What Is a Tacker?
A Tacker is a tool used in construction to secure interior materials and insulation. It has the appearance of a large stapler, and is used to fasten thin materials. It differs from a stapler in that the tip of the needle sticks vertically without bending.
There are various types of tackers, such as gun tackers, which are manually operated, electric tackers, which are continuously operated, and air tackers, which use an air compressor.
Uses of Tackers
Tackers are used to hammer thin materials onto walls, boards, and other surfaces. Since they can be operated with one hand, it is possible to work while holding the wood or other material to be tacked with the other hand. They are widely used for attaching wallpaper, sheets, and other materials.
An electric tacker can be used for continuous needle tapping, allowing work to be completed quickly even in hazardous locations such as high places.
Air tackers are also useful for reupholstering sofa leather because of their strong needle force.
Principle of Tackers
While a stapler secures an object by bending the tip of the needle, a tacker secures an object by piercing it in a U-shape. As with a stapler, press the tacker horizontally against the desired location and press the button.
Since the tip of the staple is pointed like a needle, it can be used on thin wood, fabric, and other thick objects.
Types of Tackers
1. Gun Tacker
This is a common manual tacker, also called a hand tacker. Smaller ones are used for DIY projects such as crafts, while larger and stronger ones are used on construction sites. Staples are applied by holding the trigger by hand.
2. Hammer Tacker
Hammer Tackers are tackers that strike like a hammer. The hammer is applied with a snap of the wrist, so the staples are applied at an approximate position rather than at a precise location.
3. Electric Tacker
Staples with the electric tacker are driven in with the power of electricity. They are suitable for long hours of work, as they can be used at the touch of a button. Corded and rechargeable types are available.
4. Air Tacker
Staples are inserted using pneumatic pressure.. Air tackers require a compressor and air hose. They are mainly used for construction work such as interior decoration.
How to Select a Tacker
When selecting a tacker, be careful about the intended use, weight, and type of staples.
1. Intended Use
It is recommended to select a tacker that matches the intended use of the work. A gun tacker is fine for fixing thin items as a DIY project, but an electric or air tacker is better suited for thicker items, such as at construction sites, or when firm fixing is required or long hours of work are required.
Recently, thanks to advances in batteries, some electric tackers are now as powerful as air tackers. Many small types are also available, and electric tackers are becoming the norm for advanced DIYers and professional job sites. Others can be used as staplers by attaching special parts.
2. Weight
Air-powered tackers are powerful but heavy, and require a compressor and air hose. Therefore, a rechargeable type or hammer tacker is suitable for work at high places.
3. Needle Type
Needle legs range in length from about 6mm to 25mm, so the length should be considered according to the material to be fixed. The main standards are CT wire, RT wire, and J wire, and the shoulder width, section length, and foot length are determined accordingly.
In addition, depending on the staple, the available tackers may differ, such as for air tackers or hammer tackers. Therefore, it is important to select the appropriate tacker for the staple.
It is recommended to use the same manufacturer of tacker and staple as much as possible to prevent staple jamming.