The best air staplers, compared.
Top pick: meite 425KC Air 18 Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler, Type 90 Best value: WORKPRO Air Staple Gun, 22 GA Pneumatic Stapler with 1884 Staples – About £39.99 with 1,884 Type 7116 staples, a stated contact safety, and 4.6 stars from 112 reviews. Updated October 2026.
An air stapler fires only when a separate compressor supplies regulated air, usually in a stated band of 60–100 (about 4–7 bar). The compressor and a matching coupling are a second purchase. UK shoppers split into upholsterers, who need fine-wire Type 71 or Type 80 staples, and second-fix users, who need 18-gauge Type 90 staples or a 2-in-1 that also fires brads. Type 71 and Type 80 are not interchangeable, and neither feeds Type 90. If you have one footstool and no compressor, read the [electric stapler comparison](/hub/staplers-and-nail-guns/electric-stapler) before you buy air. The 2-in-1 is the timber and fencing option, not the seat gun. An air stapler is a pneumatic staple gun. The gun on its own is not a complete kit. A silent compressor kit with a trade 71-series gun is a different spend.
An air stapler fires only when a separate compressor supplies regulated air, usually in a stated band of 60–100 (about 4–7 bar). The compressor and a matching coupling are a second purchase.
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Personal buying guide
Question 1 of 2
What are you fixing?
The meite 425KC drives 13–25 mm Type 90 narrow-crown staples into timber and sheet materials at a stated 60–100 PSI. Its sequential trigger and contact safety require a deliberate firing sequence, which is preferable to treating the tool like an unrestricted trigger. The 1/4-inch NPT inlet is clearly specified, helping you plan the coupling before the gun arrives. Its 5.0-star amazon.co.uk rating looks strong, but it comes from only two reviews and is too thin for a confident ranking. Staples and compressor are not included, and no depth wheel is stated. The 25 mm ceiling also makes it less versatile than the 40 mm Type 90 guns for deeper fixing. Consider it for a specific short-staple timber job, not as a proven all-round winner.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Shorter Type 90 staples in timber, panels and narrow-crown fixing.
Less suitable: Fine fabric upholstery, or buyers who need strong review evidence.
Specifications
Common questions
What staples does the 425KC take?
18-gauge Type 90 staples with a 5.7 mm crown and legs from 13 mm to 25 mm. Staples are not listed as included.
What pressure and inlet does it state?
60–100 PSI, with a 1/4 inch NPT inlet. The compressor is not included.
How does the trigger safety work on this listing?
The listing says a sequential trigger and a contact safety tip, so the nose has to be on the work and the trigger sequence has to be repeated.
The Tacwise 1804 combines 20–50 mm brads with 15–40 mm Type 90 staples for second-fix and general timber work. Its quick-release nose, depth adjustment and contact safety cover the controls you want when changing materials or clearing a stoppage. The case, oil and sample fasteners make the package more complete than many gun-only listings. A 4.8-star rating from 48 amazon.co.uk reviews is positive, but it is a smaller evidence base than the WORKPRO 2-in-1. The listing contradicts itself on weight, giving 1.7 kg in the bullets and 200 g in an attribute, so neither figure should guide your purchase without confirmation. Like every air tool here, it still requires a compressor and compatible coupling. This is a capable timber kit, not a fine-wire upholstery stapler.
Pros
Cons
Best for: DIY second-fix, trim and sheet-material work where a case and both fastener types are useful.
Less suitable: Upholstery that calls for Type 71 or Type 80 fine-wire staples.
Specifications
Common questions
What fasteners does the Tacwise 1804 take?
The bullets say 18-gauge brads from 20 mm to 50 mm and Type 90 staples from 15 mm to 40 mm. The box includes 30 mm nails and 25 mm staples.
Does it come with a case?
Yes. Included components list a carry case, oil, nails and staples. The compressor is not included.
How much does it weigh?
The bullets say 1.7 kg. A separate attribute on the same listing says 200 g. Both figures are in the raw file, so the weight is not settled.
The meite FK5040 covers 15–50 mm brads and 16–40 mm Type 90 staples, with a depth-control wheel for adapting to different timber thicknesses. Its stated 70–100 PSI working range is narrower at the low end than most comparable listings, so your compressor and regulator must suit it. The 4.8-star amazon.co.uk rating reflects favourable first impressions, but it rests on only 13 reviews and should not outrank better-evidenced tools by itself. At 1.68 kg it is one of the heavier guns here, which may matter during overhead or extended work. The package lists only the gun, with no case or starter fasteners. A contact safety is not confirmed in the available display data, so check the current listing and manual before use. It is a flexible timber tool, but there are more complete 2-in-1 packages for similar money.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Mixed timber fixing where depth control and long brads matter.
Less suitable: Fine upholstery, lightweight overhead work, or buyers wanting a complete kit.
Specifications
Common questions
Can one gun do brads and staples?
Yes. The listing says 18-gauge brads from 15 mm to 50 mm and Type 90 staples from 16 mm to 40 mm with a 5.7 mm crown.
Is a carry case included?
No. The included-components line names the nail gun only.
What air pressure does it state?
70–100 PSI. The compressor is not included. A depth-control wheel is stated.
The WORKPRO W181011 is ready for fine-wire upholstery work once connected to a compressor, with 1,884 Type 7116 staples covering 6, 9 and 16 mm lengths in the box. Its stated 60–100 PSI range, 180-staple magazine and 0.95 kg body suit longer sessions on chairs and light fabric fixing. A contact safety means the nose must be pressed to the work before it fires, which is a useful feature at this price. The 4.6-star rating from 112 amazon.co.uk reviews is substantial enough to carry more weight than a near-perfect score from only a handful of buyers. There is no stated depth wheel, so pressure and scrap testing remain important. The compressor is not included, and Type 7116 staples must not be confused with Type 80 or Type 90. It is our best-value choice for a buyer who already owns the air supply.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Budget-conscious upholstery work when you already have a compressor and want staples included.
Less suitable: Brads, Type 90 timber fixing, or anyone expecting a self-contained electric tool.
Specifications
Common questions
Which staples fit this WORKPRO?
The listing says 22-gauge Type 7116 staples from 6 mm to 16 mm. The box includes 6 mm, 9 mm and 16 mm staples, plus oil and a hex key.
Will it fire if you only pull the trigger?
The listing says a contact safety fires the staple only when the mechanism is pressed against the work.
Do you still need a compressor?
Yes. The listing says the compressor is not included. Stated working pressure is 60–100 PSI, with a maximum of 120 PSI.
The meite MT7116S is a 0.95 kg Type 71 gun for 6–16 mm fine-wire staples, a useful range for light upholstery fabrics and chair frames. Its safety switch, non-slip handle and rear exhaust provide a sensible working layout for repeated bench use. The 4.6-star rating from 82 amazon.co.uk reviews is reassuring, although only a small number of review bodies were stored for editorial analysis. Neither working pressure nor a depth-adjustment wheel is stated in the comparison data, so setup depends heavily on the manual, regulator and scrap tests. Staples are not included, which makes the £59.90 shelf price less attractive beside the equipped WORKPRO. The standard nose is also less suitable than a long nose for deep channels. Choose it when Type 71 compatibility matters more than bundled accessories.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Light fabric upholstery where Type 71 staples are already your workshop standard.
Less suitable: Buyers seeking the lowest price, included staples or a long nose.
Specifications
Common questions
Does the MT7116S need a compressor?
Yes. The listing says it needs an air compressor. Operating pressure is not stated in the raw file.
Which staples does it take?
22-gauge Type 71 staples from 6 mm to 16 mm. Staples are not listed as included.
Is there a safety switch?
Yes. The listing says a safety switch is there to stop accidental triggering.
The WORKPRO W181014 drives 6–16 mm Type 80 staples for chair, stool and seat-cover work, with 1,500 staples supplied in three useful lengths. Its 0.95 kg listed weight and 150-staple magazine make it a practical standard-nose alternative to the longer meite body. The listing states a contact safety and a working range of 60–100 PSI, so the basic operating limits are clearer than on some rivals. A 4.6-star rating is encouraging, although the 58-review base is thinner than that of the Type 7116 WORKPRO and the long-nose meite. There is no stated depth wheel, so you must regulate air pressure and test the chosen staple on scrap. The standard nose will not reach every recessed channel, and a compressor is still a separate purchase. It suits straightforward upholstery where Type 80 is already the correct series.
Pros
Cons
Best for: General chair and stool upholstery using Type 80 staples on accessible frame edges.
Less suitable: Deep channels, brad nailing, or buyers who need a tool without a compressor.
Specifications
Common questions
What staples are in the box?
The listing includes 500 staples each of 6 mm, 12.8 mm and 16 mm, plus an oil bottle and a hex key.
What staple series does it use?
The listing says 21-gauge Type 8016 staples from 6 mm to 16 mm, which is a Type 80 fine-wire staple, not Type 71 or Type 90.
Is there a contact safety?
Yes. The listing says staples fire only when the contact mechanism is pressed.
The WORKPRO W181006 handles both 15–50 mm brads and 16–40 mm Type 90 staples, making it the most versatile timber-focused tool in this comparison. Its 4.5-star rating from 289 amazon.co.uk reviews is the largest review base in the set. A depth adjuster and contact safety give you more control than the fine-wire upholstery guns, while the included fasteners let you test both modes. The trade-off is a 1.25 kg body and larger 18-gauge fasteners that are poorly suited to delicate upholstery fabric. It still needs a compressor capable of the stated 60–100 PSI range, plus a suitable hose despite the included male connector. Buyers report practical use on timber jobs, but this is not the gun to choose merely because it has the most reviews. Pick it for trim, plywood and fencing rather than chair covers.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Trim, plywood, fencing and mixed timber jobs that need both brads and narrow-crown staples.
Less suitable: Chair and seat upholstery requiring Type 71 or Type 80 fine-wire staples.
Specifications
Common questions
Is the compressor included?
No. The listing says the gun needs a compressed-air supply and that the compressor is not included. A male quick connector is included.
Can it staple and nail?
Yes. The listing says 18-gauge brads from 15 mm to 50 mm, or Type 90 staples from 16 mm to 40 mm.
Does it have a safety on the nose?
The listing describes a contact safety lock on the head so the tool does not fire until that lock is pressed.
The meite MT8016LN puts 6–16 mm Type 80 staples into awkward upholstery corners with a slim nose that standard bodies cannot reach as easily. Its 4.5-star rating from 215 amazon.co.uk reviews gives it the deepest evidence among the dedicated upholstery guns here, and reviewers specifically value the long nose around chair frames. At 1.11 kg it remains manageable for repeated fabric work, while the rear exhaust should keep the air blast away from the work. There is no depth wheel, so you must set penetration at the compressor regulator and test on scrap first. Staples are not included, and the listing does not clearly state a contact safety. It is our top pick for regular upholstery, but not for buyers who want a complete starter kit or a gun for structural timber.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Repeated chair, stool and seat upholstery where a long nose helps around channels and corners.
Less suitable: First-time buyers without a compressor, or timber work that needs brads or Type 90 staples.
Specifications
Common questions
Does this long-nose stapler need a compressor?
Yes. The listing says it must be used with an air compressor, and a reviewer returned it after discovering that.
Which staples does it take?
The listing says 21-gauge Type 80 staples from 6 mm to 16 mm. Staples are not listed in the box.
Can you set how deep the staple sits?
The listing does not state a depth wheel. Reviewers said staples drive deep, and one ground the nose to reduce that.
The Clarke CSG1C offers a low-cost route into Type 71 upholstery stapling, with 8, 10 and 12 mm lengths and a 180-staple magazine. Its stated 60–100 PSI range and 0.4 cfm-per-stroke listing give more setup information than some fine-wire rivals. A 4.4-star rating from 139 amazon.co.uk reviews provides a reasonable evidence base, but stored reviews include early failure and a coupling that did not match the picture. At 1.46 kg it is noticeably heavier than the 0.95 kg WORKPRO and meite fine-wire options. The listing does not clearly confirm bundled staples or a contact safety, although one reviewer mentions a trigger lock. The limited 12 mm maximum also reduces its flexibility on thicker layers. Its price is attractive, but it is not our best-value choice for frequent paid work.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Occasional light upholstery on a tight budget when 8–12 mm Type 71 staples are sufficient.
Less suitable: Daily paid upholstery, thicker stacks, or buyers wanting assured fittings and accessories.
Specifications
Common questions
Is the Clarke CSG1C cordless?
No. It is an air stapler. Reviewers say you also need a compressor and a hose, which the short bullet list does not spell out.
Which staple lengths does the listing name?
Type 71, 22 gauge, at 8 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm. The magazine is listed as 180 staples.
What pressure does it state?
60–100 psi (4.1–6.8 bar). Air use is listed as 0.4 cfm per stroke.
The meite 440KB is designed for 25–40 mm Type 90 staples, giving it the deepest staple range among the dedicated staplers in this set. Its recommended 60–100 PSI range and 1/4-inch NPT inlet are stated clearly, while the 2.65 kg listed weight signals a substantial tool. That weight may become tiring during long sessions and is far beyond the fine-wire upholstery guns. The listing data contains no amazon.co.uk rating or review count, so there is no customer evidence here to support a performance judgement. The crown is also described as both 5.7 and 5.8 mm, a small inconsistency worth checking against the staple specification. Neither staples nor compressor are included, and no depth wheel or contact safety is confirmed. Buy only if the 25–40 mm range is specifically required and the current manual answers those open questions.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Deeper Type 90 fixing where 25–40 mm staple legs are required.
Less suitable: Upholstery, lightweight handling, or buyers who rely on established customer feedback.
Specifications
Common questions
What staple length does the 440KB accept?
The listing says 18-gauge Type 90 staples from 25 mm to 40 mm. That does not include the shorter 13–16 mm legs.
Are staples included?
No. The package lists the gun, a hex key, a manual and a parts list. The note says other staple lengths are not included.
Is there a UK review count?
The raw file has no Customer Reviews line and no review text, so the rating is not available.
The editorial score runs from 0 to 100 and is not a laboratory-test result. It combines the amazon.co.uk star rating and review count available on 15 October 2026 with staple compatibility, useful controls, included equipment, stored review sentiment and the shelf price in GBP. A 5.0 from two reviews does not outrank a 4.5 from a much larger review count. The price affects the best-value award and does not automatically raise the quality score.
UK Amazon rating and review depth
40%Star rating is read with the review count. A thin 5.0 does not outrank a slightly lower score from hundreds of amazon.co.uk reviews.
Fit for the job and fastener range
25%The staple series and leg length have to match the job. Type 71, Type 80 and Type 90 are not interchangeable.
Controls, safety and setup
15%Contact safety, a depth adjuster where one is stated, and a clear pressure band make the gun easier to set up without defeating the nose guard.
Equipment and value at the recorded price
15%Staples, oil, a case or a connector in the box are weighed against the GBP shelf price. The compressor is a separate purchase.
Listing consistency
5%Contradictory weight, crown or safety lines, and missing UK review evidence, reduce the score.
Start with the series printed on the gun, then the compressor, then the price. A fine-wire Type 71 or Type 80 gun is for chairs, stools and seat covers. A Type 90 gun, or a 2-in-1 that also fires brads, is for trim, plywood and fencing. The shelf prices on 15 October 2026 run from about £34.62 to £71.98, and they do not include the air supply. A 5.0 from two reviews is weaker evidence than a 4.5 from 215. Use the table for series, leg length, nose, safety and whether staples are in the box.
An air stapler is a pneumatic staple gun. It fires only when a separate compressor supplies regulated air, usually in a stated band of 60–100 PSI (about 4–7 bar). The gun on its own is not a complete kit. On amazon.co.uk on 15 October 2026 the ten guns here cost about £34.62 to £71.98. A matching coupling, a hose and the compressor are a second purchase. A silent compressor kit with a trade 71-series gun is a different spend; one UK shop listed a 9-litre long-nose kit from £726.60.
Every model here needs regulated compressed air. The compressor, hose and a coupling that actually mates are a second purchase. Euro, PCL and NPT fittings do not all connect. If you have no air supply and only one small job, an electric stapler is the more direct route.
Type 71, Type 80 and Type 90 do not feed the same gun. Arrow T50 and Type 53 do not either. Type 90 on fine fabric marks the cover and still fails to match an upholstery crown. Read the series on the gun before you buy a box of staples.
Most fine-wire listings have no depth wheel, so the regulator is the depth control. The first shot should be on scrap, not at the top of the stated band. Drain water and add a few drops of air-tool oil, as the Clarke instructions describe. Disconnect the airline before you load or clear a jam.
The first decision is the staple the gun will actually fire. Type 71 and Type 80 are fine-wire upholstery staples. They are not interchangeable, and neither feeds Type 90, Arrow T50 or Type 53. Match the series printed on the gun before you compare brands or prices. In this set the fine-wire guns are mostly 6–16 mm. The long-nose meite MT8016LN and the WORKPRO Type 80 gun take Type 80. The WORKPRO Type 7116 and the meite MT7116S take Type 71.
An air stapler does not run from a battery or a mains lead. You need a compressor you already own, or a realistic plan to buy one, plus a hose and a coupling that mates. Inlets that are specified in this set are 1/4 inch NPT. Euro, PCL and NPT quick-couplings do not all mate. Most listings state about 60–100 PSI (about 4–7 bar). The meite FK5040 states 70–100 PSI.
Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.
You are covering a chair, stool or motorbike seat and you already have a small compressor, or you plan to buy one. A long nose helps in channels and corners. Type 80 fine-wire staples from 6–16 mm are the series on the top pick.
You want 18-gauge brads and Type 90 staples in one body for second-fix timber, sheet material or fence panels. A fine-wire upholstery gun is the wrong fastener for that work.
You already own the air supply and you want Type 7116 staples in the box rather than the lowest headline price. The contact safety is stated. This is not a brad nailer.
For regular chair and seat upholstery, the meite MT8016LN is the top pick: a long nose, 6–16 mm Type 80 staples, and 4.5 stars from 215 amazon.co.uk reviews. If you already have a compressor and want staples in the box, the WORKPRO Type 7116 at about £39.99 is the best value. For trim, plywood and fencing, take the WORKPRO 2-in-1, not a fine-wire gun. None of these shelf prices includes the compressor, and none of the scores is a laboratory test.
WORKPRO Air Staple Gun, 22 GA Pneumatic Stapler with 1884 Staples
About £39.99 with 1,884 Type 7116 staples, a stated contact safety, and 4.6 stars from 112 reviews.
Editorial
Peter F. is the editor for DIY & tools at productscompared.co.uk. Comparisons in this category are checked against amazon.co.uk listings, review evidence and public UK sources.
Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.
Public UK sources and amazon.co.uk listings used for this comparison. Listings checked on 15 October 2026.
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Scores use amazon.co.uk listings and public UK sources. They are not a laboratory test.
