Electrical cable staples are used to secure and support electrical cables and wires to surfaces like wood studs or joists. They are larger and more durable than regular office staples, designed specifically to handle the size and weight of electrical cables without damaging them.
Common types of electrical cable staples include steel staples made of galvanized or stainless steel to resist corrosion, or staples with plastic cross supports for insulation. The most common size used is 1/2 inch, suitable for securing 14/2, 12/2 and 10/2 NM (non-metallic) cables.
According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), cables must be secured flat against framing, snug but not overly tight to avoid damage. Flat cables should be stapled to the flat side, not the edge. Vertical cables require support every 4 feet 6 inches, while horizontal cables through bored holes typically don’t need additional support. Staples should be within 12 inches of boxes, and steel protectors are required for cables within 1 1/4 inches of framing edges.
Properly securing cables with the right type and size of staple, positioned correctly, helps create safe, orderly electrical installations that meet code requirements. Using staples specifically designed for electrical use also protects cable jacketing from damage during installation.
Our Top Picks For 2025
Gardner Bender Insulated Cable Staples
Gardner Bender’s 3⁄4 inch insulated cable staples are designed to securely fasten Romex, UF, and NM cables. The UV-resistant polyethylene saddle and zinc-plated nails provide durability and resist rust and corrosion.
Gardner Bender’s insulated cable staples provide a safe and reliable way to manage electrical cables. Key features and benefits include:
- Insulated saddle prevents contact between staple and cable conductors, reducing risk of shorts
- UV-resistant polyethylene saddle withstands outdoor use without deteriorating
- Zinc-plated nails resist rust and corrosion
- Recessed nail heads minimize exposure for safety
- Securely fastens 1/2″ and 3/4” Romex, UF, and NM cables up to 3-conductor
- Easy, fast installation – nails drive together without splitting wood
- Durable construction for long-lasting cable management
With their safety-focused design, durable materials, and versatility, Gardner Bender’s insulated cable staples are an excellent solution for organizing and protecting electrical wiring for DIY and professional applications.
Gardner Bender Metal Cable Staples
Gardner Bender’s 1/2 inch blue metal cable staples provide a durable and affordable way to secure electrical cables. The steel construction and polyethylene insulation help protect wiring.
Gardner Bender’s metal cable staples are an ideal solution for fastening and organizing electrical cables. Key features and benefits include:
- Durable steel construction for strength
- Polyethylene insulation helps prevent shorts
- Sharp, burr-free tips for easy installation
- Affordable pricing for budget-friendly projects
- Secures 14/2, 12/2 NM cables and more
- Blue color for easy visibility
- Corrosion resistant for indoor/outdoor use
With their protective insulation, corrosion resistance, and steel strength, Gardner Bender’s affordable metal cable staples help keep electrical projects running safely and smoothly. Their durability makes them a smart, long-lasting staple for professional electricians and DIYers.
Gardner Bender Low-Voltage Cable Staples
Gardner Bender’s 1⁄4 inch low-voltage cable staples securely fasten CAT6, RG-59, and RG-6 cables for indoor and outdoor use. The UV-resistant polyethylene resists weathering.
Gardner Bender’s low-voltage cable staples provide a safe, durable solution for managing coaxial and networking cables. Key features and benefits include:
- Secures CAT6, RG-59, and RG-6 cables
- UV-resistant polyethylene won’t rust or rot
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications
- Drive in easily with a hammer
- Affordable pricing for projects big and small
- Sold in bulk packs for convenience
- White color blends into walls and ceilings
With their weather-resistant construction and ability to neatly organize low-voltage wiring, Gardner Bender’s low-voltage cable staples are a versatile, budget-friendly choice for installing or upgrading AV, networking, and security systems. Their secure fastening protects cabling while lending a clean, professional look.
Southwire Metal Cable Staples
Southwire’s 9/16 inch metal cable staples provide heavy-duty fastening of Romex and other NM and UF cables. The carbon steel construction delivers strength to securely attach wiring.
Southwire’s metal cable staples offer a reliable stapling solution for electrical installations. Key features and benefits include:
- Carbon steel material for superior strength
- Recessed heads protect cable jackets
- Sharp tips for easier starting in wood
- Securely fasten Romex, NM, and UF cables
- Contractor-preferred length works for various cable sizes
- Practically oil-free for cleaner handling
- Easy to drive into wood studs with a hammer
- Durable for long-lasting wire management
With their sturdy steel construction, cable-friendly design, and compatibility with major cable types, Southwire’s metal staples are an ideal choice for safely and neatly managing electrical wiring. Their strength and durability make them a go-to staple for securing cables in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Gardner Bender Low Voltage Cable Staples
Gardner Bender’s 1/8 inch low voltage cable staples provide a safe way to secure thin wires for thermostats, speakers, and other low voltage applications. The fiber insulation protects wires from damage.
Gardner Bender’s low voltage cable staples enable neat, protected wiring for low power devices. Key features and benefits include:
- Fiber insulation cradles and protects thin wires
- Secures thermostat, speaker, and bell wires
- Sharp tips for easy hammering into wood or drywall
- Prevents wire damage from staple contact
- Quick and easy wire organization
- Pack of 40 staples per card
With their protective fiber insulation and ability to neatly organize low voltage wiring, Gardner Bender’s low voltage cable staples provide a safe and reliable solution for securing and protecting thin, sensitive wires. Their sharp tips and affordable pricing make installation a breeze. For fastening and protecting low voltage cables, these staples get the job done.
Gardner Bender 9/16" Metal Cable Staples
Gardner Bender’s 9/16″ tan metal cable staples provide a durable and insulated way to secure 14/3, 12/3, and 10/3 NM cables. The polyethylene insulation helps prevent shorts.
Gardner Bender’s 9/16” metal cable staples are ideal for safely organizing thicker gauge electrical cables. Key features and benefits include:
- Durable steel construction for strength
- Polyethylene insulation helps prevent electrical shorts
- Secures 14/3, 12/3, and 10/3 NM cables
- Corrosion resistant for indoor/outdoor use
- Sharp, burr-free tips for easy installation
- Tan color for quick identification
- Affordable pricing for any project budget
With their protective insulation, steel strength, and ability to handle thicker cables, Gardner Bender’s 9/16” metal staples are a smart choice for managing electrical wiring. Their safety, durability, and versatility make them a must-have for electricians and DIYers working with thicker gauge cables.
Gardner Bender Service Entrance Staples
Gardner Bender’s heavy duty 15⁄8″ x 21⁄8″ steel service entrance staples securely fasten large 4/0 SE cables, BX, Romex, and Greenfield cables to wood surfaces. The offset legs prevent wood splitting during installation.
Gardner Bender’s service entrance staples provide a robust fastening solution for large electrical cables. Key features and benefits include:
- Durable steel construction withstands heavy use
- Large 15⁄8″ x 21⁄8″ size fits 4/0 SE, BX, Romex and Greenfield cables
- Offset legs drive straight without splitting wood
- Corrosion resistant for indoor/outdoor applications
- Contractor pack of 100 staples for big jobs
With their heavy duty steel build, large size, and offset leg design, Gardner Bender’s service entrance staples keep high-capacity electrical cables neatly and safely secured. Their strength and durability make them an ideal choice for professional electricians running large wiring jobs. Whether for residential, commercial or industrial use, these staples get the job done right.
Gardner Bender CableBoss Staple Gun
The Gardner Bender CableBoss staple gun allows easy, one-handed installation of cable staples to secure wiring. Its powerful grip drives staples into wood and other surfaces.
The CableBoss staple gun from Gardner Bender makes securing cables quick and easy. Key features include:
- Powerful grip and leverage to drive staples into wood
- Holds standard 1/2″ cable staples
- Easy, one-handed operation
- Comfortable rubber grip
- Lightweight but durable construction
- Allows neat, professional cable installation
- Suitable for Romex, coax, CAT5, speaker wire, and more
With its simple yet robust design, the Gardner Bender CableBoss staple gun enables anyone to neatly and securely fasten wiring. Its ease of use and driving power helps save time and effort for professionals and DIYers running cable. Tidy, professional wiring has never been so fast and easy.
Gardner Bender PS-175 Plastic Staple
The Gardner Bender PS-175 plastic staple provides a secure, damage-free way to fasten 14/3, 12/3 and 10/3 NM cable to wood studs. Made from UV-resistant polyethylene, this cable staple is designed for longevity and will not rust, rot or deteriorate like metal staples.
The Gardner Bender PS-175 plastic staple is an ideal solution for installing and securing 14/3, 12/3 and 10/3 NM cable in residential and commercial projects. Offering strength, durability and protection, this cable mounting staple has the following features and benefits:
- Made from UV-resistant polyethylene for long-lasting performance
- Smooth saddle design prevents damage to cable insulation
- Dual-leg design provides extra holding power and stability
- Non-conductive material is safe for contact with wiring
- Cost-effective option for high volume cable mounting jobs
- Pack of 100 staples for securing multiple cable runs
With its heavy-duty plastic construction, the Gardner Bender PS-175 staple provides a reliable way to neatly and safely fasten NM cable. It’s a great value cable management product for professional electricians and DIYers.
Gardner Bender MS-500J Metal Cable Staple
The Gardner Bender MS-500J metal cable staple provides heavy-duty fastening for 14/2, 12/2 and 10/2 NM cable and Romex wire. The contractor pack comes with 500 steel staples featuring pointed, burr-free tips for easy installation into wood.
The Gardner Bender MS-500J metal staple offers rugged performance for securing Romex and NM cable in residential, commercial and industrial projects. Key features and benefits include:
- Made from strong steel with graphite metallic finish
- Recessed head protects cable jacket during installation
- Sharp, pointed tips easily penetrate wood without splitting
- 500 count contractor pack for high volume jobs
- Durable steel construction won’t rust, rot or deteriorate
- Designed for 14/2, 12/2 and 10/2 NM cable
With heavy-duty steel construction, the Gardner Bender MS-500J cable staple provides lasting fastening power. It’s an ideal solution for electricians securing NM cable runs into wood framing.
A Journey Through Time: The Electrifying Evolution of Cable Staples
The Historical Roots of Electrical Cables
Thomas Edison’s Pioneering Power Distribution System
In 1882, Thomas Edison built the first electricity distribution system in the United States in lower Manhattan. This groundbreaking system carried power from Edison’s Pearl Street Station to 59 customers within about one square mile, marking the beginning of modern electric power distribution.
Edison had developed a commercially viable electric light bulb in 1879 and recognized the need for a complete electric “utility” to provide power. So along with the light bulb, he patented a system for electricity distribution and founded the Edison Illuminating Company in 1880.
On September 4, 1882 when Edison switched on his Pearl Street generating station, it revolutionized the delivery of electricity using a 110 volt direct current (DC) system. This made electric lighting immediately available to residents and businesses in the area surrounding the station.
Evolution of Cable Insulation Materials
Edison’s early distribution cables used paper insulation, which was prone to failure. This spurred innovations in cable insulation to improve durability and safety.
The first cables bringing electricity into buildings used rubber insulation. While an improvement over paper, rubber still degraded quickly. The invention of vulcanized rubber in 1839 led to cables that were more resistant to heat and physical damage.
In the late 19th century, gutta-percha, a natural plastic derived from tree sap, became popular as an insulator due to its toughness and flexibility. Gutta-percha insulation enabled durable cables for a wide range of applications.
Porcelain and other ceramic materials were also adopted as insulators. Though rigid, porcelain provided excellent insulation and protection for high voltage power cables. Continued innovation in insulation materials has been key for advancing cable capabilities.
Technological Advancements in the 19th and 20th Centuries
Following Edison’s early DC distribution system, AC power transmission developed in the late 1880s offered major advantages for moving electricity efficiently over long distances. With AC systems, the invention of transformers enabled changing voltage levels to optimize power transmission.
Manufacturing and material innovations also improved cables dramatically. Drawing copper wire was mechanized by the late 1800s, enabling mass production of conductors. Armouring cables and developing specialized high-voltage insulations further advanced capabilities.
In the 20th century, new extrusion and vulcanization processes allowed fabrication of continuous lengths of cable. Synthetic materials like PVC became popular as inexpensive, flexible insulators. These manufacturing advancements established modern production techniques.
Later computer-controlled processes, high-performance polymers, and new testing methods have further revolutionized cable engineering, yielding highly specialized products. Ongoing innovation continues even today.
Innovations in Cable Manufacturing
Development of Modern Wires and Cables
Modern wires and cables grew out of the innovations of the 19th and 20th centuries. Developments like automated conductor fabrication and new insulators yielded increasingly sophisticated products tailored for electrical systems.
Building wiring evolved from early rubber-insulated cables to modern thermoplastic-sheathed cables with copper or aluminum conductors. High-voltage power cables now rely on polyethylene and crosslinked polyethylene for insulation, enabling smaller cable sizes.
Specialty instrumentation and control cables are manufactured with fine wire gauges and sensitive insulation materials. Undersea cables have adopted polyethylene insulation paired with watertight protective layers. In all areas, improved manufacturing drives progress.
Introduction of Armoured Cables
Armouring of cables provides physical protection for conductors and insulation in challenging installation conditions. The earliest armoured cables used steel tape wrappings and rigid metal conduits.
In the early 20th century, interlocked aluminium and lead sheathing was introduced, providing strength while remaining flexible. More recently, galvanized steel wires or tapes embedded in cable sheathing offer robust mechanical protection.
Modern armoured cables carry power through harsh environments including underwater installation, direct burial underground, and exposure to extreme weather. Armouring has expanded the range of safe applications.
Use of Innovative Insulation Materials
Engineered polymer insulators like crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) have become standard in modern power distribution cables, enabling smaller overall cable diameters due to thin yet strong insulation.
Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) is now frequently used when superior heat resistance is needed. Elastomeric insulation materials provide flexibility combined with electrical performance for specialized cables.
Insulation materials science remains an active area of cable engineering research. Continued development of innovative, high-performance insulator materials will open up new capabilities in the future.
Lesser-Known Milestones in Cable Evolution
Transition from Gutta Percha to Durable Insulation
While gutta percha revolutionized cable insulation in the 19th century, it had limitations in durability. This drove innovations using materials like rubber and polyethylene for increased longevity.
An interesting example is the short-lived adoption of a shellac-based insulation known as “Chatterton’s compound” in early telephone cables. Though effective initially, issues with insulation breakdown hastened the transition to more robust substances.
The movement away from primitive organic insulators to synthetics and polymer materials marked a major milestone for improving cable lifespan and reliability.
Necessity-Driven Innovations in Cable Technology
Many pivotal yet overlooked breakthroughs in cables trace back to necessity as the mother of invention. Submarine communications cables provide an insightful example.
After early undersea telegraph wires quickly failed, gutta percha’s underwater durability sparked its initial popularity. Later, specialized marine cables had to evolve to survive the rigors of ocean deployment.
Innovations like steel armoring wires, oil-filled channels for pressure tolerance, and coaxial designs became essential for linking continents. The unmatched demands of submarine cables accelerated material and design advances.
Visual Enhancements for Understanding
Timelines Illustrating Cable Evolution
The long, intricate history of cable engineering shines when visualized graphically. Timelines chronicling major milestones provide perspective on the duration and interconnectedness of critical breakthroughs.
Marking innovations like the first rubber insulated wires in the 1800s, the introduction of PVC in the 1920s, and the adoption of XLPE insulation in the 1950s highlights the steady march of progress spanning decades.
Plotting both crucial inventions and forgotten but vital problem-solving steps reveals the broad shoulders of research standing under modern cables’ capabilities.
Infographics Highlighting Technological Progress
Infographics offer another illuminating format for tracing cable advancement. Visualizing generational leaps in insulation materials, conductor current densities, voltage handling thresholds, and other metrics provides tangible
quantification of improving performance.
Seeing exponential increases in maximum operating temperatures and dramatic reductions in cable diameters over time promotes recognition of the sweat and ingenuity behind the numbers.
Thoughtfully designed infographics turn technical minutiae into an accessible narrative of perseverance leading to the robust, highly engineered cables we rely on currently.
Conclusion: Shaping Today’s Electrical Infrastructure
Impact of Necessity and Innovation
Modern society’s deep dependence on electricity is enabled by the cables distributing power below our feet and across miles of ocean floor. Behind the simplicity of flipping a lightswitch lies a hidden history of tireless visionaries solving pressing needs.
Driven forward by the twin engines of necessity and innovation, electrical cable engineering has progressed through waves of materials science breakthroughs, manufacturing revolutions, and practical problem-solving ingenuity.
Today’s cables are the fruits of this accumulated labor. The electrical infrastructure supporting our livelihoods owes its existence to the scientists and engineers who created cables up to the endless tasks we require of them.
Summarizing the Journey of Cable Evolution
In only two centuries, cables have evolved from short runs of bare copper wire to smart power grids with high-tech composites tailor-made for long-duration challenges. The timeline of incremental improvements behind the scenes is breathtaking.
Each advancement built on others’ contributions. From Edison’s DC distribution to modern polymers and processes, no single cable engineer delivered today’s bounty alone. It is the unified output of generations standing on each other’s shoulders.
This brief journey through cable history reveals how necessity and innovation across nations and eras transform civilizations. The future will undoubtedly demand much from the cables carrying its electricity. If the past is any guide, cables will rise to surpass every expectation.
