1 Select the appropriate staples. Staples come in different sizes and must be matched to the stapler you're using. There are standard staples that fit the average stapler. However, there are also mini-staplers and much larger staple guns, each requiring different sizes of staples. Ad Method 1 of 3: Refilling a standard stapler Refill a Stapler Step 2.jpg 1 Open up the standard stapler. On most staplers, you just lift the top. There may be some latches on the side that need to slide to unlock it. In some cases, the stapler doesn't open upward; instead, a large push button on the top rear ejects the tray out the front. Examine the stapler you're refilling to work out which method will open the stapler tray. Refill a Stapler Step 3.jpg 2 Insert a stick of staples. This is done by placing a stick or row of joined staples in the tray. Align the stick so the edges go inside the tray's slots on each side. Staples are held together gently in a stick or row by force or glue. This is to make their addition much easier. While it is possible to add single staples, this is not recommended as it's way too tricky and slow. Refill a Stapler Step 4.jpg 3 Close the stapler. This may require pushing the top of the stapler down, or sliding the tray back in. Check that the stapler operates correctly by doing a test staple. If it works, you've added the staples correctly; if not, reopen and check the alignment of the staples and make adjustments as needed. Method 2 of 3: Refilling a mini stapler 301727 5 1.jpg 1 Open the mini stapler. Most mini staplers will open by pulling the top out and back, as they're usually too small for a sliding tray. 301727 6 1.jpg 2 Add the mini staples to the staple tray. Again, as with the standard stapler, these will come in a stick, only they're a lot smaller. You may need tweezers to remove them from the stapler package if you find it hard to get your fingers in. 301727 7 1.jpg 3 Shut the top part of the mini-stapler down. Do a test staple to check that the staples have fitted properly. If not, re-open and make adjustments as needed. Note that owing to the small size of the stapler, jamming or errors are fairly commonplace. Avoid stapling too many papers at once with a mini-stapler, as this can cause jamming or even break the stapler. Stick to the amount recommended by the manufacturer. Method 3 of 3: Refilling a staple gun 301727 8 1.jpg 1 Make sure that the stapler is locked. If it's an electric staple gun, make sure that it is unplugged. This is the easiest way to insure that you're safe while using a staple gun. Load a Staple Gun Step 1.jpg 2 Find the release button. Manual and electric staplers have a release button, usually located at the rear of the staple gun. Sometimes it is easily identified as a gripped area covered in rubber. It is often at the end of the handle. Load a Staple Gun Step 2.jpg 3 Press the release. Squeeze the release button until the slide pops out or drops down and the spot for staples is visible. Load a Staple Gun Step 3.jpg 4 Turn the staple gun over. Make sure the staple gun is being held upside down to easily load the staples. Insert the staples upside down into the slide. Mistakes are usually made in this step, when people try to load the staples facing the wrong way. They should go in with the flat side of the staple being loaded first, and the sharp edges of the staple sticking up. Make sure that the staples you are using are the right size. If they are too big or too small they can jam the staple gun. Staples made for the make and model gun you are using. Load a Staple Gun Step 4.jpg 5 Place the staples into the staple gun. They should fit snugly, but do not force additional staples into the slide if there is no room. All staples should be straight and consistent with each other. No staples should be sticking up or leaning to one side. Load a Staple Gun Step 5.jpg 6 Close the staple gun slide. Push the slide holding the staples back into place. Listen for a click to indicate it is in place and secure. Load a Staple Gun Step 6.jpg 7 Test the staple gun. Make sure that no one is is standing near you. Slowly, squeeze the trigger under the handle of the staple gun to make sure the staples come out properly. If it jams or does not work, release the slide again to double check the staples and make any necessary adjustments. A manual staple gun takes a lot more pressure to activate than does an electric staple gun, so make sure that you account for that when you test it. If you squeeze the trigger too quickly the staple gun may move out of place. Ad We could really use your help! Can you tell us about making putty? YesNo Can you tell us about DotA? YesNo Can you tell us about dogs? YesNo Can you tell us about asparagus? YesNo Video Tips If you go to the store to get some staples, make sure they are the right size. It can be very frustrating when you get home and realize you have the wrong staples and have to go back to the store. Some mini staplers are refilled from the back, and have a magnet at the front so that the staples stay in place. Ad Warnings A stapler is a sharp instrument when in use; take appropriate care to aim it only at the object being stapled. Keep away from fingers, eyes, and so forth. Things You'll Need Stapler Staples Related wikiHows How to Remove Staples with Your Bare Hands How to Fix a Jammed Manual Stapler How to Add Lead to a Mechanical Pencil How to Create a Pocketmod Article Info Categories: Paper Fasteners In other languages: Español: recargar una engrapadora, Русский: заполнить степлер, Português: Recarregar um Grampeador DiscussPrintEmailEditSend fan mail to authors Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 60,242 times. Did this article help you? 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