It depends on the material and application. Short legs (6-8mm) suit thin fabrics, dust covers, and light surface fixing. Medium lengths (10-14mm) work well for underlay, membranes, and panelling. Longer legs are needed when securing thicker insulation or getting a deep bite into timber. Always check your staple gun's manual or specification sheet for compatible leg lengths and crown widths, as not every staple fits every tool.
Staples for Staple Guns, Cable Fixing and Fencing
MacBlair stocks a practical range of fixing staples covering the most common trade and DIY applications. The selection includes collated staples for staple guns, cable staples for routing and securing wiring, and fencing or netting staples for outdoor work. Getting the right type matters: the wrong staple can jam a tool, fail to grip, or damage the material being fixed.
Staple leg length is one of the key decisions before any job. Shorter legs suit thin fabrics, dust covers, and light surface work, while longer legs are needed for insulation, underlay, and anything requiring a deeper bite into timber. Crown width also plays a part: narrow crowns leave a neater finish, and wider crowns spread the holding force across a greater surface area. For outdoor or exposed applications, pick a galvanised or stainless finish to avoid corrosion over time. Always check your staple gun's series compatibility before ordering, as not all staples fit all tools. Pair these with insulation fixings if you're securing boards and batts alongside membranes.
Common uses for the staples stocked here include:
- Fixing roofing felt, breather membranes, and underlays to timber
- Securing floor underlay before laying timber or laminate
- Routing and clipping cables neatly along walls or joists
- Attaching netting, wire mesh, and fencing to wooden posts
- Upholstery and fabric fixing to timber frames
Staples sit within the wider fixings range at MacBlair, which covers everything from cable ties and clips to wall plugs and anchors. If a project also calls for nails driven by hand or nail gun, the nails range covers wire nails, clout nails, felt nails, and more. Order online for delivery across Northern Ireland or visit a MacBlair branch to pick up what's needed.
Staples FAQ's
No. Staples must match your gun's series designation. Different manufacturers use different crown widths, leg lengths, and collation formats. Popular series in the UK include Arrow T50, Tacwise 140, and Rapid 13 and 140 series. Using the wrong staples can cause jamming or damage your tool. Check the staple gun's labelling or manual before buying refills, and match the series number exactly.
For any outdoor, roofing, or moisture-exposed application, choose galvanised or stainless steel staples. Standard uncoated steel staples will corrode when exposed to the elements, which weakens the fixing over time. Galvanised staples are suitable for most external timber and membrane work. Stainless steel offers the highest corrosion resistance and is worth considering for coastal locations or very damp conditions.
Yes, staples are commonly used to temporarily or permanently fix roofing felt and breathable membranes to timber battens and rafters before counter-battening or tiling begins. Use a staple with adequate leg length to grip the timber firmly without pulling through the membrane. Galvanised staples are recommended for this application. Space staples at regular intervals along the edges and laps to keep the membrane taut and properly secured.
Cable staples have a curved or rounded crown that arches over the cable rather than pressing flat against it. This protects the cable insulation from being crushed or pierced during installation. Standard flat-crown fixing staples are not suitable for securing cables as they can damage the sheath. Cable staples are available in various sizes to suit different cable diameters, and insulated versions add a plastic lining for extra protection on low-voltage or data cables.