The 10 Best Hammer Tackers
This wiki has been updated 29 times since it was first published in March of 2017. If your job or hobby requires a significant amount of stapling into materials, investing in a hammer tacker will save you an enormous amount of time and frustration. You swing these tools just like a regular hammer, and they drive a fastener into whatever surface you're striking. Not only is this method quicker than using a handheld staple gun, it's easier on your hands and wrists. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Bostitch PC2K
2. Rapid R11
3. Arrow HT65
Editor's Notes
August 30, 2019:
Upon review, it was clear that two items on the list did not meet quality standards, leading us to eliminate them from the rankings. Users of the Stanley PHT150C complain that the awkward angle of the handle leads to scraped knuckles. The spring loader for the staples also tends to eject when it’s not supposed to, leading to a mess of staples on the ground. In addition to reports of poor durability and frequent jamming, the Duo-Fast HT550 also led to issues with injured knuckles. We removed them both.
Of the new additions, the DeWalt Carbon Fiber is the lightest in weight, making it a logical choice for those who work long hours on light-duty applications. However, some have complained that its staple tray can pop open at times during operation. The Senco A11 is also ideal for moderate tasks, like putting up insulation or roof paper.
We also made sure to include some heavy-duty options, which is where the Milwaukee 48-22-20120 and Arrow HT65 come into play. The Milwaukee model offers a nifty feature in its built-in staple puller, which allows you to save space by leaving your dedicated staple puller at home. The Arrow model is a true workhorse — it’s made with durable steel, and it rarely gets jammed, even when you’re plunging fasteners into super-tough materials.
Special Honors
Traxx PadPro The galvanized finish on these three PadPro models helps ensure that working in moisture-rich areas won’t lead to rust or corrosion. They’re built to drive fasteners deep into subfloors, with a straightforward bottom-loading mechanism for quick replenishing of staples. traxxcorp.com
4. Milwaukee 48-22-1020
5. Tacwise A54
6. Senco A11
7. Arrow HT50P
8. DeWalt Carbon Fiber
9. Rapid R19
10. Bostitch H30-8
In addition to his corporate career as a marketing and communications professional in Chicago, Sam runs a popular blog that focuses on the city’s flourishing craft beer and brewery scene. He received his degree in journalism from DePaul University (which spurred his interest in freelance writing) and has since spent years developing expertise in copywriting, digital marketing and public relations. A lifetime of fishing, hiking and camping trips has left him well-versed in just about any outdoors-related topic, and over several years spent working in the trades during his youth, he accumulated a wealth of knowledge about tools and machinery. He’s a travel junkie, a health and fitness enthusiast, and an avid biker.