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.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Swingline 77B

Swingline 77B (without and with base) steel and plastic chrome finish

Swingline 77B steel and plastic chrome finish

Two years ago I bought a small pink and chrome Swingline 77B stapler and had a feeling it was missing something.  I had seen other 77 models with molded plastic bases which seemed to complete the picture.  Yet, the bottom of this 77 seemed too finished to be encased in plastic.  Finally I happened upon a complete red and chrome 77B and later acquired this ivory and chrome example.   One might ask who needs a stapler separate from its base.  The most obvious answer is so that the base can be fastened to an out of the way surface and house the stapler when not in use.  As the stapler slides into the base it locks in place so this mounting surface could be on a wall or even a ceiling and the stapler would hold fast.  I mean this stapler could even be used in space.  Now there are other wall-mountable staplers out there, but the 77B is by far my favorite yet.

 

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, November 8, 2009.

Stapler of the Week Archive-Apsco 3003 & 4004

Apsco 3003 chrome and hammered gray finish

Apsco 4004 chrome and hammered gray finish

Here are two more models from the Apsco line. Each has the same sleek design as the Apsco 2002 featured September 14, 2008.  The 3003 is a smaller version of the 2002, retaining the austere Scandinavian design of the "deluxe executive" model yet scaled to fit the proportionately smaller surface area of the non-"deluxe executive" desk.  This in contrast to the recently featured Swingline No. 3 which is really only  a shorter version of the No. 4.  The 4004 is the "dual-purpose" model, for use as a plier, tacker or desktop stapler.  Two more examples that fall under the "great things come from Sweden" category.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, November 2, 2009.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Swingline No. 3 & No. 3C

Swingline No. 3 steel & plastic gray finish

Swingline No. 3C steel, plastic, and wood black finish

Swingline No. 3C (bottom) steel & wood black finish

I have previously featured the Swingline No. 4 and the No. 3P, yet only mentioned the No. 3. Here are two examples of the more compact workhorse that was no less wide-spread. It's no rarity, but as with the No. 4, the design is among Swingline's best. At the museum where I work, there are many examples of the gray No. 4 still in use which certainly can attest to the quality of its manufacture and design. The No. 3C, above, an earlier example, has the black finish, early plastic plunger and a wood base.  Its finish is similar to another No. 4, also previously mentioned here.  When I first saw a No. 3C, I did not expect to base to be as finished as it is.  I include an image of it to show its simple yet elegant inscription and rivet attachment.  It reminds me of how Michelangelo said he freed the figures from the blocks of stone he carved.  Perhaps inside this block of wood, a streamlined Sphynx-paw base lurks...waiting for its freedom.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, October 11, 2009.

Stapler of the Week Archive-Neva Clog P-50

Neva Clog P-50 steel brushed metal finish

When it rains, it pours. In the last month I have learned about three new Neva Clog staplers. The appearance of the P-50 connects a model number with the US2033599 patent drawing. At first, I was a bit puzzled by its appearance, the spring button that pushes up through the anvil plate. Fortunately, the patent drawing explains its purpose. The anvil of the P-50 is designed solely to pin and the button prevents the staple from bending up in the middle, producing a easily removable staple. The design seems almost limiting but I am sure with knowledge of its intended application, it makes perfect sense. In any case, I am only too pleased to share another chapter of the Neva Clog story.

detail of US2033599 patent drawing

detail of US2033599 patent drawing

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, October 1, 2009.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Neva Clog M-100 & MB-100

Neva Clog M-100 chrome finish

Every now and then something comes along and renews my passion for staplers. Best described as a "Franken-stapler", the M-100 is a S-100 with a modified jaw. I have every reason to believe it was Neva Clog factory modification as evidenced in the photo below from a recent online auction. The box is labeled "Special Neva Clog Stapling Plier Model MB-100," indicating the MB-100 is most likely a modified B-100. It gives me great hope to know there are more Neva Clog "Special" staplers out there. From browsing Neva Clog patents, I know there were many more stapler designs than staplers I've seen and that means many more Neva Clog to find. Cherchez l'agrafeuse!

Neva Clog MB-100 image from a recent online auction

Excerpt from The Stapler of the Week, September 23, 2009.