What size are Heavy wire staples?
Staple wire thickness is measured by its “gauge.” This is a measurement of a wire’s diameter. The system of identifying wire by its diameter was originally developed 1857 to specify electrical wires by their current carrying capacity. Oddly, the higher the number, the thinner the wire. Wire is referred to as heavy, medium, or fine:
Heavy wire is typically 15-16 gauge, and used for the toughest jobs on heavy materials, like roofing or other construction materials. Heavy wire staples are also used for subflooring, framing, and for fixing boxes to pallets.
Staple wire is also worked to create the point or teeth at the end of the staple legs, usually chisel-shaped for best penetration of materials. Divergent staples have chisel points pointing outward in opposite directions, causing them to splay outward when applied for a better hold.
Different types of metal used to make staples
Staples can be unobtrusive or obvious, depending on the result you want. This is partly because of the type of wire that makes the staple. Exposure to humidity or harsh conditions like salt sea air or seawater can affect a staple’s longevity and ability to stay in place.
Different types of metal used to make staples include:
Aluminum: this softer metal is good for staples that shouldn’t attract magnets. They are easy to remove and soft enough to cut without damaging a saw or scissors.
Galvanized steel: steel wire with a coating of zinc resists corrosion. Staples made of galvanized steel can handle humid or damp environments without corroding or rusting. As a result, they tend to last a long time.
Stainless steel: stainless steel staples have higher corrosion and rust resistance than galvanized steel, and they are more protected from heat and have more endurance for salty environments. They also look shiny and modern.
Copper-coated: most often used for closing cardboard cartons, copper-coated wire looks great and handle humid environments well.
Colored wire: standard office staples with a color coating for appearance or color-coding.
