Question about tacks and supply prices

[kdeck]

Hi Guys, I've been lurking the site for a little while now and am excited to join the community.

I'm just barely getting started, and have ordered most of my tools. I have been planning to work with tacks at first and then move on to getting a good air staple gun.

I've been pricing out supplies for my first project when I came onto tacks. A few suppliers I've found charge about $15 for a one pound box of tacks, which should have around 25 tacks at the 3 oz size.

My question: Isn't $15 for 25 a bit pricey for tacks? Should I just forego working with tacks, and invest in a good staple gun? Is this over-priced? What am I missing?

- Kevin

[lruthb]

I don't think you can beat an air stapler. Time saver! Investment in a compressor as well as the gun and staples.
A electric stapler would be my second choice. beats spitting tacks anytime. I really like having it as one of my tools for out of shop work. Investment staple gun, staples and an extension cord.
spitting tacks I think is an art. Some people can spit just as fast as a staple gun but not me.
I just ran an grabbed one of my suppliers books and 3OZ 3/8 tacks are $6.30 plus shipping of course.  WWW.ROCHFORDSUPPLY.COM is the book I grabbed. You would do well checking with the others here whom live in your area.

Good luck in your future endeavor!
lYNN

[gene]

I assume you are talking about furniture upholstery.

Unless you are going to be doing authentic restoration, I would suggest a pneumatic staple gun. It is faster, not much of a learning curve like tacks, and it does less damage to the wood.

You may get a staple in your eye or leg or finger, but I have never heard of anyone swallowing a staple being shot out of a staple gun.

Search this forum and you will find everything you ever wanted to know about buying a compressor and pneumatic staple gun.

A google search will also be helpful.

Good luck in your new ventures. You are already doing a good thing by hanging around this forum.

Gene

[kdeck]

Thanks you guys! I really appreciate the support. I think I might just start looking for a good staple gun.

- Kevin

[MinUph]

Kevin,
  Nothing wrong learning with tacks. They are easier to remove if you just put them in a little. I've spit tacks for over 30 years and have yet to swallow one. I use a stapler but still rely on tacks for certain things.
  A 1 lb box of 3oz tacks has more than 25 tacks in it. The 3oz is just the size. There is probably a few hundred in  a pound. 4 oz tacks will have less per pound but these are just sizes.

[kdeck]

Paul,

That actually helps me a lot. I called a supplier and that is what they told me. It didn't sound right... hence the question. Thanks.

- Kevin