Bostitch Stapler 651S5 Review Lightweight and Powerful Finish Stapler for Professionals

Description

Build Quality and Ease of Use

The BOSTITCH Stapler, 7/16-Inch x 2-Inch (651S5) is a solid tool that feels durable right out of the box. As someone who has wrestled with staplers that feel flimsy or awkward in the hand, this one was a pleasant surprise. The contoured grip is not just a marketing gimmick—it genuinely feels comfortable during extended use. Whether you’re dealing with plywood sheathing or roof decking, the build quality ensures that the stapler feels reliable. I particularly liked the adjustable rafter hook, which allowed me to hang the tool conveniently while climbing ladders. It’s these small but thoughtful details that make a difference during real-world applications.

The flip-open nose design is another standout feature. Clearing jams can be one of the most frustrating parts of using staplers, but this tool makes it a breeze. I encountered a jam once while working on a vinyl siding project, and it took less than a minute to resolve thanks to this feature.

Performance and Power

Performance-wise, this stapler delivers. The rapid-fire engine, which can drive over 10 staples per second, is no exaggeration. I tested it on a combination of wood shingles and roof decking, and it handled both with ease. It felt powerful yet controlled, which is exactly what you want when working with materials that demand precision. The adjustable depth of drive is another feature that deserves a shoutout. It ensures that staples are driven flush without splitting the material, which is particularly useful when working on delicate surfaces.

This tool is air-powered, so you’ll need a compatible air compressor to get started. That said, the lightweight design (just 4.2 pounds) makes it less cumbersome than some of its competitors. I used it for hours without feeling fatigued, even when working overhead.

Highlights

• Rapid-fire capability for high-speed stapling.
• Lightweight design makes it ideal for prolonged use.
• Flip-open nose for easy jam clearing.
• Adjustable depth ensures precise staple placement.

Areas for Improvement

While I was largely impressed, the tool isn’t without its shortcomings. Here are a few points worth mentioning:

• The air-powered mechanism means you’re tethered to a compressor, which can be inconvenient for smaller jobs or remote locations without power.
• It’s not the quietest stapler I’ve used. While not a deal-breaker, the noise level might be an issue for some users.
• The vinyl siding adapter, while functional, feels a bit flimsy compared to the rest of the tool.

Competing Products

When comparing this stapler to other products, such as the Hitachi N5008AC2 and DeWalt DWFP1838, there are clear distinctions. The Hitachi stapler, for instance, offers a similar depth adjustment feature but lacks the flip-open nose design, making jam clearance more time-consuming. On the other hand, the DeWalt model is slightly quieter but doesn’t offer the same rapid-fire capability.

Where the BOSTITCH Stapler excels is its combination of speed and precision. It’s a great choice for high-volume tasks where time is of the essence. However, if you’re looking for something quieter and don’t need rapid-fire functionality, the DeWalt option might be worth considering.

Value for Money

Considering its robust feature set and performance, I’d say this stapler offers excellent value for money. It’s not a budget tool, but it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it’s aimed at contractors and serious DIYers who need a reliable, high-performance stapler for demanding tasks. While the upfront cost might be higher than some alternatives, the time you save and the frustration you avoid make it a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Overall, the BOSTITCH Stapler, 7/16-Inch x 2-Inch (651S5) strikes a good balance between performance, usability, and durability. It’s a tool I’d gladly recommend to anyone tackling heavy-duty projects like roof decking or vinyl siding. Just make sure you have a decent air compressor to pair it with!

Additional information