What Is a Stapler?
A stapler is a device used for binding paper with a metal fastener, typically in the shape of a letter. Commonly used staplers include the No. 10 staple for hand-operated binding of a few sheets of paper. Specialized staplers like tackers for construction sites and skin staplers for medical applications are also available.
Uses of Staplers
Staplers are used for various purposes, including in-office paper binding, on construction sites to attach papers to walls, and in medical settings for suturing wounds. Paper staplers come in small, medium, and large sizes, with larger models capable of binding over 50 sheets and some designed for outward closing for temporary binding.
Principle of Staples
The principle behind a stapler involves using a handle to drive a U-shaped metal staple through paper, which is then folded inward by a clincher to secure the paper. Different types of staplers, such as the flat clinch type, alter the staple’s bend for a flatter finish. Newer stapler models that don’t use metal staples are also gaining popularity, although they bind fewer sheets.
Medical Staplers
Medical staplers, or skin staplers, are used for suturing wounds. They use staples made of corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel. Their advantages include less pressure on the anastomosis, reduced operative time, and no pressure on the suture surface. It’s important to avoid using these staplers near bones, nerves, blood vessels, or organs under the skin.
The process of using a medical stapler involves positioning the skin with tweezers, applying the stapler, and removing the staple with a specific remover. Care must be taken to ensure the staple is fully deformed before removal.
Large Staplers
Large staplers, unlike standard models, are used on a desk or flat surface and operated by pressing down from above. They can bind large numbers of documents and are designed for ease of use with minimal force. Special designs prevent the shifting of documents during binding, making them suitable for binding large quantities of paper.