Seat Cover Staples

[Zman]

I was installing a new seat cover on a 04 GG SE300. I was really surprised how many stapes bent going in. I was using a new box of US made, 1/4" (6mm), Arrow, heavy duty, T50 staples with the opposing angle cut tips. I tried them with both an electric Arrow staple gun and an old spring-loaded manual gun. Regardles of the gun >80% of the staples refused to go in. I tried another box of Arrow staples that were at least 10 yrs old and had the same results.

So I decided to try a different brand of staples. I went to the Home Depot and found some 1/4" Stanley heavy duty staples with perpendicular knife edges tips. Every single staple went right in without a problem. Both Arrow and Stanley staples were the same thickness steel. On a final note, the Stanley staples fit better in the Arrow staple gun than the Arrow staples.

 

[Brian VT]

Good to know ! Thanks.

 

[GMP]

Yes, very good info! I fought with this myself many times using the same Arrow gun and manual gun and just figured it was the hard seat base plastic. Guys that do furniture told me I need a good pneumatic gun and the round cross section staples they use. Too much $$ for the occasional seat cover. I had some success warming the plastic with a heat gun first, but this is easier. Thanks again!

 

[gasgasman]

Some people use Monel staples, they don't rust.

A pneumatic staple gun works better because the staples are fired at a higher speed. The friction from the higher speed basically "melts" the plastic allowing for easier installation.
Even a cheap Harbor Freight pneumatic gun works well.

 

[Zman]

It was strange that I had no problem with my 2001 seat but the 2004 gave me fits!

 

[Rick]

Great news.....I was installing a new seat cover for my 200 from http://shop.motoseat.com/ and my Arrow staples did the same thing, I also have a HVY Duty T50 gun.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Harry]

About to embark on the same task - what gauge staples are best and what seat cover did you use from motoseat as I dont see a GASGAS specific one?

Thanks

 

[Zman]

The last three I bought were from Guts Racing. I like their competition seat cover the best. All three worked very well and are good quality. My stapler uses the T50 staples but I am sure other widths will work fine too but get the heavy duty version.

 

[Rick]

Harry,

My 99 used the older style KX 94-98 covers. That is why you don't see them listed.

http://www.racerxonline.com/2012/12/18/racer-x-tested-motoseat-cover-install-tips

 

[Darkside]

I just bought an air stapler on amazon for $32. well worth it.

 

[Rick]

Since you have a air stapler I will send you my seat and cover

 

[Darkside]

Sure, I'm always willing to butcher another seat. All kidding aside, if you want to drive into the bay area, I'm happy to help.

 

[MxPhlipper]

I found the following on Home Depot's site. 018239333042 Pneumatic Stapler with Carrying Case for Arrow T50 Staples $24.97. $35 with shipping and tax. Great little stapler.

This thread reminds me. I've got a bunch of carbon fiber look material I bought. Didn't estimate how much I needed very well. Got a bunch left.

Thought about posting up making covers for folks here. Used to do this in the Air Force. No sewing. Was thinking $30 + shipping. Any thoughts?

 

[GMP]

I'm wondering if these cheapo pneumatic staplers are any better than a decent electric one. Good ones the pros use are a lot more $$. From what I was told the round staples are part of the solution as well. From ZMans experience I'd say the staples are at least a big part if not the solution, certainly worth a try.

 

[Boom Boom]

I just purchase the gun and staples from Gutts.
No bending issues.
Has installed many covers to date with zero issues.
Done away with the electric and hand staplers long ago.

 

[flybars]

I bought the Guts stapler a couple years ago too. Makes it a pleasure to re-cover seats.