A picture frame is an edging used to complement and protect pictures, artwork and other mementos. It is made up of major components which are the frame itself, protective glass, mounting board and a protective cover attached behind the picture.
Some types of picture frames are decorative, document, poster, collage, and floating frames. Thanks to the existence of staple guns, picture framing is easier than ever. Simply place them against the back of the picture and get the staple in securely.
Still, choosing the right staple gun is not easy, especially when you’re not familiar with it.
To help you, in this post I’m going to cover 10 best staple guns for picture framing along with a simple buying guide. Let’s get started!
Staple Gun Comparison
| Image | Staple Gun | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Logan F500-2 | 1.75 x 7.75 x 6.5 inches | 1.4 pounds | See details at Amazon |
 | Metabo HPT NT50AE2 | 10 x 2 x 9 inches | 2.2 pounds | See details at Amazon |
 | Surebonder 9600AK | 10 x 2 x 6.75 inches | 5.59 pounds | See details at Amazon |
 | Fletcher-Terry 07-500 | 5.42 x 8.40 x 3.08 inches | 1.00 pounds | See details at Amazon |
 | NuMax S2-118G2 | 2.6 x 9.65 x 9.85 inches | 3.08 pounds | See details at Amazon |
 | WORKPRO W023020A | 11.42 x 5.31 x 1.57 inches | 2.55 pounds | See details at Amazon |
 | NEU MASTER N6013 | 10.9 x 7.8 x 2.7 inches | 3.34 pounds | See details at Amazon |
 | Arrow Fastener T50ACD | 10.5 x 3.2 x 9.5 inches | 3 pounds | See details at Amazon |
 | Topec SG-1 | 8.6 x 2.4 x 8.6 inches | 1.54 pounds | See details at Amazon |
 | Freeman PP123 | 8.5 x 6.75 x 2 inches | 3 pounds | See details at Amazon |
My Reviews of 10 Best Staple Guns for Picture Framing in 2020
1. Logan F500-2 Staple Gun
The first in the list goes to Logan F500-2, a staple gun with Dual Point Driver Elite which is best suited for simple projects.
To start with, the machine comes with a single reliable point driver along with 50 flexible and 50 rigid points and instructions.
The F500-2 features a strong downward point (controllable) pressure on materials which means that you won’t encounter any problem penetrating any materials including wood. For refills, the F500-2 supports f53, f54, f55, and f56 points.
The external design of this model has been redesigned with your comfort in mind in a way that you won’t have to put in much effort and energy. Its handle with rubber grip takes only less than 50% grip force to drive the points.
Personally, I would consider the F500-2 the best staple gun for picture framing with all these unique features.
Pros
- Ergonomic handle with rubber grip
- Dual points
- Controllable pressure
- Ease of use
Cons
- Rigid points causes jamming sometimes
2. Metabo HPT NT50AE2 Staple Gun
If you weren’t aware before, the Metabo HPT was known as Hitachi Power Tools until late 2018.Weighing only 2.2lbs, the NT50AE2 is an extremely lightweight staple gun packed along with extraordinary features.
It accepts 18-gauge fasteners with sizes varying from 5/8” up to 2”. In addition, your pictures won’t be damaged thanks to the no-mar tip on the nose of the NT50AE2.
Another interesting feature is its 360° adjustable exhaust port which keeps dusts away at all times.
The selective-actuation design allows you to switch between the bump fire and contact fire modes through a single switch, and the reload indicator informs you of your brad levels when they’re low.
By buying this machine you’ll be getting no-mar Tip, air fitting, carrying case and safety glasses as extras.
Pros
- 360° adjustable exhaust port
- Visual nail reload indicator
- Simple & easy-to-clear nose
- Selective actuation
Cons
- Average build quality
3. Surebonder 9600AK Staple Gun
Picture framing is made super easy with the Surebonder 9600AK. Not just picture framing, it’s capable of doing any DIY applications. Versatility is another nickname for the tool.
The machine is lightweight, yet capable of performing heavy duty applications such as upholstery, screen repair and other projects.
The 9600AK stapler kit comes with 6250 staples in 5 different lengths, Allen wrench, staple gun, bottle of tool oil and a very clear operating instruction. Let’s not miss out the carrying case that boosts portability.
The staple gun can be refilled through the quick release magazine with Surebonder #4 staples 55014, 55516, 55038, 55012, 88516, 88038 & 88012.
For your comfort, the handle of 9600AK is cushioned with rubber. As for safety measures, it comes with an adjustable air exhaust.
Pros
- Adjustable air exhaust
- Complete stapler kit
Cons
- Lack of air compressor
- Not so durable
4. Fletcher-Terry 07-500 Staple Gun
The Fletcher-Terry 07-500 is a professional staple gun built with quality materials to permanently frame your artwork, pictures, etc. securely in place.
When using this staple gun, you won’t have to worry about jamming. The 07-500’s nose plate guides points straight, one at a time, without jamming/double-feeding.
Furthermore, the easy to load magazine holds up to 100 waxes free stacked Framers Points. Thanks to its Framer’s Points, the staple gun will not rip or dent your picture frames even if they’re made of wood.
Yes, it might be quite pricey, but it’s simply one of the best staple guns for picture framing that you can find. Trust me, the Fletcher-Terry 07-500 is worth the investment.
Pros
- Point driver is great
- No jamming
- Framers Points
Cons
- Quite pricey
5. NuMax S2-118G2 Staple Gun
The NuMax S2-118G2 is a budget 2-in-1 brad nailer and stapler with durability and power, made with aluminum under professional surveillance.
The versatile tool comes with two fasteners that can be easily switched during the job. The magazine is designed to accommodate brads with sizes varying from 3/8” to 2” along with narrow crown staples with sizes from ½” to 1 5/8”.
The 360° air exhaust can be easily rotated and used to blow dusts and debris away from your work area. You also can’t miss out the anti-vibration grip that helps maintain your comfort while working.
Apart from that, the adjustable mechanism of S2-118G2 also allows you to adjust the depth of the staple gun without any extra tools.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- 2-in-1 feature
- Excelled build quality (aluminum)
- Adjustable air exhaust
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
6. WORKPRO W023020A Staple Gun
You might’ve heard of the popular tool brand WORKPRO before. This time they’re here with the WORKPRO 230320A, an extremely versatile staple gun that can be used for fastening materials, affixing wires, and of course picture framing.
Easily clip the staple gun in your pocket with the pocket clip without the need for extra carrying case.
Weighting only 2.55 pounds, the WORKPRO W023020A is light and nice. It’s extremely practical, being able to fasten D-staples/U-staples/light-duty D-staples/Brad nails.
The 4-in-1 machine comes with power adjustment lever that allows fastening of any surfaces. Moreover, the presence of the reload window makes it easy to monitor staple level.
Most importantly, the W023020A is packed with a jam prevention mechanism and quick-release loading magazine for quick staple/nail installation.
Lastly, the box comes with the staple gun itself along with 4000 staples in four different sizes.
Pros
- Pocket clip
- Safety handle lock
- Jam prevention mechanism
- Power adjustment
Cons
- Not suitable for hard materials
7. NEU MASTER N6013 Staple Gun
If you’re looking for a budget staple gun with general features, the NEU MASTER N6013 should be just right for you.
This 2-in-1 machine possesses both the ability of a stapler and a nail gun. The former is compatible with staple T50 and TRA700 series with sizes ranging from 5/16″ – 5/8″. Meanwhile, the 18-gauge brad nailer works with nails with sizes from ½”- 5/8”.
You’ll always be safe from unintentional firing in the presence of the contact safety switch. Moreover, the power knob can be adjusted depending on the material(s) you’re working on.
If you decide to get the NEU MASTER N6013, you’ll be getting 100pcs of 18-gauge brad nails (5/8”) plus 400pcs of T50 staple legs (1/2”).
Pros
- Adjustable power knob
- Safety switch
- Easy to use
Cons
- Design could be better
8. Arrow Fastener T50ACD Staple Gun
Picture framing is one thing, but the electric Arrow Fastener T50ACD is best suited for upholstery and general DIYs. Weighing at only 3 pounds, it’s ergonomic, lightweight and compact, making it suitable to be carried around.
One of the primary features of T50ACD is its famous Spiral-Drive technology which ensures consistent driving power, allowing it to penetrate hard materials like wood without destroying it.
The corded T50ACD Corded Electric Staple Gun is also extremely safe thanks to its safety mechanisms which prevent accidental firing.
The handle of this staple gun is covered with rubber, adding comfort and flexibility if your hands ever get tired.
Pros
- Comfortable & ease of use
- Compact
- Spiral-drive technology
Cons
- Occasional jamming
9. Topec SG-1 Staple Gun
Compared to other traditional pneumatic staple gun, the Topec SG-1’s operation is definitely more straightforward and efficient.
Made with carbon steel, the SG-1 is guaranteed to be extra durable yet lightweight. It definitely can be used by anyone in your house without difficulty.
The Topec SG-1 is extremely versatile, being able to handle D-type, U-type, T-type staples fulfill your every need.
Furthermore, the staple gun features a quick jam release mechanism. Simply remove the loading rod, pull down the metal drive channel, remove the jammed staple, and done.
The SG-1 also comes with power adjustment to increase/decrease pressure depending on the thickness of the material you’re working on. This single feature alone makes picture framing super convenient.
Pros
- Ease of use
- 3-way staples
- Quick jam release
Cons
- Instructions are too small
- Frequent jamming
10. Freeman PP123 Staple Gun
The Freeman PP123 is one of the best staple guns for picture framing to exist. Forget doing everything manually, this model allows you to boost your productivity by 100 times.
One of the best things about PP123 is its design that still focuses on safety, precision and comfort despite its smaller price tag.
The exceptional O rings and 60-100 psi power reduces hassle and prolong operational life more than any other machines. It uses 23-gauge headless pin nails ranging from 1/2″ to 1″.
Always ensure a clean workplace! The 360-degree adjustable exhaust allows you to keep dust away.
Moreover, the pneumatic staple gun comes with a reversible belt hook and a single piece blade driver for strengthened durability.
Pros
- Durable & lightweight aluminum body
- Safety trigger mechanism
- Reversible belt hook
Cons
- Depth is hard to adjust
- Quite heavy
How to Choose the Right Staple Gun for Picture Framing – The Beginner’s Guide
Here are 8 factors you should consider when choosing the best staple gun for picture framing:
1. Anti-Jamming
Jamming is the number one problem that people tend to encounter when using a staple gun.
Therefore, you should go for staple guns that have anti-jamming mechanism built into it. It’ll also be best to buy staple guns that are made of stronger materials and thicker wire as cheap, weak materials contributes to jamming.
Nonetheless, anti-jamming mechanism doesn’t ensure zero jamming. It just reduces jamming to the barest minimum.
2. Nail Depth
The ability of your staple gun’s nail to penetrate material(s) in certain depth is important.
You should get a staple gun with nail depth adjustments to prevent inconsistent penetration, which may result in the material you’re working on getting destroyed.
No need to worry much though, because more than 70% of the staple guns in the market come with this mechanism.
3. Staple Length
Some tools come with versatility and so, they’re able to switch between two or more staple types with different lengths.
For picture framing, I would recommend getting a staple gun that can use staples with different lengths. This is because you might be using frames made with different materials at one time, then another material at other times.
4. Source of Power
The three common power sources of staple guns are:
- Manual
- Air
- Electricity
Only large projects would require air powered staple guns. Therefore, it’s best to just go for the manual or electricity for picture framing or any small DIY projects.
5. Durability
You wouldn’t spend your money on some staple gun, only for it to break down a few days or months after, right? Anyone would want a long-lasting item.
Thankfully, all the products I listed have been popular for their durability.
6. Ease of Use
The most important thing is to buy a product that’s easy and comfortable for you to use. When it comes to staple guns, comfort equals comfortable handle because your energy is focused into the handle when holding a staple gun.
For this reason, most manufacturers came up with idea of creating ergonomic handle with rubber cushions.
Another factor would be the weight. The lighter the staple gun is, the easier they are to control hence they’ll be more comfortable and easier to use.
7. Price
Ultimately, everything depends on the price. Depending on which types you’re going for, staple guns typically cost you around $10-$30 for manual ones, $25-$40 for pneumatic ones and up to $300 for electric ones.
8. Warranty
Not every product comes with warranty, so carefully read the description of the staple gun when you’re buying one.
Some covers long term warranty of up to 7 years, while some are as short as 1 year.
Conclusion
Choosing the best staple gun for picture framing can be quite overwhelming. One might offer feature that others doesn’t, while others might offer features that one doesn’t.
The key here is to take your time, identify your budget and then buy one after. Good luck!