I bought this stapler specifically for a single upholstery job, reupholstering a set of eight Ethan Allen dining room chairs that had dull, threadbare fabric over completely thrashed low-density one-inch foam. I re-topped them with black and gold brocade over three-inch high-density, high resilience seating foam. Stretching that heavy brocade over such dense foam and stapling by hand would have been a numbing job, but with the US58 it was a breeze. It's light, easy to handle, and the trigger action is positive and neither too heavy nor too light.
Porter Cable says the US58 requires something like 6scfm of air at 70-120 PSI. The manual says 60-120 PSI but doesn't state the volume. However, I think that 6scfm is if you're using it in a high-volume commercial application where you're driving staples nearly continuously. My experience is that it runs very nicely at 90 PSI, and a 2.6scfm compressor will run it very happily, thank you. If you don't have an oiler in your air line, Porter-Cable supplies a bottle of air tool oil, and a drop or two into the stapler's air inlet before each working session is sufficient for occasional use. You'll probably want to dry-fire the first two or three staples into a piece of scrap wood; after doing that I never saw any oil on the fabric. If the US58 is putting oil on your work, it probably means you used way too much oil.
No, it does not have a nose safety. It's an upholstery stapler. A nose safety would just obstruct using it. Pay attention to what you're doing, and you'll be fine. Trigger discipline is just as important with an air tool as it is anywhere else — keep your finger off the trigger until you're in position and ready to staple. That's a far better protection against stapling yourself than relying on a nose safety.
The US58's magazine catch is very positive. Don't expect to be able to slide the magazine closed and just have the latch automatically snap over. You have to manually retract the catch to open AND close the magazine, and that is a good thing too. If you have to manually trip the catch, you *know* when it's latched. The entire stapler is substantial and feels well made. Part-to-part fit is good, and the air fitting snaps easily and positively into a standard QR fitting. You pay a little more for the US58 than you do for some budget upholstery staples, but the quality is worth the cost.
One other thing: If you're debating whether to buy an air or an electric stapler, buy the air stapler. Trust me on this. An electric stapler just is not going to get the job done. Yes, they're cheaper and you don't need a compressor, but they do not drive staples as firmly and securely as an air tool will. If you want to do the job right, you want an air stapler, and if the job is upholstery, the US58 is the best bang-for-the-buck you're going to find. There are cheaper ones, but they're not nearly as good. There are perhaps others a little better, but they cost a lot more.
| Manufacturer | PORTER-CABLE |
|---|---|
| Part Number | US58 |
| Item Weight | 1.75 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 14 x 10.5 x 3.25 inches |
| Item model number | US58 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | full size |
| Color | Gray |
| Style | Tool Only |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Power Source | air-powered |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Capacity Description | Full Strip |
| Number of Handles | 1 |
| Included Components | 1/4" air fitting with dust cover; Oil |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 30 day performance certification/One year limited warranty: Porter-Cable warrants its power tools for a period of one year from the date of original purchase. We will repair or replace, at our option, any part or parts of the product and accessories cove |
