Stapler Recomendation

[M2]

Ok, I posted earlier about repair parts for a BEA and it look like that is no go so now I am looking for a replacement. I have looked on this site at a EZE but I will consider other options.
This is how I use stapler:

Maybe once a month, personal work only.
50-50 fabric and vinyl.
Motorcycle seats, upholstery repair/replace for friend and personal.

I have worked in Maintenance all my life and understand the benefits of good tools but do I really need the most expensive for these jobs?

Thanks in advance.

[Mojo]

I am like you and rarely use my stapler which is why I didn't want to sink a bunch of money into one. So I opted for a Harbor Freight $ 29.00 special. I did manage to get it on sale for $ 19.95. :)

It is the 1/2 " crown model. It has worked great and I have had no problems with it. If it lasts only a couple years the  no worries. I will throw it out an buy another and still be money ahead. :)

If my work ever changes and I start getting into more projects that require heavy use of a stapler I will consider upgrading to a better model. But at this time I think it would be foolish as there are better places for me to put my money considering the work I do.

Just my humble opinion.

Chris

[M2]

It is the 1/2 " crown model. It has worked great and I have had no problems with it. If it lasts only a couple years the  no worries. I will throw it out an buy another and still be money ahead. :)



Chris

  Are staples easy to find for this stapler?
Mike

[scarab29]

bought a nice one from dlt , andrew here on the board for like 80 I think. 71 series staples. 1/2 in staples are everywhere too.

[Mojo]

  Are staples easy to find for this stapler?
Mike
[/quote]

I believe they shoot a common 1/2 inch crown 20 gauge staple. I bought a lot of staples when I bought the gun.

I just ordered 5,000 stainless staples  and they will be here in a few days. I can give you a better idea then.

Chris

[kodydog]

I'm sure you saw the suppliers section on this site. Upholstery Stuff.com has a gun for $49.95. Don't know if its any good. It doesn't have a name brand. If your looking for parts for a Bea. Try Greenhouse Fabrics. They sell kits for Bea. If you decide to buy new, I bought a model # 71/16-421 from them about 5 years ago. Back then it was on sale for $120. I don't know what deals they have now. I've been very happy with it. I use mine daily. I've always liked the light weight and slim design of the Bea. And if you keep it oiled it'll last 10-15 years before any leaks start.

[lruthb]

My first BEA was spendy but reliable. I sent it in to repair and it was going to be better to replace it. I gave Menards a look and found both air and electric Cambell guns. I haven't had any trouble. I had to jerry rig the electric one around the saftey switch on the handle, it was too time consuming to keep flipping off the saftey. I think they both were around 50 bucks combined. I also like the smaller size of them.

[BigJohn]

Several members have bought from this Ebay merchant and found good prices on repaired/reconditioned BEA & Bostich staplers, the 1/2" is used more for vinyl and the 3/8" for cloth:

http://stores.ebay.com/1TO4-TOOLS-and-MORE/Staplers-/_i.html?_fsub=113847&_sasi=1&_sc=1&_sid=31494532&_sop=1&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322


P.S. - I don't think you want any models that say "autofire"

[BigJohn]

Chris:

     What model # staples did you order for you Harbor Freight gun?

                                             Big John

[Mojo]

John, I will have to check. Once I get them ( in the next couple days ) I will give them a try and be sure they work. I can then post the info on obtaining them.

Chris

[BigJohn]

Thanks Chris I'll be waiting patiently!
                 Big John

[Mojo]

John:

I got the staples and they work fine in my Harbor Freight gun.

Here is a link to the staples. You can see all the guns these staples work in.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290380125590&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Chris

[M2]

Just bought the Harbor Freight stapler. Seem to work OK so far. Thanks for the info!