How to Fix a Jammed Manual Stapler?
When you're stapling documents for an office meeting or class assignment, a sudden jam can be very disruptive! Thankfully, it shouldn't take more than a few minutes to fix the problem and restore the stapling. Try using a sharp object like needle-nose pliers to remove the jammed staples, and if they stick together, use a similar object to pry up the top from the bottom. Learn how to care for your stapler to prevent future paper jams, from choosing the right size staples to not exceeding maximum staple capacity.
Place an object between the stapler and the base to try to unwrap it. Sometimes the staples start going through the case at the wrong angle, just take them out and discard. See if you can remove the stapler without opening it. Glue something round, like a pen or pencil, between the base of the stapler and the metal part that holds the staples. Then, push down as if you were stapling some documents together. This might clear the jammed staples for you.
You can also hold the metal case away from the base by hand; just be careful to keep your fingers away from the staples!
If the staples don't come out after doing this, it's time to move on to trying to manually remove the jammed staples.
Open the top of the stapler and remove excess staples. Most manual staplers open from the top. If this happens to you, just pull the top case up as if you were loading more staples. Remove any excess staples from the tray and set them aside. If your stapler is loaded from the back, pull out the staple tray and set it aside.
This is also a great time to check that you’re using the right size of staples. If you work in an office with multiple sizes and brands, you may have accidentally loaded it with the wrong size.
Pull the tray away from the base for better access to jammed paper. This may not be necessary if you can clearly see where the staples are jammed. But if it does get stuck in the tray, you might benefit from a little more touch on the sides. Most manual staplers should allow you to pull the stapler tray up and off the base.
This is also a good time to clean the inside of the stapler to keep it free of dirt and excess dust. Use a can of compressed air to blow away dust, or wipe down the entire stapler with a soft, lint-free towel. Avoid using water as this can cause the stapler to rust.
Use a sharp object to push the jammed staple up from the bottom. Any of the following will work tweezers, scissors, flat-blade screwdriver, or needle-nose pliers. Push up on the prongs of the jammed staple to try to release it from the stapler handle. If needed, grab the staple from the top and pull it up.
