Best Hammer Tackers Reviewed: Staple Like There’s No Tomorrow

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  September 29, 2022
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Maybe you’re at the end of your rope looking for a compatible hammer tacker amidst all those cheap advertisements. Or maybe you’ve never used a tacker before and are feeling puzzled. Another possibility could be that you might’ve been duped with defective products.

The fact doesn’t change that you’re in need of a hammer tacker befitting for the field of your work.

Well, I’ve come to your rescue! Things will now be a tad easier for you, as I’ll show you the best hammer tacker you can buy from the market.

Best-Hammer-Tacker

Here’s a quick overview of the hammer tackers that have made my list:

Best overall

ArrowFastener HT50P

Arrow’s hammer tacker is a versatile one that can be used for anything from roofing and flooring to insulation and carpets.

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Best hammer tacker for insulation

BostitchH30-8

Die-cast body, accurate dimensions with sharp and smooth handling. This manual stapler is extremely durable, wear-resistant, and easy for rapid stapling.

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Best budget hammer tacker

Stanley ToolsPHT150C SharpShooter

If you’re a professional mechanic, long periods of work won’t strain your palms, as the grip of Stanley’s hammer tacker is rubberized and shockproof, but still affordable.

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Fastest loading

RapidR19 fine wire

The R19 hammer tacker is a smartly engineered and developed product suitable for fast stapling jobs. Steel is the product material in this case, which provides it with higher strength for heavy-duty operation.

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Best hammer tacker for flooring

Tacwise1221 A54Plus 5000 140-series

This unique tacker has a buffer plate that surrounds the nose, protecting the surfaces involved. This is especially convenient for flooring.

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Best heavy-duty hammer tacker

DewaltDWHTHT450

The magazine won’t jam, due to its anti-jamming system, which prevents misfires as well. The effective design of the product is weighted for satisfactory use.

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Best hammer tacker kit

ArrowHT50 with 1,250 staples

Arrow comes with another aesthetic hammer tacker with convincing service and features. The HT50 model gives you a unique experience with operations involving cumbersome duties.

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Hammer tacker buying guide

Dots connecting to the top-tier hammer tacker can be a bit hazy. But rest assured, you can read along, as I’ve sorted out all the things that you need to consider when purchasing a hammer tacker.

Best-Hammer-Tacker-Review

Staples and sizes

The staples loaded into a hammer tacker comes in different types. T50, SharpShooter TRA700, and R19 are some of the commonly used staples.

There are also different sizes for staples, such as 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/16″, or 1/4″. The sizes a tacker can load differ from model to model.

Do make sure that the one you’re attempting to buy has just the right staple size capacity you need or else it’ll be a bummer.

Magazine capacity

Hammer tackers have different magazine capacities for staples that can be loaded at a time. The range can be from 80 to 150.

How to strip wire fast
How to strip wire fast

A higher magazine capacity gives you a long worktime duration, but this increases the chance of jamming and makes unloading a bit hard. So you have to keep that in mind.

Magazine design

The rear load magazine allows you to load or unload staples according to your needs. There’s a spring mechanism that you have to release at first to load staples.

The quality of a hammer tacker heavily depends on how easily you can load or unload rear magazines without jamming issues. So you must make sure that the hammer tacker you’re buying has a magazine mechanism that’s efficient and quick.

Chassis

Some of the hammer tacker models are made with an aluminum body to make them lightweight and easy to operate. A steel body construction makes the product corrosion-resistant and provides low-effort hammering.

If your work involves heavy-duty tasks, then you have to keep an extra eye out for this feature.

Surface finish

Some of the most valued hammer tacker models utilize chromium coating for better surface finish and corrosion resistance. This makes the product shiny and easier to clean.

Such a feature will help you operate the hammer tacker of your choice with more proficiency.

Durability

Durability is an important point of consideration. The hammer tacker you’re looking for must be durable and lightweight.

Some of the best ones are made of steel with a higher carbon rate to increase durability. Some are made of die-cast aluminum for the same purpose and to increase precision and improve handling.

Warranty

A lifetime warranty is available for some of the top-notch hammer tackers. For the rest, you’ll see limited or no warranty features.

It’s always better to buy a tacker with a warranty if your product is imported.

Best hammer tackers reviewed

Hammer tackers come with different shapes and features. But the best ones have a unique vibe and excellence to them.

To lessen your troubles, I’ve picked out 7 high-end hammer tackers for you to choose from.

Best overall

Arrow Fastener HT50P

Product image
9.3
Doctor score
Capacity
4.5
Durability
4.9
Strength
4.5
Best for
  • Durable construction
  • Versatile use from roofing to carpets
  • Long reach striking edge
Falls short
  • Poor spring design
  • Frequent jamming problems

Assets

Arrow’s hammer tacker is a versatile one that can be used for anything from roofing and flooring to insulation and carpets. The body is of steel construction with high carbon density, which gives strength and sustainability to it.

The simple yet elegant construction adds a certain charm to it. The rear magazine can be easily loaded with precision.

The striking edge gives you an extra 1.5-foot reach, which can be really beneficial. You’ll be able to smoothly penetrate any surface, given the large force it exerts with less effort.

Heavy-duty uses demand it to be more durable and compact, which it certainly is. The chromium coating of the product makes it corrosion-resistant, as well as easy to clean. The rubber grip handle means it won’t slip from your hands.

This 6x8x1 inch product allows you to load T50 staples in 3 different sizes: 5/16”, 3/8”, and 1/2”. This makes it easier for you to operate.

The hammer tacker has a jam-proof mechanism that ensures that nothing will get stuck when loading and unloading.

Drawbacks

There have been several complaints about poor spring design. You might also have to face frequent jamming problems.

Best hammer tacker for insulation

Bostitch H30-8

Product image
9.1
Doctor score
Capacity
4.7
Durability
4.8
Strength
4.2
Best for
  • 84 staple magazine
  • Quick unjamming mechanism
  • Durable die-cast construction
Falls short
  • Jams often

Assets

Bostitch hammer tacker has a body frame constructed through die casting, which offers you accurate dimensions with sharp and smooth handling. This manual stapler is extremely durable, wear-resistant, and easy for rapid stapling.

You’ll be amazed to see the range of staples it can load. The quickly loadable magazine allows you to load staple sizes of up to 3/8″ staples with ease.

The internal jam can be cleared without the help of any tool. In fact, you yourself can unjam it. For your convenience, the extra reach it provides makes your work effortless and efficient.

The 84-staples magazine capacity lets you concentrate on your work without having to worry about frequent loading and unloading. This unique tacker is pretty light and brilliant for use in sheeting, wrapping, carpeting, or roofing.

For fast operations where good driving power is required (like tacking or light nailing), this product will produce excellent results. If you’re looking for a tacker with good durability and power, as well as decent efficiency, this is undoubtedly your choice.

Drawbacks

The stapler size has to be proper to appropriately fit. It jams more frequently than some of the other hammers on the market.

Best budget hammer tacker

Stanley Tools PHT150C SharpShooter

Product image
8.1
Doctor score
Capacity
4.5
Durability
3.9
Strength
3.8
Best for
  • Large handle
  • Affordable yet sturdy steel construction
  • Rubberized grip
Falls short
  • Flipping out springs

Assets

The basic features stay almost the same for this one, except for some additional features. If you’re a professional mechanic, long periods of work won’t strain your palms, as the grip of Stanley’s hammer tacker is rubberized and shockproof. So your work efficiency will increase!

The steel construction makes the product durable, enabling it for heavy-duty uses. Its applications are the same as preceding ones, such as roofing, carpeting, insulating, and other fast installation activities.

The design is aesthetic and standardized. The magazine is loadable with 2 full sticks of Arrow T50 heavy-duty staples or SharpShooter TRA700. Staples ranging from 1/4″ to 3/8″ can be loaded.

The product dimension is a fitting 1.5×3.8×13.8 inch. The large handle enlarges your reach and increases work proficiency. Loading and unloading are made easy, and the staples can be hammered perfectly with low effort.

The product comes with a limited lifetime warranty. You’ll be happy with the services and excellence it delivers.

Drawbacks

The spring-clip design has some issues regarding it, like flipping out. So this problem needs to be addressed with some redesigning.

Fastest loading

Rapid R19 fine wire

Product image
7.3
Doctor score
Capacity
4.2
Durability
3.5
Strength
3.2
Best for
  • Ligtweight
  • Fast reloading of cartridge
Falls short
  • Jamming issues
  • Factory quality check sub-par

Assets

The R19 hammer tacker is a smartly engineered and developed product suitable for fast stapling jobs. Steel is the product material in this case, which provides it with higher strength for heavy-duty operation.

The construction is simpler, so it costs less. Whether you’re a professional or a trade user, you can use it for wrapping posters and labels or insulating materials without much comfort.

Rapid’s hammer tacker is lightweight and easy to handle. Its efficient handle and non-slip grip allow you to work with ease and reliability.

The product is also shock-resistant and dustproof. As a result, cleaning isn’t rally an issue for most cases.

In addition, the R19 comes with a chrome finish to resist corrosion and have smooth surfacing. The shiny glow it produces adds to its aesthetics.

The loading system is jam-free and convenient. You’ll have almost no trouble loading or unloading the magazine with staples. The No19 staples that are used are fine wired, giving you a decent stapling experience.

Drawbacks

Prior customers have noted some jamming issues. Also, some received defective products.

Best hammer tacker for flooring

Tacwise 1221 A54Plus 5000 140-series

Product image
8.7
Doctor score
Capacity
5
Durability
3.8
Strength
4.2
Best for
  • Large magazine
  • Special buffer plate for flooring
  • Staples included
Falls short
  • Defects prone (although under warranty)

Assets

The A54 hammer tacker has a relatively large magazine capacity compared to the other ones on the market. The magazine can be loaded with the 150 of 140 series of 1/4″ to 1/2″-sized staples. The wide range of capacity and sizes allows it to be versatile and can be appealing for any customer.

This unique tacker has a buffer plate that surrounds the nose, protecting the surfaces involved. It has a bottom-loading magazine system and can take flat wire staples convenient for a variety of purposes.

Tacwise’s hammer tacker is lightweight, easy to carry around, and efficient for any use all day long. Ths is especially convenient for use in roofing industries, carpeting, insulation, underlay, or sheeting purposes.

The set comes with stainless steel staples of your choice. Usually, 5,000 free 140 series 3/8″ steel staples are provided along with the hammer tacker. The durability and sublime design of this product will make you want to give it a try.

Drawbacks

In some reports, the 5,000 steel staples are galvanized instead of stainless steel. Defective product reports are also a cause of headache for the manufacturer.

Best heavy-duty hammer tacker

Dewalt DWHTHT450

Product image
9.2
Doctor score
Capacity
4.2
Durability
4.7
Strength
4.9
Best for
  • Heavy swing
  • Durable die-cast body
  • Anti-jamming system
Falls short
  • Very heavy for some jobs

Assets

The Dewalt hammer tacker is a joy to use, be it for heavy-duty or small household uses. The 12x4x1 inch product has a die-cast aluminum body frame, making it lightweight and highly durable.

The magazine won’t jam, due to its anti-jamming system, which prevents misfires as well. The effective design of the product is weighted for satisfactory use.

The product has a surface guard mechanism that prevents damage to application materials. The heavy-duty mechanism of the product helps maintain its durability. Whether it’s flooring, carpet backing, roofing paper, or installing insulation, you can do these all without a hitch.

The tacker can be loaded with 5/16″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ staples. The hammer style grip absorbs vibrations and makes your work easy since you don’t have to use as much force. So the hammer tacker is effortless and reliable.

The weight of the product is only 2.4 pounds, meaning easy handling. Long hours of use won’t make you ache.

It provides really great service, considering the price you have to pay. The lifetime warranty will be like a cherry on top for you!

Drawbacks

There’s a safety warning that might throw off the customers at first glance. Jamming issues need to be addressed as well.

Best hammer tacker kit

Arrow HT50 with 1,250 staples

Product image
8.9
Doctor score
Capacity
4.2
Durability
4.6
Strength
4.5
Best for
  • Comes with staples
  • Durable chromium plating
Falls short
  • Jamming issues

Assets

Arrow comes with another aesthetic hammer tacker with convincing service and features. The HT50 model gives you a unique experience with operations involving cumbersome duties.

The chromium plating of the product increases surface hardness, unlocking higher durability. Corrosion resistance coupled with easy cleaning adds even more charm to it.

You won’t be facing any particular jamming issues, due to its smooth mechanism and adaptability. The body of the product is steel hardened, providing compactness and stability. The power grip handle is also a great perk.

The design intelligence is displayed through the rear load magazine, which can accommodate 2 full strips of T50 staples; this reduces loading time. It can work with 3 sizes of staples: 5/6″, 3/8″, and 1/2″.

The staples are really easy to put into the stapler. Typical hammer tacker works such as roofing, carpeting, insulating, etc., can be done with more ease and comfort.

The unique design and efficient mechanism allow the HT50 to penetrate drywalls, softwoods, fabric, and much more.

Drawbacks

There are some complaints about unscrupulous information, such as not specifying the size of the staples, providing unmountable sizes, etc. Jamming issues are also reported in some cases.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.

What is a hammer tacker used for?

A hammer tacker is a type of staple gun that inserts a staple whenever the head of the tool quickly strikes a hard object. A hammer tacker can be used for many purposes, such as installing roofing paper, carpet backing, or even insulation.

How is a hammer tacker different from a staple gun?

Hammer tackers are more versatile. You can staple by just hitting the tip of the tacker onto the work surface.

Hammering is quicker and more accurate than staple guns.

Can you hammer in staples?

When you hammer in fence staples without any other tools, it’s very hard to do without hammering your fingers.

Holding staples in place with needle-nose pliers is a good idea. If you have a big project using staples, a wire fence stapler is the best tool for you.

How do you unjam a stapler?

A paper clip is the perfect size for picking at a jammed stapler. Use the loop of the paperclip to try and loosen the jammed staple up so it falls out of the magazine.

You can also try to pick out the jammed staple with the point of the paperclip, guiding it out.

How do you unjam a Bostitch?

Put several drops of oil directly on the pin and slide channel. Remove all nails, reassemble the nose, and see if the gun will dry fire against a scrap piece of wood.

The gun should fire and leave a dent from the push rod in your wood if it’s working. If the gun still doesn’t fire, then the pin may be damaged or bent.

How do you load a Bostitch hammer stapler?

According to the instructions from Bostitch, hold down the bottom of the stapler with your free hand. Pull the arm upward to open the hinge that holds it over the carrying tray.

Push the arm back until the tension on the hinge is relieved and the carrying tray is fully exposed.

How do you disassemble a Bostitch stapler?

Grasp the top arm of the stapler, which is situated over the metal carrying tray. Hold down the bottom of the stapler with your free hand.

Pull the arm upward to open the hinge that holds it over the carrying tray. Push the arm back until the tension on the hinge is relieved and the carrying tray is fully exposed.

Are staples galvanized?

Galvanized steel staples are made of steel that’s coated with a layer of zinc to help guard against general corrosion.

Galvanized steel staples are less expensive than stainless steel and are great for indoor projects where there will be no contact with moisture or other debris.

Is it possible to unjam tackers by myself?

Yes, it’s possible. You just have to release the tacker and slide the track out to see if there’s any remaining staples.

Can wood be stapled into?

Yes, softwoods are the best choices to work on.

Do the hammer tackers come with staples?

Some of the models do come with specified staples. For the rest, you have to purchase them.

How can I pull up the staples if I need to do so?

You can easily pull off the staples with a nail pullers.

Purchase the best hammer tacker for the job

Whether you’re a professional mechanic or a casual DIYer, you’ll definitely need an appropriate hammer tacker. Nothing beats the smooth and effortless feeling of hammering staples into surfaces.

This guide will surely lead you to the best choice!

Among all the products that’ve been discussed, I recommend the Tackwise 1221 A54 hammer tacker. It has a larger magazine capacity for long use. In addition, the buffer plate provided really gives you a good feel while hammering.

Other than that, Arrow’s HT50 and Bostitch’s H30-8 also caught my attention with their elegance and efficiency.

If you’ve come across this article, then you already know why you’re here; that is, to get your hands on the best hammer tacker. This will certainly help you find the best product!

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.