Upholstery Hand Tools

Upholstery Hand Tools

Choose the staple family and leg length

Match the stapler first. Then choose a leg length for the material stack and the wood beneath it.

Read the tool’s exact model

The Arrow T50 uses its T50 family. The JT21CM and TT21 both use JT21 fine-wire staples. A fraction on the box is a length, so use the stapler’s model and staple family together when choosing a refill.

Account for the fabric fold

The amount of leg that reaches the wood depends on the thickness of the fabric and other layers it passes through. Compare a flat stretch of the cover with a folded corner. Arrow’s T50 manual also asks you to consider wood hardness when choosing a leg length.

Use the permitted lengths

The T50 manual lists six lengths, while Arrow’s JT21 chart lists three for the TT21 and JT21CM. Check the approved sizes for your model before assuming a longer refill in the same broad product family will feed through it.

Read what a raised crown tells you

If a T50 staple stands above the work, the maker recommends trying the next shorter approved length. Check the remaining thickness of the seat board as well, especially if its underside will stay exposed.

Source documentation

Guide questions

The refill box shows two measurements. Which one goes into the wood?

The leg passes through the fabric into the wood. The crown runs across the top. Match the tool family as well as the leg before deciding.

My project has different fabric thicknesses. Should I buy one length for both?

Check the thicker fold and the thinner section separately against the wood. An assortment can help if the gun supports each size you expect to use.

Where do I start if my tool can load more than one fastener?

Write down the exact model and the fastener needed for this step. Read the manufacturer’s approved family and sizes for that fastener.

Which accessory suits the job?

  1. Choose the stapler family before the refill. Arrow identifies the 506 as a T50 staple with a 3/8-inch leg. It is one of six sizes listed for the manual T50, so match the material stack and wood before ordering a box. Verify 506 and 3/8-inch leg on the purchase option.

    Arrow T50 Heavy-Duty Manual Staple Gun ↗Arrow 506 T50 Staples, 3/8-Inch Leg, 1,250 Count ↗

  2. Change the staple family for a fine-wire tool. The T50 is a heavy-duty flat-wire gun. The 215 is a 5/16-inch JT21 fine-wire refill for compatible tools such as the TT21. Match the family before comparing the printed length. Do not load the JT21 215 in the manual T50.

    Arrow T50 Heavy-Duty Manual Staple Gun ↗Arrow 215 JT21 Fine-Wire Staples, 5/16-Inch Leg, 1,000 Count ↗

  3. Keep the leg length and compare steel with stainless. Arrow lists both at 3/8 inch in the T50 family. The 506SS1 changes the material to stainless and the selected box to 1,000 pieces. Verify the SS1 suffix when ordering.

    Arrow 506 T50 Staples, 3/8-Inch Leg, 1,250 Count ↗Arrow 506SS1 T50 Stainless Steel Staples, 3/8-Inch Leg ↗

  4. Keep fine-wire refills and compare handle action. The Arrow TT21 pushes forward. The JT21CM uses a squeeze handle. Both list the same three JT21 leg lengths. Compare where your hand needs to press beside the fold.

    Arrow TT21 TruTac Forward-Action Fine-Wire Stapler ↗Arrow JT21CM Manual Fine-Wire Staple Gun ↗

Accessories in this guide

Shop these departments