An upholstery staple gun is the tool you use most on any recovering job, and the wrong one makes it slow, sore work. Upholsterers' tools also include staple removers, tack lifters, webbing stretchers, curved and button needles, regulators, magnetic tack hammers, shears and foam cutters, and, for bigger workshops, an industrial walking-foot sewing machine. Whether you are doing one footstool or kitting out a workshop, send us your list and we pass it to upholstery tool and supply shops near you, who quote you directly. The request is free, with no obligation.
Upholstery staple gun types
- Manual staple guns: cheap and portable, fine for a few dining chair seats, but tiring on a whole couch and weak on hardwood.
- Electric staple guns: less effort, good for DIYers doing a few pieces a year.
- Pneumatic staple guns: what most workshops use. Light, fast and able to drive fine staples into hard frames, but they need a compressor and air hose.
Upholstery guns use fine wire staples with a narrow crown, not the heavy staples of a general hardware gun. Each gun takes a set series and length, so match the staples to the gun.
Other upholsterers' tools worth having
- Staple remover and tack lifter: stripping the old cover is the slowest part of a job.
- Webbing stretcher: pulls webbing tight before you staple or tack it.
- Curved and straight needles, a long button needle and a regulator for shaping stuffing.
- Magnetic tack hammer: for stud nails and traditional tacking on antiques.
- Upholstery shears and an electric foam cutter for clean cuts.
Materials such as webbing and springs are listed under upholstery supplies.
Using the tools well, and common mistakes
Set the compressor pressure so staples sit flush without cutting the fabric. Too high tears thin cloth and vinyl; too low leaves staples proud. Common mistakes:
- Buying staples that don't fit the gun, which jam it.
- Staples too long for thin chair rails, which split the wood.
- Using a screwdriver to strip covers, which gouges the frame.
- A domestic sewing machine on heavy upholstery fabric or leather.
If you would rather hand the job on, see upholstery and reupholstery or car upholstery.
What affects the price and what to ask a tool supplier
Prices depend on the type of gun, build quality, whether a compressor is included and the staples, spares and service available. A light-duty gun suits occasional DIY; daily workshop use needs a heavier pneumatic gun. Ask:
- Which staple series and lengths does this gun take, and do you stock them?
- What compressor does it need?
- Are spares, seals and repairs available locally?
- Is there a warranty for trade use?
What to include in your request
- Manual, electric or pneumatic gun
- Staple series and lengths you use
- Whether you need a compressor
- DIY or daily trade use
- Other tools: removers, needles, shears
Upholstery Tools and Staple Guns for homes, cars and businesses
- Homeowners and tenants: a manual or electric staple gun and remover for recovering chair seats at home
- Restaurants, hotels, guesthouses and lodges: a staple gun kept on hand for quick repairs to restaurant chairs and bar stools
- Offices and businesses: basic tools for facilities staff refitting office chair seats and reception benches
- Car, bakkie and taxi owners: pneumatic staple guns, hog ring pliers and needles for motor trimmers' bays
- Boats, caravans and 4x4s: a stainless staple gun and needles for boat and caravan cushion repairs
- Clinics, salons, spas and gyms: tools for maintenance teams recovering treatment beds, salon and gym benches
- Churches, schools and halls: staple guns and removers for recovering church pew cushions and hall chairs in bulk
- Upholsterers, makers, designers and DIYers: upholsterers kitting out a workshop with guns, compressors, shears and a walking-foot machine
Frequently asked questions
What is the best upholstery staple gun for a beginner?
Can I use a hardware staple gun for upholstery?
What upholsterers' tools do I need to start?
Do you sell staple guns and tools?
Upholstery Tools and Staple Guns by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg