Features
- READY FOR ACTION: These staples are used for all stapling applications that use a thin wire: from general repairs, to crafts, upholstery, and fabric work, the JT21 has the same quality and precision as the T50 heavy duty staples, for great holding power
- USE THE RIGHT TOOL: These staples are designed to be used with Arrow staple guns, including the TT21 TruTac Forward Action Staple Gun, the JT21CM Professional Light Duty Staple Gun, and the JT27 Light Duty Staple Gun
- HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: The heavy-duty galvanized steel construction is designed for durable long-term holding
- DRIVES DEEP: These staples feature precision points that drive deep into the base materials to ensure a firm, lasting hold when stapling into wood, fabric, carpet, or other materials
- DIMENSIONS AND COMPATIBILITY: Leg lengths 1/4 Inch, 5/16 Inch, 3/8 Inch (6mm, 8mm, and 10mm); Crown width 7/16" (11mm); COMPATIBLE TOOLS: TT21, JT21CM, JT27
Specifications
Color | Silver |
Size | 1/4 + 5/16 + 3/8 Inch |
Unit Count | 1 |
Thin-wire staples (1875 count) for use with compatible staple guns and manual staplers in upholstery, fabric work, crafts, and general repairs. Galvanized steel construction with a 7/16-inch crown and precision points, supplied in 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8-inch leg lengths to penetrate wood, fabric, carpet and similar base materials.
Arrow Fastener Arrow 21MP1 JT21 Thin Wire Staples Multipack for Staple Guns and Staplers, Use for Upholstery, Crafts,General Repairs, Includes 1/4-Inch, 5/16-Inch, and 3/8-Inch Sizes, 1875 Count, Review
Why these thin-wire staples earned a permanent spot in my kit
I reach for light-duty staples more often than I expect—upholstery refreshes, fabric-backed panels, temporary jigs, classroom bulletin boards, you name it. The Arrow JT21 staples multipack has quietly become my default choice because it solves the two constant headaches with staples: having the right length for the material stack and getting reliable penetration without blowouts or jams. This pack includes 1/4-inch, 5/16-inch, and 3/8-inch leg lengths with a 7/16-inch crown, all in galvanized steel. That mix covers most light-duty stapling I do, and the staples themselves are consistent, sharp, and predictable.
Setup and compatibility
I tested this multipack primarily with two Arrow light-duty staplers I keep on hand: the JT21CM and the TT21. These staples are designed for the JT21 pattern, so compatibility was a non-issue. If your stapler accepts JT21/JT27 style thin-wire staples, you should be in good shape—just confirm in your stapler’s manual before buying. Loading is straightforward: the sticks are uniform, the legs aren’t bent out of the box, and the slide feeds smoothly.
Across several sessions—hundreds of staples at a time—I didn’t run into jamming with either stapler. That’s not solely the staple’s job, of course, but poor staple quality will amplify any mechanical imperfections in a stapler. Here, the legs are straight, the crown is cleanly formed, and the tips are well cut, which makes for consistent feeding.
Build quality and design details
- Crown and wire: The 7/16-inch crown spreads load nicely across fabrics and paper without telegraphing too much, and because these are thin-wire staples, the holes are less noticeable than heavy-duty options. That’s important if you’re working on visible surfaces or delicate textiles.
- Galvanized finish: The zinc coating resists corrosion better than plain steel, which I appreciate for shop cabinets, utility rooms, or humid spaces. I still treat these as “indoor” staples. For long-term exterior exposure or pressure-treated lumber, stainless would be a better choice, but for typical indoor use, the galvanizing holds up well.
- Precision points: The chisel points are sharp and consistent. In softwoods, they bite cleanly; in denser material, they still enter without pushing fibers or bending, provided you choose an appropriate leg length.
Performance in real tasks
Upholstery and fabric work: This is where these staples shine. Wrapping seat bases with new batting and fabric, the 5/16-inch legs are a sweet spot for pine and plywood edges. They grab firmly without telegraphing, and the thin wire reduces the risk of tearing if you need to pull and re-tension. For dust covers and lighter fabrics, 1/4-inch is often all you need; it holds without punching through thin stock. On thicker stacks (batting + fabric + edging), 3/8-inch gives you the extra bite you want.
Shop panels and light trim: I regularly use the 1/4-inch size to attach backing paper or fabric to small fixtures and sample boards. They’re tidy and easy to remove later, and the shallow penetration avoids surprises on thin substrates.
Bulletin boards and displays: Mounting heavyweight paper and border trim onto cork or MDF, the 1/4-inch length is ideal. It penetrates enough to hold without erupting through the back. The 5/16-inch staples work for denser MDF-backed boards.
Light carpeting and felt: For tacking felt to cabinet bottoms or carpet hold-downs on transitions during installs, the 3/8-inch staples bite well into plywood and OSB. They don’t replace a proper floor stapler, but for quick jobs they’re very effective.
Cabinet backs and utility fixes: The 3/8-inch size gives a reliable hold for thin cardboard or fabric-backed hardboard panels on shop fixtures. Again, thin-wire staples aren’t meant for structural work, but for panels and covers they’re quick and clean.
In hardwoods like oak and maple, I found the 3/8-inch legs adequate for fabric and thin materials, but I’d avoid relying on thin-wire staples for load-bearing or high-stress joints in dense hardwood. They will drive, but withdrawal resistance is limited compared to brads, screws, or heavy-duty staples.
Choosing the right size
A quick rule of thumb I use:
- 1/4-inch: paper, trim, thin fabric, cork, thin plywood edges, dust covers
- 5/16-inch: most upholstery fabric into softwoods and plywood, felt, canvas
- 3/8-inch: thicker material stacks, fabric over batting, light carpet, denser MDF
Always account for substrate density. Pine and poplar accept longer legs; oak and maple require shorter legs or predrilling for brads instead of staples. If in doubt, fire two test staples into scrap from your actual project stack.
Drive, depth, and consistency
Two things stood out in use. First, the staples set flush more consistently than many generics I’ve used. Even with a light-duty hand stapler, the points penetrate cleanly, and the crown seats without mushrooming. Second, their stiffness seems well balanced: not brittle, not soft. I rarely saw leg splay or curl, which is what chews up material and causes weak holds.
If you do get a proud staple, a light tap with a hammer typically seats it without bending the crown. That’s a good indicator the wire is appropriately tempered.
Durability and corrosion resistance
Galvanized staples are the right choice for the majority of indoor tasks. In humid workshops and utility spaces, I haven’t seen early rusting. I wouldn’t use these for exterior trim or anywhere they’ll be exposed to the elements long term. For screen doors, porch projects, or treated lumber, step up to stainless or heavy-duty exterior-rated staples.
Another note on longevity: thin-wire staples are easier to remove without tearing fibers, which means you can make adjustments during upholstery work without destroying your substrate. That practical “durability” during the process matters as much as corrosion resistance.
Usability tips
- Match the staple to the tool: These are JT21-pattern thin-wire staples. Use them in compatible light-duty staplers (e.g., Arrow TT21, JT21CM, JT27). Heavy-duty T50 staplers take a different staple entirely.
- Keep your nose aligned: Angle the stapler so the crown sits flat on the surface, especially near edges, to avoid blowouts.
- Work from the center out: For upholstery, tack the center, tension, then work toward corners with 1–2 inch spacing. Switch to 3/8-inch only when the material stack demands it.
- Test for penetration: Two test shots into scrap will tell you if you’re getting flush seating without breakthrough.
- Store dry: Keep the boxes closed and dry. Galvanized or not, any steel staple will corrode if stored in damp conditions.
Value and packaging
The multipack format is the real win here. Having 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8-inch in one purchase saves me a run to the store mid-project and reduces the temptation to “make do” with the wrong size. The sticks are neatly collated; I didn’t find broken stacks or mashed ends, which makes loading faster. For the quantity you get (1,875 staples total), the cost per staple is competitive, and the versatility easily justifies keeping this pack on the shelf.
Where these staples fit—and where they don’t
Use these for:
- Upholstery and fabric work into softwood and plywood
- Paper, cork, and display boards
- Light carpeting, felt, and dust covers
- Backing panels and shop fixtures
Avoid them for:
- Exterior or wet environments (choose stainless or exterior-rated staples)
- Structural fastening or high-stress joints
- Very dense hardwood applications where withdrawal strength is critical
If your work skews toward heavy-duty tasks—insulation wrap on framing, fencing, roofing underlayment—look at a heavy-duty stapler and T50-style staples instead. For light-duty precision, though, thin-wire is the right call.
Bottom line
The Arrow JT21 staples multipack hits the essentials: consistent manufacturing, sharp points, reliable feeding, and a smart spread of lengths. They seat cleanly, hold as expected for thin wire, and give you enough versatility to move from upholstery to displays to light shop tasks without switching boxes. I recommend them to DIYers, teachers setting up classrooms, hobbyists, and pros who need a dependable light-duty staple on hand. They’re not a substitute for heavy-duty fasteners or outdoor-grade materials, but within their lane, they’re exactly what you want—reliable, tidy, and ready for the next project.
Project Ideas
Business
Mobile Upholstery Repair Service
Offer on-site quick repairs for chairs, benches, and small upholstery pieces. Carry a staple gun and a supply of these thin-wire staples (all three leg lengths) to handle fabric-to-wood attachments quickly. Market to Airbnb hosts, restaurants, and local furniture stores for emergency fixes. Pricing: flat-rate for common repairs and per-hour for complex jobs; emphasize fast response and lower cost than full reupholstery.
DIY Upholstery Kits for Beginners
Assemble and sell kits that include pre-cut foam, batting, fabric samples, instructions, and a pack of JT21 staples sized appropriately for the project (e.g., 5/16" for chair seats). Sell kits on Etsy or at craft fairs for projects like stool covers, small cushions, or simple headboards. Include a troubleshooting guide and a link to short how-to videos to increase perceived value.
Workshops and Pop-Up Classes
Host in-person or virtual workshops teaching basic upholstery and fabric-stretching techniques. Provide participants with staples and staple guns (sell starter packs after class). Target community centers, maker spaces, and corporate team-building events. Monetize via ticket sales, add-on material packs, and referrals for private commissions.
B2B Supply Bundles for Local Makers
Create bulk staple bundles paired with other consumables (foam, batting, webbing) and sell to local furniture restorers, set designers, or craft studios. Offer subscription re-orders and volume discounts. Position your service as a convenient, curated source of compatible supplies (specifying TT21/JT27 compatibility) to save time for other businesses.
Finished Goods: Custom Fabric Wall Panels & Headboards
Produce and sell finished decorative items—acoustic fabric panels, tufted headboards, upholstered benches—using these staples in production. Use standardized templates and choose 1/4"–3/8" staple sizes as appropriate to streamline manufacturing. Market through interior designers, Airbnb hosts, and online marketplaces; offer local delivery and installation as a premium add-on.
Creative
Reupholster a Mid-Century Chair
Use the thin-wire staples to remove and replace upholstery on a chair seat or back. The 1/4" and 5/16" legs are great for stapling fabric to the wooden frame without passing through thin plywood; 3/8" works for thicker frames. Steps: remove old staples, cut new foam and batting to size, stretch fabric over the frame and drive staples along the underside with a compatible staple gun (TT21 or JT27). Tips: fold corners neatly with hospital corners, place staples every 1–1.5 inches for even hold, and use galvanized staples to resist rust if chair will be in humid areas.
Custom Canvas Stretching and Gallery Wraps
Create stretched canvas art on wood stretcher bars. Use the thin-wire staples (5/16" for thin bars, 3/8" for thicker bars) to secure canvas to the back of the frame. How-to: attach at center of each side and work outward, pulling fabric taut between staples. Use a few extra staples near corners and tuck/crease corners for a clean gallery wrap. Good for artists who want a fast, durable method to prepare multiple canvases.
Handmade Upholstered Headboard
Build a custom padded headboard by attaching fabric, batting, and foam to a plywood or MDF backing with these staples. Use 3/8" staples to penetrate through foam into the backing board for a secure hold. Design variations: button-tufted (attach backing buttons with additional staples), channel-tufted (staple fabric to form straight channels), or simple wrapped edges. Add D-rings on the back with short screws for hanging.
Decorative Fabric Wall Panels
Make sound-dampening or decorative fabric panels for home offices or studios. Stretch acoustic batting and fabric over frame and secure with 5/16" staples. Create patterns by changing fabrics, adding welt cord, or overlapping panels. Mount panels with French cleats or picture hangers. These are fast to produce in batches and can be sized to fit odd wall spaces.
Upcycled Rug/Carpet Accent Projects
Cut old rugs or carpet into mats, stair treads, or pet beds and use staples to attach non-slip backing or to bind edges to a wooden base. The JT21 staples drive deep into carpet backing and wood, providing a durable hold. For outdoor or heavy-use items, use galvanized staples and trim edges with binding tape stapled in place.