What Our Customers Are Asking: Real Fixing and Fastening Questions Answered by The team at MTK
Every week at MTK, we get a mix of questions from customers, some straightforward, some very specific, and occasionally a bit left-field. And we love it. It tells us what matters to the people who use our products every day, and it keeps our answers up to date and the most helpful.
So, we’re starting something new. This is the first in a series where we’ll round up real customer questions and share the answers, along with a bit of context and advice. If you’ve ever wondered the same, or something close to it, this will give you a bit more clarity.
Is there a quieter electric stapler for upholstery work?
This question came from a customer using an Arrow JT21 who was finding it too noisy for regular use. He was stapling fabric into MDF and shared a short video to show us the sound levels he was dealing with.
Our response:
There’s no such thing as a silent stapler, but some options are less disruptive than others. Electric staplers like the Maestri ME3G tend to produce a similar level of noise to manual hand tools. The real advantage of switching to electric is the reduced effort and strain on your hands, especially during longer sessions.
Our advice:
If you’re working exclusively into MDF or softwoods, you don’t need a high-powered pneumatic tool. Manual or electric staplers are more than capable and generally quieter than air-powered models. For light upholstery work, they also give you better control and a more comfortable working rhythm.
What happened next:
In the end, the customer decided to stick with his hand stapler. After watching our comparison videos on YouTube and getting a clear answer from the team, he felt confident he was already using the right tool for his needs.
Can I get a VAT invoice for my order?
Yes, absolutely. We provide VAT invoices for every order.
Contact us with your order number and we’ll send your VAT invoice promptly for your records or bookkeeping.
Do you stock 21 gauge stainless steel pins in sizes other than 30mm?
A joinery firm recently asked us about alternative lengths for 21 gauge stainless pins, they were looking to secure fine timber sections while glue set and felt 12mm pins would suit them by sitting below a clean, painted surface. Initially, they were using 140 series staples on the back face but wanted a more discreet option for the visible side.
Our Response:
With shorter pins unavailable at the time we explored fine wire staples, narrow crown staples, and corrugated fasteners, focusing on low-profile options that could fire flush or slightly below the surface. Narrow crown 97 series staples stood out for their compatibility with fine timber and availability in shorter lengths.
Our Advice:
We recommended the 97 series with an Omer stapler, well-regarded for build quality and ideal for busy workshops. We also flagged that better results for sub-surface firing could often be achieved by adjusting air pressure, rather than relying on the staple type alone.
The Result:
The customer ordered online after reviewing the options. We shipped the tool the next day, proof that expert advice and fast support lead to confident buying decisions.
Got a question?
We believe good advice is just as important as good products. If you’re unsure what tool, fixing, or setup is right for your job, just ask. The MTK team is here to help you get it right first time, you can call us on 0333 8000 345, email info@theMTKgroup.co.uk, or DM us on social media @theMTKgroup.
This is the first of a regular Q&A series. Keep an eye out for more real questions and straightforward answers in upcoming blogs.
The MTK Team