I'm working on a wooden bench piece that has an upholstered seat, which is stapled then covered with gimp (with some of the wood still showing on the outside. I'm trying to tack down the part that is on the back near the back of the arms, and I cant fit my staple gun, nor can I use a tack and hammer. Any suggestions on what to do in this situation? Thanks in advance
Either a long nose staple gun, like this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Upholstery-Stapler-Kit-22-Gauge-Long-Nose-1-5-8-3-8-Crown-1-4-5-8-U630LK-/221006218041?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3374ff4339
OR you could use a punch with a flat tip as an extension for tacks.
Pictures might help here. Was it blind tacked in the back then pulled over?
This tool is made for setting tacks or decorative nailheads in hard to reach places:
http://www.greenboatstuff.com/coscomanatah.html
Tack and hammer have always been my "go to" in tight spots. Sometimes I have to fasten the tack to the magnet on the hammer and push it into the wood with both hands to get it started. Then if there is not enough room to hammer, use a punch, like Sofa said, to drive it the rest of the way into the wood. You may even need an extra pair of hands. One to hold the fabric tight and the other to fasten the fabric to the wood.
Good luck and lots of patients.