How To Put Staples In Swingline Stapler

So your Swingline stapler is empty, and you’re staring at a stack of papers like they personally offended you. Don’t worry. Reloading a stapler is one of those tiny life skills that feels weirdly intimidating until you do it once.

Then it becomes so obvious you’ll wonder why you ever panicked. Grab your staples, take a breath, and let’s get that satisfying chunk sound back in your life.

First, Figure Out Your Swingline’s Vibe

Swingline makes a bunch of staplers, from the classic 747 to compact models and electric ones. Most manual Swinglines load the same basic way, but a few have their own little quirks.

Look for a hinge, a button, or a latch near the top. That’s your clue for how the thing opens.

If you have the manual, great. If not, a quick glance at the stapler’s shape will usually tell you what to do.

Gather Your Supplies (It’s Just Staples, Really)

You need one thing: a strip of staples that fits your stapler. Standard Swingline desktop staplers usually take full strips of 210 staples or half strips of 105.

Check the box or the stapler’s underside for the size. Using the wrong staples is like wearing shoes two sizes too small—nobody’s happy.

Also, make sure the staples aren’t rusty or bent. Your paper deserves better.

Step 1: Open the Top Like You Mean It

Lift the top cover of the stapler. On many Swinglines, the whole upper arm swings back like a tiny car hood.

Some models have a push-button release instead. If yours does, press it and the magazine will pop open.

Don’t yank anything. Staplers are tough, but they’re not invincible. A gentle, confident lift is the way.

What If It Won’t Open?

Check for a small latch near the back or under the top cover. Sometimes it’s hiding in plain sight.

If it still won’t budge, you might be pressing the wrong part. Try holding the base steady and lifting the top arm with a little more purpose.

Worst case, Google your exact model. There’s a YouTube video for everything, including stapler surgery.

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Step 2: Deal With the Old Staple Strip

Once open, you’ll see the staple channel. If there’s a leftover strip in there, pull it out.

Sometimes it’s just a few sad staples clinging to life. Remove them gently with your fingers or a small screwdriver.

Don’t leave broken pieces behind. They’re the number one cause of jams and tiny stapler tantrums.

Step 3: Load the New Staples the Right Way

This is the part everyone overthinks. Place the new strip into the channel with the flat tops facing up and the legs pointing down.

Think of it like a little row of metal chairs. The seats face the sky, and the legs go into the track.

If you put them in upside down, the stapler will basically shrug and refuse to work. No harm done—just flip them over.

The Golden Rule of Staple Orientation

The flat side is the crown that gets pressed down through your paper. The sharp legs are what fold underneath.

So yes, flat side up is your new mantra. Say it out loud if you want. We won’t judge.

Step 4: Close It Up and Listen for the Click

Push the magazine back down until it clicks or sits flush. Then close the top cover.

You should feel a gentle resistance, not a fight. If something is blocking it, open it back up and check the staple strip.

A properly closed Swingline looks like it did before you started—only now it’s armed and ready.

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Step 5: Test It on Something Innocent

Grab a scrap piece of paper. Not your tax return, not your wedding invitation. Something you don’t care about.

Press down firmly and smoothly. You want one clean chunk, not a crunch, grind, or sad little click.

If it staples, congrats! You have officially reloaded a Swingline stapler like a pro.

If It Jams, Don’t Panic

Jams happen. Open the stapler and look for a bent staple stuck in the channel or near the anvil.

Use a pen, tweezers, or your fingers to remove it. Never use a screwdriver to pry at the mechanism while forcing the handle—that’s how staplers get revenge.

Once cleared, reload if needed and test again. Most jams are just a staple that tried to do a backflip.

A Quick Word on Different Swingline Models

Electric Swingline staplers often have a front-loading tray or a removable magazine. The idea is the same: flat side up, legs down.

Compact staplers might only take half strips, so don’t cram in a full strip and expect a miracle.

When in doubt, check the model number and look up its manual. It’s boring but faster than guessing.

Conclusion: You Are Now a Stapler Whisperer

See? That wasn’t so bad. You opened it, loaded it, closed it, and heard that beautiful little chunk.

Now your Swingline is back in business, and your papers are about to be organized like they actually have their lives together. Go forth and staple with confidence.

And if you ever forget the steps, just remember: flat side up, legs down, gentle click, happy stapler. You’ve got this.