# Desk & Paper Tools Ask which tool, then how big the job is. Staplers are rated in sheets; the staple leg sets the range, and heavy-duty models have a floor. A punch must match the binder: 2 or 4 holes 80 mm apart in most countries, 3 holes 4 1/4 in apart in the US and Canada. Sharpeners split by blade, crank or motor. ## How it works Staplers, punches and sharpeners use a lever or cutter on paper or wood. A stapler drives a wire staple through the stack onto an anvil that folds the legs. The leg must pass through the stack and still fold, so the leg, wire and mechanism set the range: brands rate 1/4 in (6 mm) legs at 25 to 40 sheets, and heavy-duty legs reach 240. A hole punch pushes a hard metal cylinder through the sheets into a matching die; a longer handle multiplies force for bigger stacks, and the heads' spacing must match the binder rings. A pencil sharpener shaves the wood and lead into a cone, either with a fixed blade you turn the pencil against, with helical cutters spun by a crank, or with a motor. A tape dispenser holds a roll on a hub sized to the roll's core and cuts it on a fixed blade. [7] [6] [4] [8] [14] [11] [24] [35] [27] [40] [33] | Family | What it is | Suits | |---|---|---| | Staplers | Drive and fold a staple; rated in sheets and tied to a staple size. Plier staplers squeeze from both sides with no base. | Joining pages: mini for bags, desk for daily use, heavy-duty for reports, plier for bags and packaging. | | Hole punches | Cut holes with punch heads into a die; rated in sheets and by hole pattern. | Filing in ring binders. | | Pencil sharpeners | Shave a point with a blade, a cranked helical cutter, or a motor. | Pocket, desk or classroom use. | | Tape dispensers | Hold a tape roll on a fixed hub and cut it one-handed. | Desk taping with 1 in core rolls, or 3 in core rolls from 1 in to 2 in wide or more. | ## How an expert narrows the choice ```mermaid timeline section 1 · Tool stapler : ask Stack size, Staple size, Flat clinch, Power, Reduced effort : skip Hole pattern, Adjustable heads, Sharpener type, Pencil sizes, Point style, Auto-stop, Replaceable blade, Safety interlock, Tape core, Maximum tape width hole punch : ask Hole pattern, Sheet capacity, Adjustable heads, Power, Reduced effort : skip Stack size, Staple size, Smallest stack, Strip size, Flat clinch, Sharpener type, Pencil sizes, Point style, Auto-stop, Replaceable blade, Safety interlock, Tape core, Maximum tape width pencil sharpener : ask Sharpener type, Pencil sizes, Point style : skip Stack size, Staple size, Smallest stack, Strip size, Flat clinch, Sheet capacity, Reduced effort, Hole pattern, Adjustable heads, Tape core, Maximum tape width tape dispenser : ask Tape core, Maximum tape width : skip Stack size, Staple size, Smallest stack, Strip size, Flat clinch, Sheet capacity, Reduced effort, Hole pattern, Adjustable heads, Sharpener type, Pencil sizes, Point style, Auto-stop, Replaceable blade, Safety interlock other desk tool : skip Stack size, Staple size, Smallest stack, Strip size, Flat clinch, Sheet capacity, Reduced effort, Hole pattern, Adjustable heads, Sharpener type, Pencil sizes, Point style, Auto-stop, Replaceable blade, Safety interlock, Tape core, Maximum tape width section 2 · Stack size up to 30 sheets : skip Smallest stack 31 to 60 sheets / over 60 sheets : ask Smallest stack, Staple size section 3 · Hole pattern 1 hole : skip Adjustable heads adjustable : ask Adjustable heads section 4 · Sharpener type handheld blade : ask Point style, Replaceable blade, Pencil sizes : skip Auto-stop, Power, Safety interlock hand crank : ask Auto-stop, Pencil sizes, Point style, Replaceable blade : skip Power, Safety interlock electric : ask Power, Auto-stop, Pencil sizes, Safety interlock, Replaceable blade ``` 1. **Tool.** Stapler, hole punch, pencil sharpener or tape dispenser? The leaf holds four unrelated tools. Each answer removes the other three tools and every facet that belongs to them. If stapler: ask Stack size, Staple size, Flat clinch, Power, Reduced effort; skip Hole pattern, Adjustable heads, Sharpener type, Pencil sizes, Point style, Auto-stop, Replaceable blade, Safety interlock, Tape core, Maximum tape width. If hole punch: ask Hole pattern, Sheet capacity, Adjustable heads, Power, Reduced effort; skip Stack size, Staple size, Smallest stack, Strip size, Flat clinch, Sharpener type, Pencil sizes, Point style, Auto-stop, Replaceable blade, Safety interlock, Tape core, Maximum tape width. If pencil sharpener: ask Sharpener type, Pencil sizes, Point style; skip Stack size, Staple size, Smallest stack, Strip size, Flat clinch, Sheet capacity, Reduced effort, Hole pattern, Adjustable heads, Tape core, Maximum tape width. If tape dispenser: ask Tape core, Maximum tape width; skip Stack size, Staple size, Smallest stack, Strip size, Flat clinch, Sheet capacity, Reduced effort, Hole pattern, Adjustable heads, Sharpener type, Pencil sizes, Point style, Auto-stop, Replaceable blade, Safety interlock. If other desk tool: skip Stack size, Staple size, Smallest stack, Strip size, Flat clinch, Sheet capacity, Reduced effort, Hole pattern, Adjustable heads, Sharpener type, Pencil sizes, Point style, Auto-stop, Replaceable blade, Safety interlock, Tape core, Maximum tape width. Skip if already known: a query naming the tool, an earlier answer naming the tool. 2. **Stack size.** Usual stack to staple: up to 30, 31 to 60, or more? Once the tool is a stapler, the usual stack picks the class: desk, high-capacity or heavy-duty. Ask the usual stack, not the largest, because heavy-duty staplers cannot clinch thin sets. If up to 30 sheets: skip Smallest stack. If 31 to 60 sheets or over 60 sheets: ask Smallest stack, Staple size. Skip if already known: a query giving a sheet count, a query saying mini. 3. **Hole pattern.** Single hole, or for a 2-, 3-, 4- or 6-ring binder? A punch that misses the binder's pattern is useless. The pattern follows country and paper size: ISO 838 2-hole and 888 4-hole in most countries, 3-hole in the US and Canada. If 1 hole: skip Adjustable heads. If adjustable: ask Adjustable heads. Skip if already known: a query naming a hole count, the user's country: 3-hole in the US and Canada, 2- or 4-hole 80 mm in most others. 4. **Sharpener type.** Pocket blade, desk crank, or electric? The family sets price, portability, point quality and whether auto-stop, power and safety interlocks apply at all. If handheld blade: ask Point style, Replaceable blade, Pencil sizes; skip Auto-stop, Power, Safety interlock. If hand crank: ask Auto-stop, Pencil sizes, Point style, Replaceable blade; skip Power, Safety interlock. If electric: ask Power, Auto-stop, Pencil sizes, Safety interlock, Replaceable blade. Skip if already known: a query saying electric, battery, crank or manual. ## What to surface ### Tool Which desk tool this is: a stapler, a hole punch, a pencil sharpener, a tape dispenser, or a smaller tool such as a staple remover or letter opener. The leaf bundles four tools that share no mechanism, so nothing else can be asked until this is known. Staplers are rated in sheets and staple size, punches in sheets and hole pattern, sharpeners by cutter and power, tape dispensers by core and width. Staple removers, letter openers and organisers have no expert specs. [35] [37] [7] [4] [40] [41] [42] Values: stapler, hole punch, pencil sharpener, tape dispenser, other desk tool. Question to ask: Stapler, hole punch, pencil sharpener or tape dispenser? Used as: top-level split, filter. Data: derived from listing fields, backfill cost low. Look for it as: Product title and the retailer category (Quill: Stapler Type, Pencil Sharpener Type). Classify from the title; plier staplers are staplers. Exclude staple guns and hammer tackers (hardware), leather, centre and gasket punches (tools), and handheld packing-tape guns, which no sibling register covers yet. Anything else maps to other desk tool. ### Stack size The stack of ordinary office paper the buyer usually staples in one go, in three bands this register sets. It decides the class of stapler. Brands rate standard 1/4 in (6 mm) staples at 25 to 40 sheets; longer legs take over above that, and heavy-duty models have a floor (one Max model starts at 50). The 30 and 60 edges are ours, not a brand's: Swingline's 747 stops at 30 and its 3/8 in staple at 60. Retail titles say heavy duty from 30 sheets. [11] [14] [15] [24] [25] [35] [27] [39] Values: up to 30 sheets, 31 to 60 sheets, over 60 sheets. Question to ask: Usual stack to staple: up to 30, 31 to 60, or more? Used as: top-level split, filter. Data: derived from listing fields, backfill cost low. Look for it as: The buyer's answer, matched against sheet_capacity, which is in the title and spec table. Not a product field. Keep staplers whose rated capacity reaches the buyer's stack, or the band's top (30 or 60) when only the band is known; for over 60, ask the number. Then check min_sheets against the thinnest stack. Chart: Staple leg length against sheet range. ### Hole pattern How many holes the punch makes and at what spacing, which must match the rings of the binder; single-hole punches make one. It is the one punch spec that cannot be fixed later, and the ring count is not the whole pattern. Most countries use 2 holes 80 mm apart (ISO 838) or 4-hole 888; the US and Canada use 3 holes 4 1/4 in apart. But 3 rings can be half-letter (2 3/4 in), 2 rings the US filebinder (5 1/2 in), 4 rings US legal (3 1/2 in) or Swedish (21, 70, 21 mm), and planners use 6. [1] [4] [5] [22] [26] [21] [41] Values: 1 hole, 2 holes, 3 holes, 4 holes, 6 holes, adjustable. Question to ask: Single hole, or for a 2-, 3-, 4- or 6-ring binder? Used as: top-level split, filter. Data: on the listing, backfill cost low. Look for it as: Title ("3-Hole Punch", "2-7 Holes", "Single Hole"); Quill "Number of Holes"; Leitz "Hole Quantity" and "Hole Distance"; Swingline centres ("4 1/4"", "8 1/2" Centers"). Store the spacing raw beside the count. A 3-ring answer means 4 1/4 in unless the binder is half-letter; a 4-ring answer in an ISO country usually means 888, which a 2-hole punch with an 888 guide mark also makes, and in Sweden 21/70/21 mm. An answer naming more than one binder maps to adjustable. Chart: Hole pattern drawing. ### Sharpener type How the sharpener cuts: a fixed blade you turn the pencil against, a hand-cranked helical cutter, or a motor. It decides almost everything else. Pocket blade sharpeners have no moving parts, are cheap and portable, and break points when the guide hole fits loosely. Crank sharpeners spin helical cutters for a cleaner point and often stop by themselves. Electric ones are fastest and add a motor and a power source. The edges blur: a few blade sharpeners are cranked. [8] [30] [29] [31] Values: handheld blade, hand crank, electric. Question to ask: Pocket blade, desk crank, or electric? Used as: top-level split, filter. Data: on the listing, backfill cost low. Look for it as: Title and Quill "Pencil Sharpener Type" (Manual, Electric). Crank models say "manual" plus "crank" in the title. Title keyword: crank, electric, battery, or none for blade sharpeners. Pocket blade maps to handheld blade, desk crank to hand crank. ### Power Whether the tool is worked by hand, by batteries, by a plug-in adapter, by either of those, or by a built-in battery charged over USB. Electric staplers and punches suit many sets in a row, and electric sharpeners suit classrooms. Battery models go anywhere, but some refuse rechargeable cells (Swingline Optima 20); many sharpeners now charge over USB; plug-in models need a socket. Manual tools cover most home and desk use. [12] [8] [35] [20] [43] [32] [39] Values: manual, battery, plug-in, battery or plug-in, USB or rechargeable. Question to ask: Plug in, batteries, rechargeable, or no power? Used as: filter. Data: on the listing, backfill cost low. Look for it as: Quill "Electric or Manual" and "Pencil Sharpener Type"; titles say "Battery or AC Powered", "Rechargeable", "USB-C", "Cordless". Title and spec table. "AC adapter included" means battery or plug-in; USB, rechargeable or cordless means USB or rechargeable. ### Tape core The diameter of the cardboard core of the tape roll the dispenser holds: 1 in, 3 in, or a hub that takes both. It decides which refills fit. Most small desk dispensers take 1 in core rolls; heavy-duty desk models take 3 in cores, and some take both. The core does not set the width: 3 in core dispensers run from 1 in (Scotch C25) to 2 in or wider (Excell). [33] [34] [42] Values: 1 in core, 3 in core, 1 in and 3 in. Question to ask: Small desk rolls (1 in core), big ones (3 in), or both? Used as: filter. Data: on the listing, backfill cost low. Look for it as: Quill "Core Size (Inches)"; titles say "1\" Core", "3 in. core" or "Fits 1\" & 3\" Core". Spec table or title. Small desk dispensers with no core stated are 1 in. ### Sheet capacity The most sheets of office paper the tool staples or punches at once, as the brand rates it. It is the number every listing leads with. Desk staplers sit at 20 to 40 sheets and heavy-duty ones top out at 210 (Swingline) to 240 (Max); desktop punches take 10 to 30 and heavy-duty punches 24 to 300. US brands rate on 20 lb paper and European brands on 80 gsm; both sheets are about 0.1 mm thick, so the counts compare. [11] [35] [39] [18] [27] [20] [21] [26] [41] [24] [10] Range: Desk staplers 20 to 40; heavy-duty staplers up to 210 to 240; desktop punches 10 to 30; heavy-duty punches 24 to 300. Question to ask: Most sheets you'll punch at once? Used as: filter, sortable, shown on the card. Data: on the listing, backfill cost low. Look for it as: Title ("40 Sheet Capacity") and spec table: Swingline "Sheet Capacity (20 lb paper)", Leitz "3mm/30 sheets (80 gsm paper)", Quill "Capacity (Number of pages)". Brand pages carry it for every model. It varies between size variants of one listing, so store it per variant. Chart: Staple leg length against sheet range. ### Reduced effort Whether the stapler or punch uses a spring or longer lever so it takes less hand force than a standard one. Low-force models are built for people who staple or punch all day, or for weak or sore hands. Brands sell them as named ranges (Swingline Optima, LightTouch and SmartTouch, Bostitch InPower and EZ Squeeze) and each claims its own percentage with no common test, so treat it as a yes or no. [7] [13] [23] [41] [36] Question to ask: Using it all day, so an easier squeeze matters? Used as: filter, shown on the card. Data: on the listing, backfill cost low. Look for it as: Title words "Reduced Effort", "Low Force", "LightTouch", "EZ Squeeze"; Quill field "Reduced-Effort". Title keyword or brand range name. ### Pencil sizes Which pencil diameters the sharpener's guide hole takes: standard only, standard plus a large hole, or a dial of several sizes. A guide hole that fits loosely makes the pencil wobble and snaps the point; one too small will not take the pencil. Jumbo beginner pencils need a large hole, which some brands sell as a separate model. Multi-size dials fit nearly every pencil. [8] [9] [29] [31] [37] [43] [32] Values: standard only, standard and large, multi-size dial. Question to ask: Standard pencils only, or jumbo ones too? Used as: filter. Data: on the listing, backfill cost low. Look for it as: Quill "Pencil Sharpener Selector Dial" ("1 Hole"); titles say "dual hole", "Standard & Jumbo" or a diameter range ("6.5-8mm", "7-11.5mm"). Spec table or title. One hole with no size means standard only. A diameter range topping out at 8 mm or less is standard only (a #2 pencil is about 7 mm); one reaching 11.5 mm or more, which listings call jumbo, is standard and large. ### Auto-stop Whether a crank or electric sharpener stops cutting by itself once the point is formed. Without it a crank or motor keeps eating the pencil and can snap a long lead. Classroom sharpeners sell it as the cure for over-sharpening. It is on many but not all electric models, so it is worth filtering on. [8] [29] [30] [37] [38] Question to ask: Should it stop by itself at a sharp point? Used as: filter. Data: on the listing, backfill cost low. Look for it as: Quill "Pencil Sharpener Auto-Shut Off Feature"; bullets say "automatic stop" or "auto-stop". Spec table or bullets. Not applicable to handheld blade sharpeners. ### Smallest stack The fewest sheets a stapler clinches neatly with the staples it is loaded with. Heavy-duty staplers have a floor as well as a ceiling, because a long staple leg cannot fold flat through a thin stack. Max rates one model at 50 to 240 sheets; Leitz ships four cassettes so one stapler covers 2 to 80 sheets. A 200-sheet stapler bought for 10-page reports is the classic mistake. [27] [25] [28] [40] Question to ask: Thinnest stack you'll staple with it? Used as: shown on the card. Data: needs research, backfill cost medium. Look for it as: Some titles carry the range ("2-200 Sheets", "20 to 175 Sheets"); brand pages give it as a range or per staple size. Read the title first, then the brand page, for staplers above 30 sheets. Record 2 for desk staplers on 1/4 in staples (Leitz K6 2–25, Max HD-50F 2–24). Chart: Staple leg length against sheet range. ### Strip size How many staples one load holds: a full strip of 210, a half strip of 105, or a mini load. A full-strip stapler is the long desk body and reloads half as often; a half strip makes it shorter and lighter for a bag or a small desk. The body length follows from this, so a photo usually shows it. [6] [11] [28] [35] Values: full strip, half strip, mini. Used as: shown on the card. Data: on the listing, backfill cost low. Look for it as: Swingline "Stapler Size: Full Strip"; Quill "Stapler Strip Size"; Max "Half Strip Stapler" in the title. From the spec table or the staple capacity (210 or 105). ### Flat clinch Whether the stapler presses the staple legs flat against the back of the paper instead of curling them. Flat-clinched stacks lie flatter, so binders and files hold more, and the folded legs do not catch fingers or clothing. Max claims up to 25% less filing space and Leitz up to 30%; nobody independent has measured it. It matters for people who file a lot. [7] [28] [24] Values: standard, flat clinch. Question to ask: Staples that lie flat for filing, or standard? Used as: filter, shown on the card. Data: on the listing, backfill cost low. Look for it as: In the title: "Flat Clinch" (Max, Leitz, Swingline). Title keyword "Flat Clinch". Absent means standard. Bostitch's "Dual Clinch" is not flat clinch. ### Point style The shape of point the sharpener makes: a standard cone, a long thin point, or a point you choose with a dial. Writers and artists who sharpen often care more about the point than the speed. Long-point sharpeners expose more lead; two-step models cut the wood and then the lead; crank sharpeners with a dial go from long and sharp to short and blunt. Electric titles state it too ("Long Point", "3 Sharpness Settings"); absent means standard. [30] [8] [43] Values: standard, long point, adjustable. Question to ask: Long fine point, or short sturdy point? Used as: filter, shown on the card. Data: on the listing, backfill cost low. Look for it as: Title words "long point", "adjustable point" or "sharpness settings", on enthusiast and electric sharpeners alike. Title keyword, then the brand page. Absent means standard. ### Maximum tape width The widest tape roll the dispenser accepts. It does not follow the core. 1 in core desk dispensers take tape up to 3/4 in wide, but 3 in core models run from 1 in (Scotch C25) to 2 in (Excell) or more, for book, mending or carton tape. Check it whenever the tape is wider than 3/4 in. [33] [34] [42] Range: 3/4 in on most 1 in core dispensers; 1 to 2 in or more on 3 in core models. Question to ask: Standard 3/4 in tape, or wider? Used as: filter, shown on the card. Data: on the listing, backfill cost low. Look for it as: Quill "Maximum Tape Width in Inches"; Scotch bullets "up to 3/4 inch wide"; titles "2 in. Wide". Spec table, bullets or title. Do not infer it from the core. ### Staple size The staple the stapler takes, written as wire gauge over leg length in mm (26/6, 24/6), or a named size such as No. 10 or a brand cartridge. It is the refill match and the capacity limit at once. 26/6 and 24/6 are the desk sizes, 24/8 and 3/8 in legs reach further, 23-gauge heavy-duty staples run to 24 mm legs, and mini staplers take No. 10. Staples from one brand may not fit another, and some electric staplers take a brand cartridge. [6] [11] [14] [36] [24] [19] [40] Values: 26/6 (US standard 1/4 in), 24/6, 24/8 or 3/8 in, No. 10 (mini), heavy-duty 23-gauge, brand cartridge. Used as: filter, shown on the card. Data: on the listing, backfill cost low. Look for it as: Spec table: Quill "Staple Size 26/6" and "Staple Leg Length (mm)"; Swingline "Staple Compatibility" and "Staple Leg Length"; Leitz "For ... 24/6 and 26/6". Rare in titles. Read the spec table on the brand page or Quill; fewer than 1 in 10 Amazon search titles state it. Where only leg length is given, 1/4 in with a 1/2 in crown is the US standard staple. Chart: Staple leg length against sheet range. ### Adjustable heads Whether the punch heads are fixed, can click into a few marked positions, or slide freely along a rail. Adjustable heads let one punch serve 2-, 3- and 4-ring binders and odd paper sizes, but each head is set by hand. Fixed heads always hit the pattern; Swingline's 300-sheet punch uses them. A 2-hole punch with an 888 mark on its guide makes 4-hole paper in two passes. [4] [22] [20] [21] [26] Values: fixed, semi-adjustable, fully adjustable. Used as: filter, shown on the card. Data: on the listing, backfill cost low. Look for it as: Swingline "Centers: None / Fully Adjustable" and "Semi-adjustable" in bullets; title "Adjustable Centers". Title and bullets. Absent means fixed. ### Replaceable blade Whether the blade or cutter can be bought and swapped, rather than the whole sharpener thrown away. A dull blade is the usual cause of broken leads, so a sharpener that takes new blades or cutters keeps working for years. Blackwing sells blades for its handheld models, Classroom Friendly sells crank cutters, and some electrics take a replaceable cutter (AFMAT, Bostitch SuperPro). Most cheap sharpeners do not. [30] [29] [32] [43] Used as: shown on the card. Data: needs research, backfill cost medium. Look for it as: Title words "Replaceable Blade", "Replaceable Cutter" or "Spare Blade"; brand parts pages. Title keyword first, then the brand's parts page for the top-ranked sharpeners only; record unknown elsewhere. ### Safety interlock Whether an electric sharpener's motor stops when the shavings bin is removed, so fingers cannot reach a moving cutter. It keeps fingers away from a spinning cutter, which matters with children; X-ACTO names it SafeStart. It does not address the hazards behind US sharpener recalls: shock from a Bostitch electric (2015) and an exposed blade on a novelty jumbo pencil (2005). For electrical safety look for a mark such as UL Listed or GS; we did not read which standard applies. [31] [2] [3] [43] [25] Used as: filter, shown on the card. Data: needs research, backfill cost medium. Look for it as: Brand pages and bullets ("motor stops when the shavings bin is removed"). Electric sharpeners only. Backfill for the top-ranked models from brand pages. ## Numbers worth computing | Metric | Formula | Why | |---|---|---| | Staple leg for this stack (mm or in) | `smallest staple leg in the stapler's own table whose rated sheet range contains the stack size` | Buyers of heavy-duty staplers need the refill, not just the stapler. Brands publish leg-to-sheet tables (Swingline 1/4 in 25 to 15/16 in 210; Leitz 6 mm 2–25 to 12 mm 56–80), and the right leg is the one whose range holds the stack. [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [25] [27] | | Staple cost per 1,000 (currency per 1,000 staples) | `refill_price / staples_per_refill * 1000` | The stapler is bought once and the staples for years. Cartridge staplers lock the buyer to one brand's refill, so their running cost can differ from loose strips. [19] [6] | ## What you give up - Push capacity up and the staple leg grows, so the stapler stops clinching small stacks: one Max model starts at 50 sheets. Buy for the stacks you staple most, or a cassette model that changes staple size. [27] [25] Board branch: "See staplers for everyday stacks". - Adjustable heads fit 2-, 3- and 4-ring binders, but each head is set by hand and held by a screw or detent. Fixed heads always hit the pattern, and Swingline's 100- and 300-sheet punches use them. [4] [21] Board branch: "See fixed-pattern punches". - A cartridge stapler swaps thousands of staples in one step, but it takes one brand's cartridge, and staples from one brand may not fit another. [19] [6] Board branch: "See staplers that take standard strips". ## How to draw it **Staple leg length against sheet range** (range, shows Staple size, Sheet capacity, Smallest stack, Stack size). One bar per staple leg length on a sheet-count axis shows at a glance which staples a stack needs and that heavy-duty legs have a floor. Used today by Max and Leitz publish this table for their heavy-duty staplers; Swingline lists sheet capacity per leg length on each staple box.. [27] [25] [14] [18] **Hole pattern drawing** (other, shows Hole pattern). Holes drawn to scale on a sheet edge, with the binder's rings beside them, settle the match faster than spacing numbers. Used today by ISO 838 defines the pattern with a dimensioned drawing; Wikipedia's hole punch article keeps a spacing chart.. [1] [4] ## Words you will meet - **Sheet capacity**. The most sheets of ordinary office paper a stapler or punch handles at once. - **20 lb paper**. The usual US copy paper, about 75 grams per square metre and about 0.1 mm thick. - **gsm**. Grams per square metre, the weight of paper; office paper is usually 80. - **Staple leg**. Each of the two points of a staple that pass through the paper; its length sets how thick a stack it can join. - **26/6**. A staple size: 26-gauge wire with 6 mm legs, the common desk staple. - **Full strip**. A stick of 210 joined staples that fills a full-size stapler; a half strip holds 105. - **Anvil**. The metal plate under the paper that folds the staple legs. - **Flat clinch**. A stapler that folds the staple legs flat against the paper so stacks lie flatter. - **Plier stapler**. A stapler squeezed like pliers, with no base, used for bags, packaging and notices. - **ISO 838**. The international standard for filing holes: two 6 mm holes 80 mm apart. - **888**. The four-hole pattern used with A4 binders: four holes, each 80 mm from the next. - **Punch head**. The steel cylinder in a hole punch that cuts one hole. - **Helical cutter**. A spiral-edged cylinder that a crank or motor spins around the pencil to shave a point. - **Prism sharpener**. A small block with one fixed blade that you turn the pencil inside. - **Guide hole**. The opening that holds the pencil straight while it is sharpened. - **Tape core**. The cardboard tube at the centre of a tape roll. ## Where we made a call - Hole pattern is the punch spec to match first, because no other feature rescues a punch that misses the binder's rings. (confidence high). Ours, from ISO 838, the US de facto 4 1/4 in pattern and brands that sell punches by hole count. ISO 838 itself excludes loose-leaf binders; the binder use of 80 mm rests on Wikipedia and Leitz. [1] [4] [5] [22] [26] - Heavy-duty staplers have a minimum stack, so buyers should size them to their usual stack, not their largest. (confidence high). Max states 50 to 240 sheets for one model; Leitz needs four cassettes to cover 2 to 80 sheets. [27] [25] - US sheet counts on 20 lb paper and European counts on 80 gsm compare directly. (confidence medium). Ours. 20 lb bond is about 75 gsm and 97 to 114 microns thick; Leitz rates 30 sheets of 80 gsm as 3 mm, 100 microns a sheet. [10] [11] [24] - Rated stapler capacity and guarantees assume the brand's own staples, so other brands' staples are untested in that stapler. (confidence medium). Swingline rates the 747 at 30 sheets with its premium staples; Leitz ties its guarantee to Leitz staples; Wikipedia says staples may not fit across brands. [11] [24] [25] [6] - Flat clinch saves filing space, but the 25 to 30 percent figures are brand claims nobody independent has tested. (confidence medium). Sources disagree. Max says up to 25%, Leitz up to 30%. We give the range and attribute it. [28] [24] [7] - A bin interlock keeps children's fingers off a spinning cutter, but it does not prevent the shock and blade hazards behind US sharpener recalls. (confidence medium). Ours. The 2015 Bostitch recall was for shock; the 2005 recall was a novelty jumbo pencil's handheld sharpener with an exposed blade. Retail titles show UL Listed and Leitz shows GS; we did not verify which standard applies. [31] [2] [3] [43] [25] - Tape width does not follow the core: 1 in core dispensers take up to 3/4 in, 3 in core models 1 to 2 in. (confidence medium). Scotch C38 and other 1 in core models on Quill give 0.75 in; Scotch C25 gives 1 in on a 3 in core and Excell 2 in. Retail listings only; nobody independent has surveyed it. [33] [34] [42] ## References 1. [ISO 838:1974 Paper — Holes for general filing purposes — Specifications (preview)](https://cdn.standards.iteh.ai/samples/5207/c7c11e2022304b368909f866a90a5c7b/ISO-838-1974.pdf) (standards body). Supports: Two holes 80 mm apart, 6 mm diameter, 12 mm from the edge; Does not apply to loose-leaf binders, by its own field of application; The US disapproved; Sweden disapproved, then approved; Canada disapproved the conversion. 2. [US CPSC recall 16041, Bostitch electric pencil sharpeners (saferproducts.gov API)](https://www.saferproducts.gov/RestWebServices/Recall?format=json&RecallNumber=16041) (regulator). Supports: Bostitch electric sharpeners recalled in 2015 for shock hazard. 3. [US CPSC recall 06009, Target jumbo pencils with sharpeners (saferproducts.gov API)](https://www.saferproducts.gov/RestWebServices/Recall?format=json&RecallNumber=06009) (regulator). Supports: Novelty jumbo pencil's handheld sharpener recalled in 2005 for an exposed blade. 4. [Hole punch (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hole_punch) (primer). Supports: ISO 838 two-hole and 888 four-hole are the norm in much of the world; US three-hole centres 4 1/4 in (108 mm); half-letter 2 3/4 in; US filebinder two holes 5 1/2 in; legal four holes 3 1/2 in; Swedish four holes 21, 70 and 21 mm apart; Punch heads may be adjustable along a rail; lever, head and die. 5. [Ring binder (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_binder) (primer). Supports: Canada and the US mostly use three rings 4 1/4 in apart; Four-hole version uses 80 mm gaps and has no ISO standard; Personal organisers use six- or seven-hole systems. 6. [Staple (fastener) (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staple_(fastener)) (primer). Supports: X/Y means wire gauge over leg length in mm; Common desk and heavy-duty staple sizes; No. 10 for minis; Full strips hold 210 staples; Staples from one brand may not fit another. 7. [Stapler (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stapler) (primer). Supports: Anvil folds the legs; permanent and temporary settings; Flat clinch stacks flatter and saves filing space; Less-effort staplers use different leverage; Four-way staplers also work as pliers for bags. 8. [Pencil sharpener (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pencil_sharpener) (primer). Supports: Prism sharpeners have no moving parts; a few are hand-cranked; Loose guide hole causes point breakage; Crank sharpeners spin helical cutters; dials take several sizes; Electric models run on batteries or mains; auto-stop. 9. [Pencil (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pencil) (primer). Supports: A standard #2 pencil is about 7 mm across. 10. [Grammage (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grammage) (primer). Supports: 20 lb basis is a ream of 500 sheets of 17 by 22 in; 20 lb bond is about 97 to 114 microns thick. 11. [Swingline 747 Classic stapler spec page](https://www.swingline.com/p/staplers/desktop-staplers/full-size-staplers/747-classic-staplers/) (spec sheet). Supports: 30 sheets on 1/4 in staples, rated with Swingline premium staples; Full strip of 210 staples; capacity on 20 lb paper. 12. [Swingline Optima 20 electric stapler spec page](https://www.swingline.com/p/staplers/electric-staplers/optima-20-electric-stapler-20-sheets-silver-s7048208c/) (spec sheet). Supports: Runs on 6 AA batteries or an AC adapter; not rechargeable batteries. 13. [Swingline Optima 25 reduced-effort stapler spec page](https://www.swingline.com/p/staplers/desktop-staplers/full-size-staplers/optima-25-reduced-effort-staplers/) (spec sheet). Supports: Reduced-effort stapler sold by range name, claiming half the force. 14. [Swingline Premium Heavy Duty Staples, 1/4 in leg](https://www.swingline.com/p/staplers/stapling-accessories/premium-heavy-duty-staples/) (spec sheet). Supports: 1/4 in leg rated 25 sheets of 20 lb paper. 15. [Swingline Premium Heavy Duty Staples, 3/8 in leg](https://www.swingline.com/p/staplers/stapling-accessories/premium-heavy-duty-staples-3-8-inch-100-per-strip-1000-per-box-s7035318e/) (spec sheet). Supports: 3/8 in leg rated 60 sheets. 16. [Swingline Premium Heavy Duty Staples, 1/2 in leg](https://www.swingline.com/p/staplers/stapling-accessories/premium-heavy-duty-staples-1-2-inch-100-per-strip-1000-per-box-s7035312e/) (spec sheet). Supports: 1/2 in leg rated 90 sheets. 17. [Swingline Premium Heavy Duty Staples, 3/4 in leg](https://www.swingline.com/p/staplers/stapling-accessories/premium-heavy-duty-staples-3-4-inch-100-per-strip-1000-per-box-s7035319p/) (spec sheet). Supports: 3/4 in leg rated 160 sheets. 18. [Swingline Premium Heavy Duty Staples, 15/16 in leg](https://www.swingline.com/p/staplers/stapling-accessories/premium-heavy-duty-staples-15-16-inch-100-per-strip-1000-per-box-s7035320p/) (spec sheet). Supports: 15/16 in leg rated 210 sheets. 19. [Swingline Standard Staple Cartridge, 5,000 staples, 1/4 in leg](https://www.swingline.com/p/staplers/stapling-accessories/standard-staple-cartridge-5000-staple-count-1-4-inch-s7050050b/) (spec sheet). Supports: Electric staplers use a 5,000-staple brand cartridge, 1/4 in legs, 30 sheets. 20. [Swingline hole punch category page](https://www.swingline.com/c/punches/) (spec sheet). Supports: Desktop punches 10 to 28 sheets; Electric punches at 20 and 28 sheets; Low-force LightTouch and SmartTouch ranges. 21. [Swingline heavy-duty and specialty punch category page](https://www.swingline.com/c/punches/heavy-duty-and-specialty-punches/) (spec sheet). Supports: Heavy-duty punches 24 to 300 sheets; 100- and 300-sheet punches have fixed centres; 1-hole punches at 5 and 20 sheets. 22. [Swingline Light Duty Punch, 2-3 holes, 7 stops](https://www.swingline.com/p/punches/manual-punches/light-duty-punch-2-3-holds-7-stops-10-sheets-a7074015k/) (spec sheet). Supports: Semi-adjustable stops at 8 1/2, 2 3/4 and 4 1/4 in. 23. [Swingline SmartTouch 3-hole punch spec page](https://www.swingline.com/p/punches/manual-punches/smarttouch-3-hole-punch-low-force-20-sheets-a7074133/) (spec sheet). Supports: Low-force punch claims 60% easier punching at 20 sheets. 24. [Leitz NeXXt Metal Flat Clinch office stapler page](https://www.leitz.com/en-gb/products/stapling--punching/desktop-staplers/leitz-nexxt-metal-flat-clinch-office-stapler/) (spec sheet). Supports: Rated 3 mm/30 sheets of 80 gsm on 24/6 and 26/6 staples; Flat clinch claimed to save up to 30% file space; 10-year guarantee tied to Leitz staples. 25. [Leitz 5551 Heavy Duty stapler page](https://www.leitz.com/en-gb/products/stapling--punching/heavy-duty-staplers/leitz-heavy-duty-stapler/) (spec sheet). Supports: Cassettes: 6 mm 2–25, 8 mm 26–40, 10 mm 41–55, 12 mm 56–80 sheets; GS safety tested; guarantee tied to Leitz staples. 26. [Leitz Cosy hole punch page](https://www.leitz.com/en-gb/products/stapling--punching/desktop-hole-punches/leitz-cosy-hole-punch/) (spec sheet). Supports: 2 holes, 80 mm apart; 888 mark on the guide bar makes four holes. 27. [MAX USA HD-12N/24 heavy-duty stapler page](https://www.maxusacorp.com/office_products/products/hd-12n-24/) (spec sheet). Supports: Heavy-duty model rated 50 to 240 sheets; Per-leg table: 1/2 in 50 to 110, 15/16 in 200 to 240. 28. [MAX USA HD-50F flat clinch stapler page](https://www.maxusacorp.com/office_products/products/hd-50f/) (spec sheet). Supports: Flat clinch claimed to cut filing space up to 25%; Half strip of 105 staples, 2 to 24 sheets. 29. [Classroom Friendly Supplies sharpener product pages](https://www.classroomfriendlysupplies.com/products.json) (spec sheet). Supports: Crank sharpener stops automatically at a formed point; Standard model and separate large-hole model; Replacement cutter blades sold. 30. [Blackwing sharpener pages and sharpener FAQ](https://blackwing602.com/pages/blackwing-sharpener-faq) (spec sheet). Supports: Long-point and two-step sharpeners; Crank sharpener with helix blade, point dial and automatic brake; Dull blades cause broken leads; replacement blades sold. 31. [X-ACTO electric pencil sharpeners](https://www.xacto.com/electric-sharpeners.html) (spec sheet). Supports: Motor stops when shavings bin is removed (SafeStart); Six-size dial fits nearly every pencil. 32. [AFMAT store product catalogue (Shopify products.json)](https://www.afmat.com/products.json) (retail listing). Supports: Electric sharpeners rated 6.5 to 12 mm called jumbo-capable; Rechargeable cordless sharpeners with replaceable blades. 33. [Quill: Scotch C38 desktop dispenser, 1 in core](https://www.quill.com/scotch-desktop-tape-dispenser-black-mmmc38bk/cbs/52275223.html) (retail listing). Supports: 1 in core dispenser takes tape up to 3/4 in wide; Spec fields Core Size and Maximum Tape Width. 34. [Quill: Scotch C25 heavy-duty dispenser, 3 in core](https://www.quill.com/scotch-tape-dispenser-beige-c25/cbs/040093.html) (retail listing). Supports: Scotch C25 (3 in core) takes tape up to 1 in wide; Scotch sells 2, 3 and 4 in book tape on 3 in cores. 35. [Quill: Bostitch B175 desktop stapler](https://www.quill.com/bostitch-desktop-stapler-40-sheet-capacity-black-b175-blk/cbs/55372467.html) (retail listing). Supports: Desktop stapler rated 40 sheets on 1/4 in standard staples; Fields: capacity, staple size, strip size, electric or manual, stapler type; Cross-sells 20-sheet desktop staplers. 36. [Quill: Bostitch InPower 1100 stapler](https://www.quill.com/bostitch-inpower-desktop-stapler-25-sheet-capacity-staples-included-black-1100/cbs/55496166.html) (retail listing). Supports: Fields: Staple Size 26/6, Staple Leg Length 6 mm, Reduced-Effort. 37. [Quill: Bostitch EPS8HD electric sharpener](https://www.quill.com/bostitch-electric-pencil-sharpener-gray-boseps8hdgry/cbs/583454.html) (retail listing). Supports: Fields: Auto-Shut Off Yes, Selector Dial 1 Hole, Pencil Sharpener Type. 38. [Quill: X-ACTO Mighty Mite electric sharpener](https://www.quill.com/X-ACTO-Mighty-Mite-Electric-Pencil-Sharpener-Grey/cbs/216751.html) (retail listing). Supports: Electric sharpener listed with Auto-Shut Off No. 39. [Amazon US search results for "stapler" (titles)](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stapler) (retail listing). Supports: Desktop staplers titled at 20 to 40 sheets; Titles call 30- to 50-sheet staplers heavy duty; Electric stapler titled battery or AC powered. 40. [Amazon US search results for "heavy duty stapler" (titles)](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=heavy+duty+stapler) (retail listing). Supports: Results mix in staple guns and plier staplers; Some titles carry a sheet range ("2-200 Sheets"); Few titles state the staple size. 41. [Amazon US search results for "hole punch" (titles)](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hole+punch) (retail listing). Supports: Single-hole, 6-hole planner, leather and centre punches in results; Desktop punches at 30 sheets; electric and EZ Squeeze reduced-effort punches. 42. [Amazon US search results for "tape dispenser" (titles)](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=tape+dispenser) (retail listing). Supports: 3 in core desk dispensers for 2 in wide tape (Excell); Dispensers that fit both 1 in and 3 in cores; Packing-tape guns in results. 43. [Amazon US search results for "electric pencil sharpener" (titles)](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=electric+pencil+sharpener) (retail listing). Supports: Titles state mm ranges, rechargeable or USB, long point, sharpness settings; UL Listed in some titles; replaceable cutter cartridge on Bostitch SuperPro.