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AOS Workplace Supplies · Stapling guide
Staple Size Guide: 24/6, 26/6 & More
Find the right staples for your stapler, staple gun or pliers. Compare common staple sizes, understand what the numbers mean and shop matching products for offices, schools, postrooms and workplace maintenance.
Start with the staple reference printed on your stapler or in its instructions. Match both the staple type and the permitted leg length. A 6mm staple is not automatically suitable for every stapler that takes 6mm legs.
What do staple size numbers mean?
For common office references such as 24/6 and 26/6, the first number identifies the wire gauge or type, and the number after the slash gives the leg length in millimetres. Both have 6mm legs, but type 24 uses thicker wire than type 26.
24 identifies the wire type
The first number is a reference, not a width in millimetres. A 24/6 staple is not 24mm wide.
6 identifies the leg length
The legs are the two points driven through the material. For 24/8 or 26/8, the legs are 8mm long.
Other codes use different systems
No. 10, No. 25, 923 and Type G are product-family references. Do not interpret every number as a wire gauge or measurement.
The crown is the horizontal top of the staple. Crown width, wire profile and leg length all affect compatibility, so a visual match alone is not enough.
Office staple size chart
24/6 and 26/6 are common office staple sizes, but compact staplers and some specialist models use different references. Use the chart to identify the size, then check your stapler before choosing a pack.
| Staple reference | Leg length | Compatibility check | Shop staples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/6 | 6mm | For staplers accepting 24/6; Rexel No. 16 is the corresponding reference. | Q-Connect 24/6 staples Pack of 1,000 |
| 26/6 | 6mm | For staplers accepting 26/6; Rexel No. 56 is the corresponding reference. | Q-Connect 26/6 staples Pack of 5,000 |
| 24/8 | 8mm | For models that specifically accept 24/8 and an 8mm leg. | Rapesco 24/8 staples Pack of 5,000 |
| 26/8 | 8mm | For models that specifically accept 26/8 and an 8mm leg. | Rapesco 26/8 staples Pack of 5,000 |
| No. 10 | 5mm | For compatible No. 10 staplers; not a 10mm leg length. | Rexel No. 10 staples Pack of 5,000 |
| No. 25 | 4mm | For compatible Rexel models, including the Mini Bambi. | Rexel No. 25 staples Pack of 5,000 |
Scroll the tables horizontally on smaller screens. Pack quantities refer to the linked products; check the product pages for current prices, availability and multibuy offers.
24/6 vs 26/6 staples: what is the difference?
Both sizes have a 6mm leg length. The difference is the wire: 24/6 staples are made from thicker wire than 26/6 staples. Some desktop staplers accept both, while others specify one size or a particular staple system.
If your stapler lists 24/6 and 26/6, either approved size can be an option within its stated capacity. If it lists only one, follow that specification. Thicker wire does not increase the stapler's maximum sheet capacity, and 24/8 or 26/8 should only be used if the machine accepts those longer staples.
Heavy-duty staple sizes: No. 23 and Rapesco 923
Heavy-duty staplers can use longer staples for thicker documents, but each model has its own permitted types and leg lengths. Rapesco identifies its 923 range as a 23-type family. Check the manufacturer's compatibility information and select a length approved for your stapler and paper stack.
| Staple reference | Leg length | Compatibility check | Shop staples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rexel No. 23 | 8mm | Check that the stapler accepts No. 23 staples with 8mm legs. | Rexel No. 23, 8mm Pack of 1,000 |
| Rexel No. 23 | 13mm | Check that the stapler accepts No. 23 staples with 13mm legs. | Rexel No. 23, 13mm Pack of 1,000 |
| Rapesco 923/10 | 10mm | 23-type heavy-duty family; confirm 10mm compatibility. | Rapesco 923/10 staples Pack of 4,000 |
| Rapesco 923/12 | 12mm | 23-type heavy-duty family; confirm 12mm compatibility. | Rapesco 923/12 staples Pack of 4,000 |
| Rapesco 923/14 | 14mm | 23-type heavy-duty family; confirm 14mm compatibility. | Rapesco 923/14 staples Pack of 4,000 |
| Rapesco 923/23 | 23mm | For suitable high-capacity models accepting this long staple. | Rapesco 923/23 staples Pack of 1,000 |
This is a selection from the AOS range, not a complete list of every staple size. Browse all staples and tacker and plier staples for additional options. A stapler that takes one length in a family may not accept every longer length.
How many sheets can each staple size hold?
There is no single sheet-capacity figure that applies to every stapler using the same staple size. Capacity depends on the stapler model, approved staples, paper weight and total stack thickness. Heavier paper, card and covers can reduce the number of sheets you can staple.
For example, Rexel specifies its No. 16 24/6 staples for up to 20 sheets of 80gsm paper, when used in a suitable stapler. That is product guidance, not a universal rating for all 6mm staples. Check your machine's capacity and its recommended staple length for the job.
Longer staples must still fit the stapler and suit the thickness being fastened. Do not load a longer leg length simply to exceed the machine's rated capacity.
Staple gun, tacker and plier staple sizes
Staple guns and tackers use specified fastener families, such as type 13, type 53 or Stanley Type G. Stapling pliers also vary: some use office staples, while others require specialist types such as 73.
Match the full reference, not just the leg length. For example, 13/8 and 53/8 both have 8mm legs, but they are different staple types. Only use both in the same tool if its manufacturer expressly lists both as compatible.
| Staple reference | Leg length | Compatibility check | Shop staples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13/6 | 6mm | For tackers accepting type 13 with 6mm legs. | Rapesco 13/6 staples Pack of 5,000 |
| 13/8 | 8mm | For tackers accepting type 13 with 8mm legs. | Rapesco 13/8 staples Pack of 5,000 |
| 53/8 | 8mm | For tackers accepting type 53 with 8mm legs. | Rapesco 53/8 staples Pack of 5,000 |
| 73/10 | 10mm | For compatible type 73 stapling pliers. | Tacwise 73/10 staples Pack of 5,000 |
| 73/12 | 12mm | For compatible type 73 pliers accepting 12mm legs. | Tacwise 73/12 staples Pack of 5,000 |
| Stanley Type G | 8mm | For compatible Type G tools accepting 8mm staples. | Stanley Type G, 8mm Pack of 1,000 |
| Stanley Type G | 10mm | For compatible Type G tools accepting 10mm staples. | Stanley Type G, 10mm Pack of 1,000 |
| Stanley Type G | 12mm | For compatible Type G tools accepting 12mm staples. | Stanley Type G, 12mm Pack of 1,000 |
For tacking into a surface, choose the approved staple length for the material and the tool. Office paper-sheet capacities do not describe a staple gun's fastening capacity.
Specialist staples and staple cartridges
Some staplers use a dedicated staple or cartridge system. Match the exact product reference and supported model rather than substituting a standard office staple with a similar appearance.
Rexel Odyssey
Rexel Odyssey staples are a dedicated refill for the Odyssey stapler. Check the model name before ordering.
Rexel Optima 70
Rexel Optima 70 staples are designed for the specified Optima 70 manual and electric staplers. Do not assume every Optima model uses the same refill.
Leitz K6 cartridges
Leitz K6 staple cartridges are listed for the Leitz 5551 heavy-duty stapler. A cartridge is a different refill format from a loose staple strip.
How to find the right staples for your stapler
- Find the make and model. Look on the base, inside the loading area or in the instructions for the accepted staple references.
- Match the full staple code. Check the family, leg length and any cartridge or manufacturer-specific requirements.
- Check the job and capacity. Follow the stapler's guidance for paper thickness, sheet count and permitted leg lengths.
- Choose the pack quantity. Compare quantities and multibuy prices for your office, school or postroom's regular usage.
If you are unsure, call 01452 888 186 with the stapler make, model and any reference from your previous staple box. These details are more useful than measuring an old, bent staple.
Staple sizes: frequently asked questions
What is the standard staple size in the UK?
24/6 and 26/6 are common sizes for UK office staplers. There is no single size that fits every machine: mini staplers, heavy-duty models, pliers and staple guns may need different types.
Are 24/6 and 26/6 staples interchangeable?
Only where your stapler accepts both. They share a 6mm leg length but use different wire thicknesses. Check the references on the machine or in its manual.
Does a No. 10 staple have 10mm legs?
No. No. 10 is a staple type reference. The Rexel No. 10 product linked in this guide has 5mm legs. Always check the stated measurements for the exact product.
Can I use staples from a different brand?
Sometimes, where the manufacturer confirms a compatible equivalent. Match the staple type, dimensions and length, and follow any brand-specific requirements. Dedicated cartridges and specialist refills need their own compatibility checks.
Why do my staples jam or bend?
Possible causes include the wrong staple type, an unsuitable leg length, damaged strips, incorrect loading or exceeding the stapler's capacity. Check the specified staples and loading instructions before trying again.
Can office staples be used in a staple gun?
Only if the tool explicitly accepts that exact staple type. Most staple guns specify their own fastener families, so a shared leg length does not establish compatibility.
Buy staples for your workplace
Order everyday office staples, heavy-duty refills and specialist tacker or plier staples from AOS. Keep the right references on your regular purchasing list to simplify reordering across your team.
Explore business purchasing benefits, ask about bespoke pricing for regular orders, or apply for a business credit account, subject to approval. See our delivery information for available services and qualifying free delivery.
Guide checked: 6 October 2026. Product references and pack quantities follow the linked AOS listings. Rexel's size references and Rapesco's staple-family information were checked against manufacturer specifications. Always follow the instructions for your exact stapler or tool.
