Interesting Facts About Staplers

Everyone has seen a stapler, which is used to pin papers together. It’s a common tool used daily in offices, schools, and shops. But its history is quite interesting. In the 18th century, during the time of King Louis in France, a stapler-like tool was first used in the royal court to pin papers. As the use of paper increased, so did the need to fasten papers together. In 1866, a mechanic named George McGill made the first stapler. But it was big and heavy, like a sewing machine. It could only insert the pin — you had to fold it by hand.

In 1877, a mechanic named Henry Hale made a stapler that would automatically fold the pin after inserting it into the paper. These early staplers were also heavy and used wire instead of ready-made pins. The wire would be cut and bent to make pins as needed. These machines were called “paper fasteners.” The word “stapler” became popular in 1971, and many types have been developed since then.

Today, there are even staple guns that can fasten paper, fabric, or wood. Doctors also use special surgical staplers during operations when needed.