Staples

A staple is a wire bent into a U shape that is applied with an airgun. It is a very quick solution to fasten not too thick wood, with less precision and aesthetic quality.

When it is used without glue it is not a very durable connection, but it can be used as a temporary solution. Small wooden crates are often stapled together. Another comon use of staples is for connecting fabric to furniture in upholstering.

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The life cycle	Pro	Con
			Tips Staples are usually available in galvanized steel or stainless steel. The former has a much lower environmental footprint. Although staples are only made of a few grams of metal, if you use them regularly the embodied energy of your products adds up quickly.

	Non toxic No toxics offgas or leach from metal fasteners. Low cost Staples are cheap, but an air compressor is a more expensive investment. Quick Staples are usually applied with an air gun. In a split second the metal is shot into the wood.
		Bulky Staples ar not made to dis- and re-assemble. A stapled construction takes more space, which increases energy use in transportation. Show Alternatives » Alternatives connections that are space saving in transport Bolt and nut Dowels, biscuits and lamellos Natural fibre straps Plastic straps Screws – Brass Screws – Galvanized steel Screws – Stainless steel
	Non toxic No toxics offgas or leach from metal fasteners.	Short lifespan Staples are not a very constructive fastener and will release a bond in the course of time. Especially when they go rusty. Show Alternatives » Alternatives connections Long lifespan Bolt and nut Casein glue Classic joinery Contact glue Epoxy glue Nails – Brass Nails – Stainless steel Plastic straps Polyurethane glue Screws – Brass Screws – Stainless steel Soy glue Wood glue (PVA based)

	Easy recycling Steel or iron that is used to make nails can be easily recycled, even if the product is fully incinerated.	Difficult reuse Staples are difficult to remove from the wood. This makes it difficult to reuse the wood. Even more because pieces of metal that are stuck into reclaimed wood can damage woodworking machines. Show Alternatives » Alternatives connections that are easy to reuse Animal glue Bolt and nut Natural fibre straps Plastic straps Screws – Brass Screws – Galvanized steel Screws – Stainless steel Tie-wraps