Stapler of the Week Archive- ACCO 131 Frankenstapler

ACCO 131 steel, plastic

This stapler is one example of why I love my job.  On occasion, staplers get broken and they come to the workroom to be mended by the "Fiddler."  Usually it's only a staple jam or a slight adjustment, but sometimes greater measures are required as evident in the repairs needed by this patient.  Apparently, plastic was not the best design choice for the handle of a heavy duty stapler.  Maybe someone tried to staple one too many sheets of paper but in any case, this stapler was very close to making a trip to the dumpster.  With the addition of two mending plates, some machine screws, a bit of paint and some thumb tacks, this ACCO 131 was reborn as Frankenstapler.  There's no telling what's next in Frankenstapler's future, it's already mended the sandal of one research assistant.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, May 28, 2010.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Nalclip Clip Niceler

Nalclip Clip Niceler plastic Nalclips steel black finish

Nalclip Clip Niceler box printed cardboard

My father in-law finds some very interesting things in his travels.  Although the clip niceler is not a stapler, it holds your paper together with metal nalclips which are similar to binder clips minus the arms for removal.  The nalclip is known by many aliases such as the Gachuck, Clam Clip, Paper Clamp, Supaclip, Super Clip, Magic Clipper or the Paper Shark.  As many names as there are for the nalclip, each uses the basic principle of a c-shaped steel clip that produces a pinch-point to hold the paper.  In operating the clip niceler, the nalclip slides over a pair of wedges on each side and opens allowing the paper to enter in and finally pinches as the nalclip exits the clip niceler.

The nalclip is pretty amazing in the fact that it causes little damage to the paper and is entirely reusable.  It does leave something to be desired in the operational experience.  The act of repeatedly applying nalclips feels a bit unnatural and would surely lead to carpal tunnel problems.  But I suppose it all comes down to personal preference.  I myself would choose the plunger-style buzzers of the Price is Right over the thumb-button trigger of the Jeopardy anyday.

nalclips advertisement

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, May 17, 2010.