Upholstery Kit Essentials: What Tools Do You Actually Need?
Why the right kit matters
If you’re getting serious about upholstery – whether it’s fine furniture restoration, soft furnishings, or trade contracts – having the right tools isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. A quality upholstery tool kit can make the difference between a professional finish and a frustrating job. But with so many options out there, how do you know which upholstery stapler to choose, which compressor fits your setup, or whether you really need that magnetic hammer? In this guide, we’ll walk through the core tools every upholsterer needs, smart add-ons that make work easier, and practical advice from the MTK team – based on real questions from customers across the UK upholstery trade.
The Core Tools for Upholstery Work
A professional upholstery tool kit will include;
- a pneumatic upholstery stapler.
- a compressor with an airline and hi-flo fittings for the best regulation and most efficient delivery of air pressure.
- Tool oil and a suitable allen key or screwdriver for maintenance and quick fixes.
These are the backbone of any reliable setup and will keep you working without interruption.
You will also need some hand tools that will become your everyday saviours;
- a tack lifter
- staple remover
- sharp scissors
- measuring tools
Choosing the right stapler depends on the type of upholstery you do. Need to staple into tight corners? A long nose stapler might be your best bet. Working on classic cars? You’ll want a tool that can handle 3mm staples for doorcards.
Not sure which fits your work? We can help. [Follow this link] where we break down the best options for every upholsterer’s needs.
Add-ons and Nice things to have
Once your core tools are sorted it’s worth considering a few extras that can really ease your workflow.
- Dust masks, gloves, and knee pads for comfort and safety.
- A magnetic hammer for precise tack placement.
- Tailors chalk for accurate markings.
- Spray adhesive for quick, clean bonding.
These ‘nice to have’ items often become essentials once you have tried them. Investing in the right extras can improve your speed, protect your health, and lead to a better finish, that’s something any professional upholsterer can appreciate.
Matching Tools to Materials
Different materials demand different tools and getting that match right can make all the difference to your finish and workflow.
- Hardwood frames require stronger fasteners and higher driving power.
- Fine fabrics benefit from wider crown staples for a gentler, more secure grip.
- Polymers often take trial and error to find the perfect fastener match.
From staple length and wire gauge to pressure settings, we help customers get it right – whether you’re restoring vintage furniture or working on high-end upholstery contracts.
Got a tricky material in mind? Call us – we’ll help you match your tool to the task.
Air Supply Tips: Compressors & Fittings
Getting the right compressor for your upholstery stapler is just as important as choosing the stapler itself. Without the correct compressor your tool won’t fire reliably or consistently. Fortunately, you don’t need a large system to get the job done.
For a single stapler, a compact 6-litre compressor is usually sufficient, especially if noise is a concern in a shared workspace. We also offer models designed to run at conversation volume.
If you’re running two tools and need a higher air output, a 24-litre compressor provides the additional capacity required.
For on-site work where mains power isn’t available, 110v compressors are a practical solution, compatible with generators and portable power sources.
Whatever your needs, we can help you find the right compressor to suit your workshop and tools.
Ask the Experts: Common Questions We Get
“Can I swap tools if I already have a compressor?”
Yes. As long as your tools share the same airline fitting (we recommend Hi-Flo for best performance), you can easily switch between air tools.
“What’s the difference between T50 and 71 series staples?”
Every series of staple is different to the next, 71 series staples are a fine wire gauge with a 9mm crown and come in leg lengths from 3 to 16mm. They are the most popular choice for upholstery in the UK and will be suitable for the majority of upholstery tasks.
T50 series staples are a flat wire staple, the wire has a definite flat shape, the crown is 10.5mm wide and the leg length is 6 to 14mm long. Being wider and thicker than the 71 series means they are useful for finer fabrics as they are less likely to score the fabric.
The main thing to remember is that the series of the staple must match the series of the tool, firing the wrong size staple is never good for your tool, even if it seems they fit!
“Can I use a brad nailer instead of a stapler?”
It’s unlikely you will be able to get a good grip on fabric with a brad nailer, although the brad will be strong holding wood to wood it will fire straight through the upholstery. It’s the crown of the staple that will hold the fabric firmly in place.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Buy Blind
Choosing the right upholstery stapler or compressor can make or break your project, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At MTK, we speak to professionals every day who need clear, honest advice before they invest. We know what works for classic car trimmers, furniture makers, and busy workshop teams.
That’s why we’re here, to help you get it right the first time. From recommending the best furniture stapler to explaining how to spec a compressor for upholstery stapler, we guide you through the options that match your trade, your materials, and your workflow.
So don’t buy blind. Message us, call, or drop by for a chat. We’ll help you build an upholstery kit that works hard and lasts longer, because when the tools are right, the job runs smoother.
Need help building your upholstery kit?
Call us on 0333 8000 345 or message us online.