Staple (fastener)

Staple (PSF)

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Staple 1775

Pasargadae Swallow-Tail Staples

Underside of a Meissen plate, with c.C19th staples

U Shape Insulated Staple 01

Staple (fastener) is a type of mechanical fastener used to join or bind materials together. Staples are made from wire and are driven into the materials being joined by a stapler or staple gun, a mechanical device designed for this purpose. The use of staples is widespread, encompassing applications in office supplies, construction, upholstery, and surgical procedures, among others.

Types of Staples

Staples come in various shapes and sizes, tailored to specific tasks or materials. The most common types include:

• Office Staples: Used in paper documents or for securing thin materials. These staples are typically used with a desktop stapler and are the most recognized form of staples.
• Heavy-Duty Staples: Larger and stronger than office staples, heavy-duty staples are used in construction and upholstery. They require a more powerful stapler or staple gun.
• Surgical Staples: Used in medical procedures to close wounds or incisions. Surgical staples are made from medical-grade materials and are designed to be biocompatible.
• Box and Packaging Staples: Designed for sealing cardboard boxes and other packaging materials. These staples ensure the secure shipment of goods.

History

The history of the staple dates back to the 19th century when the first patent for a stapler was granted. The invention of the stapler and staple revolutionized the way documents were collated, leading to widespread adoption in offices around the world. Over time, the design and functionality of staples and staplers have evolved, leading to the development of specialized staples for various applications.

Installation and Removal

The installation of staples is typically performed with a stapler or staple gun, which aligns the staple over the material and drives it through, folding the ends to secure the materials together. Removal of staples is done with a staple remover, a tool designed to safely and efficiently extract staples without damaging the materials.

Applications

Staples are used in a wide range of applications, from everyday office tasks to more specialized uses such as:

• Securing fabric to furniture in upholstery
• Fastening roofing materials in construction
• Binding pages together in bookbinding
• Closing wounds in surgical procedures

Environmental Considerations

The environmental impact of staples is a concern, particularly in terms of waste and the use of metals. Efforts to mitigate these impacts include recycling programs and the development of staples made from more sustainable materials.

See Also

• Stapler
• Staple gun
• Mechanical fastener
• Surgical suture

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