic; instead of using heat, it uses a solvent to melt the plastic and fuses the two plastic surfaces.
- Epoxy. Epoxy is a very versatile adhesive, with the added benefit of being waterproof. It requires mixing but creates a quick and sturdy bond on nearly any plastic surface. Check the label to confirm its suitability to your materials.
- Multipurpose Glue. Although not ideally used on most plastics, multipurpose glue is functional on PVC, acrylic, and vinyl. You’ll need to clamp down on the two surfaces and give it time to cure completely.
Another more complex method of fastening something to plastic is to screw it together. Plastic tends to crack if not manipulated correctly and often needs pre-drilled holes to screw through.
If you prefer to avoid drilling, screws can be heated and used to melt the plastic. Use a magnetic screwdriver to hold a screw and heat it with the flame from a lighter. Drive the hot screw into the plastic surface to melt the plastic instead of cracking it. The melted plastic should settle within a few seconds and leave the screw securely fixed.
Conclusion
Staple guns are familiar tools in the DIY industry. Projects involving plastic surfaces use staple guns, but mostly they are used on wood and upholstery. You will need a more pricey pneumatic staple gun for the best results on plastic. Cheaper electric staple guns could do a decent task, too.
Alternative methods of fastening materials to plastic is using glue or screws. Adhesive glue provides an affordable, pretty straightforward solution, whereas screws need a bit more technical precision. Ensure that you use the correct glue for the plastic you are using.