Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Yes—some staplers can bend staple legs outward for a temporary hold, but only if the stapler has a movable or reversible anvil. That “thingy” is the metal plate at the base: set to the alternate position, it shapes the staple legs outward instead of inward. The result is easier to remove, but less secure than a normal clinch.
What is the “thingy” on a stapler?
It is called the anvil. When a staple passes through the sheets, its legs meet shaped grooves in the anvil. The groove direction determines how the legs bend: inward toward each other for a conventional clinch, or outward for pinning.
Fellowes confirms the outward-pinning feature on its LX820 Classic Office and Desktop Stapler. The manufacturer says its anvil rotates so the staple bends outward, making it easier to remove. That confirms the feature for this model, not for staplers generally.
When should you use the outward setting?
| Setting | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Inward clinch | Bends staple legs toward each other for a firmer hold. | Pages that should stay attached securely. |
| Outward pinning | Bends staple legs away from each other for a looser hold that is easier to remove. | Temporary attachment when you expect to separate the pages later. |
There is no published force comparison in the cited product information; the practical tradeoff is simply firmer holding versus easier removal.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Rapesco R81000A3 Porpoise Classic Stapling Plier, 45 Sheet Capacity
- ROBUST - Tough all-metal construction for durability with a rotating anvil for both stapling and pinning (temporary stapling)
- ERGONOMIC - Contoured grip design for optimal user comfort and convenient rear-loading mechanism
- COMPATIBILITY - Uses type 26 Standard 1/4" and 5/16" staples and type 24 High-Capacity 1/4" and 5/16" staples and has a paper insertion depth of 2.32 "
- LARGE CAPACITY - Stapling up to 45 sheets of paper; for optimal results use 1/4" staples for up to 20 sheets and 5/16" staples for up to 45 sheets
- GUARANTEE - Backed up by a 15-year guarantee
How to check your stapler safely
- Look at the base plate beneath the stapler’s nose and identify the anvil.
- Check the manual or model-specific manufacturer instructions for a reversible or movable anvil and a pinning or temporary-stapling setting.
- If the instructions show how to change it, follow that procedure. Stapler designs differ, so there is no universal lever, button, or switching direction.
- If the anvil does not move readily or your model’s instructions do not describe the feature, do not force it; use the regular setting.
Does every desk stapler do this?
No. The feature depends on the stapler’s design. The Fellowes LX820 is one manufacturer-confirmed example; verify your own model before trying to switch the anvil. If temporary pinning is important and your stapler lacks that function, choose a model whose manufacturer explicitly lists it.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
HXBER Handheld Stapler, Handheld Stapler Heavy Duty Office Stapler 25 Sheet Capacity Less Effort Support 24/6 or 26/6 Staple Sizes with Reversible Anvil for Home Office School Supplies
- ♦ Rotatable Staple Plate - The stapler features a reversible anvil plate, allowing for both permanent and temporary binding modes. This versatile feature makes it suitable for a variety of stapling needs, from binding fabric, plastic boxes, to card paper.
- ♦ Handheld Effort-Saving Stapler - This stapler is designed to save up to 60% of your effort, reducing the pain from hard push. Its perfect handheld size allows you to staple smoothly with just one hand, making it an ideal office supply for teachers, students, and all kinds of office spaces and businesses.
- ♦ High Stapling Capacity - With a 44mm paper insertion depth, this stapler can bind up to 100pcs at a time, and can staple up to 25 pages. It is compatible with 24/6 or 26/6 staple sizes, commonly used in offices and homes, or those available in local stores.
- ♦ and Comfortable - The stapler boasts a full metal head and lever core structure design, ensuring its durability and longevity. Its comfortable grip makes it easy to use for high-frequency stapling tasks, without causing hand fatigue.
- ♦ Efficient and Jam-Free - This stapler is designed for fast, efficient, and jam-free stapling, enhancing your productivity at work. Its powerful stapling capacity also makes it perfect for stapling hardboard, cardboard, plastic bags, brown paper, and other hard papers.
Rank #4
Mingzhe Handheld Stapler Heavy Duty, 20 Sheet Capacity, 24/6 or 26/6
- [EFFORT SAVING DESIGN] This heavy duty stapler is engineered to reduce stapling effort by up to 60%, eliminating the pain from hard pushes. Its handheld size allows you to staple smoothly with just one hand, making it an ideal office supply for teachers, students, and busy professionals in any workspace or business environment.
- [VERSATILE BINDING MODES] The stapler features a reversible anvil plate that supports both permanent and temporary binding modes. This adaptable design makes it perfect for a variety of tasks, from binding fabric and plastic boxes to card paper, giving you flexible stapling solutions for every project.
- [LARGE CAPACITY AND COMPATIBILITY] With a 44mm paper insertion depth, this stapler can bind up to 100 at once and staple up to 20 sheets of paper. It is compatible with commonly used 24/6 or 26/6 staple sizes, ensuring you can easily find at local stores for home or office use.
- [DURABLE METAL CONSTRUCTION] Built with a full metal head and lever structure, this stapler offers exceptional durability and longevity. The comfortable grip design ensures pain free use during frequent stapling tasks, preventing hand fatigue and allowing you to work efficiently throughout the day.
- [FAST AND EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE] Designed for quick and reliable stapling, this tool boosts your productivity at work. Its powerful stapling capacity also makes it ideal for stapling hardboard, cardboard, plastic bags, brown paper, and other materials, handling all your heavy duty stapling needs with ease.
Rank #3
Sale
Arrow Metal Stapler, Full-Strip Stapler for Desk with 2520 Staples
- Metal Body: Constructed with a sturdy metal design, this stapler with staples ensures long-lasting durability for daily office, home, or classroom use. It comes with 2520 standard 26/6 staples and is also compatible with 26/4 staples, so you’re ready to start stapling right out of the box
- High-Capacity Full-Strip: The full-strip design of this office stapler allows for high-capacity stapling, reducing the frequency of reloads. The convenient rear staple compartment stores extra staples for quick access, and the stapler can handle up to 25 sheets of paper at a time, making it ideal for documents, reports, and projects
- Dual-Mode Anvil & Low-Staple Indicator: This desk stapler lets you easily switch between fixed and temporary stapling modes with the adjustable anvil, giving you versatile stapling options for everyday use. The low-staple indicator ensures you know when to reload, keeping your workflow smooth and efficient
- Non-Slip Base: Equipped with rubberized non-slip pads, this metal stapler stays securely in place during use, providing a comfortable and controlled stapling experience
- Tack to Bulletin Boards: Designed for use in offices, homes, or classrooms, this stapler lets you tack notices or posters onto bulletin boards, keeping your papers organized, visible, and accessible
Rank #2
CRAFTSMAN Heavy Duty Reverse Squeeze Stapler (CMHT82643)
- PUSHFIRE puts the leverage over the staple, reducing kickback and increasing control.
- Bottom load design with pinch latch makes for easy staple loading and clearing.
- Locks for compact storage
- Composite construction.
- Ideal for a variety of heavy duty stapling and general repair needs.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
