To use a stapler, start by gripping the metal bottom of the top half and opening the stapler to make sure it's loaded. The spring will slide back to expose the staple tray. If your stapler is empty, load it with a strip of staples with their pointy legs facing down, and close it. Then, place the upper left edge of your papers into the staplers mouth and press down firmly and quickly. Flip your papers over and check that the staple has bent around the back. Alternatively, if you can straighten the stapler away from its base, you can use it to tack things to a wall. Just place the stapler against the wall and press down hard on the back. For more tips, including how to unjam a stapler if it stops working, read on!