Hitachi
Hitachi 31102S 7/8" 18 GA EG Staple w/ Cap (2000 Count)
★★★★★
7/8" EG-coated staples with integrated plastic caps designed for the Hitachi N3808AP — 2,000 count bulk packaging for serious housewrap and roofing underlayment runs.
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Overview
Durable and Reliable: Hitachi Staples for Your Projects
The Hitachi 31102S Staples offer the quality and reliability you need for your fastening projects. Designed to meet the highest standards, these staples provide secure and long-lasting holds. Whether you're working on construction, upholstery, or other applications, Hitachi staples deliver the performance you can trust.
Specifications:
- Brand: Hitachi
- Model: 31102S
- Type: Staple & Plastic Cap
- Size: 7/8"
- Gauge: 18 GA EG
- Count: 2,000
Key Features
Staples and plastic caps
For use with N3808AP
2, 000 Count
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Electrogalvanized coating provides corrosion resistance suited for exterior housewrap, roofing underlayment, and moisture-barrier applications exposed to weather during construction.
- Integrated plastic cap system prevents staple legs from tearing through lightweight membrane materials, maintaining a proper seal at each fastening point.
- 2,000-count bulk packaging reduces the number of mid-job reload stops when covering large wall or roof areas.
- 7/8" leg length provides the penetration depth needed to securely fasten housewrap into wood sheathing without blowing through thin substrates.
- 18 GA wire gauge is the correct weight for cap stapling applications — heavy enough to hold under membrane tension, light enough for the N3808AP to drive cleanly.
👎 Cons
- Exclusive compatibility with the Hitachi N3808AP creates a single-tool dependency — these consumables are not useful if you switch or upgrade to a different cap stapler brand or model.
- Plastic caps are a separate component that must be loaded correctly in the N3808AP magazine — incorrect loading causes jams that interrupt work and require tool clearing.
- 2,000-count packaging may be undersized for large commercial installations that can consume significantly more fasteners per day than a residential job.
- EG (electrogalvanized) coating offers less long-term corrosion resistance than hot-dipped galvanized or stainless options — not ideal for permanently exposed fasteners in high-moisture climates.
- Plastic caps can become brittle in cold weather conditions, with some users reporting increased cap cracking when driving in sub-freezing temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tool are the Hitachi 31102S staples specifically designed for?
These staples are rated for use with the Hitachi N3808AP cap stapler. Using them in a different tool risks misfires, jams, or improper cap seating — always verify compatibility with your specific stapler model before loading.
What does the "EG" coating on these staples mean, and why does it matter for exterior applications?
EG stands for electrogalvanized — the staples have a zinc coating applied via electrodeposition. This provides corrosion resistance for exterior applications like housewrap, roofing felt, and insulation attachment where the fasteners may be exposed to moisture during and after installation.
What does the plastic cap do, and is it integrated into the staple or a separate component?
The cap is a separate plastic piece that loads alongside the staple in the N3808AP. It distributes the clamping force over a wider surface area when the staple is driven, preventing the staple legs from tearing through lightweight membrane materials like housewrap or vapor barrier.
How many staples come in this pack, and is that sufficient for a standard housewrap installation?
2,000 staples with caps. Coverage depends on your fastening pattern — a typical housewrap installation using 6-inch vertical and 12-inch horizontal spacing will consume roughly 500–800 fasteners per 1,000 sq ft of wall area, making 2,000 count adequate for moderate-sized jobs with some overage for mistakes and edges.
Are these compatible with any other Hitachi or Metabo HPT cap staplers?
These staples are specifically listed for the N3808AP. Hitachi's (now Metabo HPT) cap stapler lineup uses proprietary cap-and-staple combinations tied to specific magazine geometries — do not assume cross-compatibility with other models without verifying the manufacturer's compatibility chart.
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