The Duo Fast HT-550 hammer stapler, also called a hammer tacker, lets you staple roofing felt, house wrap, insulation and vapor barrier as fast as you can swing. It weighs 2 pounds, holds 168 staples, and drives Duo-Fast 5000 series staples from 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch. The HT-550 is now sold under the Paslode brand, the same tool formerly branded Duo-Fast.
Key Features
- High capacity: 168 staple magazine (two strips) means fewer reloads
- Fast one-handed stapling: just swing and strike
- Quick Clear release: clear jams without tools
- Bottom load magazine: easy, quick reloading
- Light weight: 2 pounds, easy on the arm overhead
Specifications
- Model: Duo-Fast HT-550 (now Paslode)
- Staples: Duo-Fast 5000 series, 1/2 inch crown
- Leg length: 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch
- Magazine capacity: 168 staples
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Power: None needed, manual hammer action
What It's Used For
A hammer stapler is built for speed on large, flat areas. Roofers, insulation crews and siding installers use the HT-550 for roofing felt and underlayment, house wrap, insulation facing and vapor barrier. There's no hose, cord or battery, so it goes anywhere.
Choosing the Right Staples
The HT-550 uses Duo-Fast 5000 series staples with a 1/2 inch crown. Use 1/4 inch legs for thin plastic and paper, 5/16 inch for most felt and house wrap, and 3/8 inch for thicker layers. Review the sizes and add a box of 5000 series staples to your order so you're ready to work.
How to Load and Use
- Turn the tool over and open the magazine from the bottom.
- Drop in up to two strips of 5000 series staples.
- Close the magazine until it locks.
- Hold the handle and swing so the head strikes the material flat and square.
- Work in a steady rhythm, overlapping material as you go.
Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Keep the staple track and striking face clean. Hitting at an angle is the most common cause of bent staples, so strike flat. To clear a jam, use the Quick Clear release to open the nose, pull out the bent staple and close it again. If staples don't sink, swing a bit harder or step up to a shorter leg length.
Safety Tips
Wear safety glasses, since staples can bounce off hard spots. Keep your free hand well away from the strike zone, and never swing the tool toward yourself or anyone nearby. On a roof, work from a stable position and use fall protection as required.
Hammer Stapler vs Staple Gun
A squeeze-style staple gun gives more control for small, exact jobs. A hammer stapler is much faster when you need hundreds of staples across a roof or wall, and it's easier on your hand over a long day.
Why Buy From Ample Supply
Ample Supply has worked in fastening for more than 40 years and carries 55+ brands from Sycamore, Illinois. Orders placed by 4:00 PM EST ship the same day. We also repair tools in house, with free estimates and a 2-3 day turnaround, so help is close by if your tool ever needs service.
Hammer Stapler FAQ
What staples does the Duo Fast HT-550 use?
Duo-Fast 5000 series staples with a 1/2 inch crown, in 1/4 to 3/8 inch leg lengths.
Is the Duo-Fast HT-550 the same as the Paslode HT-550?
Yes. The Duo-Fast line is now sold under the Paslode brand. It's the same tool.
How many staples does it hold?
168 staples, or two strips.
What is a hammer tacker used for?
Fast stapling of roofing felt, house wrap, insulation and vapor barrier. Review the staple sizes above and add a box of 5000 series staples when you order the tool.
