Swingline Stapler, 30 Sheet Capacity, 747 Business Stapler, Jam Free, Metal, Rio Red (74736)
Swingline
Best for
Best overall
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Current price
$15.04
Updated May 19, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Swingline 747 in Rio Red is the default answer for a metal desktop stapler. r/BuyItForLife threads repeatedly hold it up as an office-workhorse pick, with one long-running thread titled "my Swingline 747 review" calling it "an amazing buy" and another claiming examples that "easily last 40 years without jamming or sending out two staples." An expert writeup at biglegalbrain.com reaches a similar conclusion, describing it as one that "performs well and lives up to its name as an office workhorse" while noting it isn't the cheapest option. The disagreement worth flagging comes from inside r/BuyItForLife itself: a more recent thread ("bought a swingline 747 and before i even got to...") argues that "as of a couple of years ago, the build quality dropped dramatically" compared to older die-cast examples.
What reviewers liked
- r/BuyItForLife threads repeatedly cite multi-decade service life with all-metal construction
- Jam-resistant inner rail praised across both Swingline product pages and verified-purchase reviewers
- Full-strip 210-staple capacity and 30-sheet rated stack
- Iconic Rio Red design is widely available and parts/staples are easy to source
Where it falls short
- Recent r/BuyItForLife posts argue build quality has slipped vs older die-cast units
- staples.com verified buyers report jams developing after extended heavy use
- Hitting the 30-sheet rating reliably requires premium S.F. 4 staples, not bargain staples
- Heavier and bulkier than half-strip alternatives, less suited to small desks
Across the reviewers we read, the Swingline 747 in Rio Red is the default answer for a metal desktop stapler. r/BuyItForLife threads repeatedly hold it up as an office-workhorse pick, with one long-running thread titled "my Swingline 747 review" calling it "an amazing buy" and another claiming examples that "easily last 40 years without jamming or sending out two staples." An expert writeup at biglegalbrain.com reaches a similar conclusion, describing it as one that "performs well and lives up to its name as an office workhorse" while noting it isn't the cheapest option.
The disagreement worth flagging comes from inside r/BuyItForLife itself: a more recent thread ("bought a swingline 747 and before i even got to...") argues that "as of a couple of years ago, the build quality dropped dramatically" compared to older die-cast examples. Verified-purchase complaints surfaced via staples.com echo this, with one buyer reporting jams after about two years of heavy use. Reviewers consistently recommend pairing it with Swingline S.F. 4 premium staples to hit the rated 30-sheet capacity reliably.
Net across mainstream tech press and specialist communities, the 747 still wins on the combination of all-metal construction, jam-resistant inner rail, parts availability, and a price that undercuts most rivals at this build quality.
- ICONIC METAL STAPLER – Bold Rio Red stapler with all-metal construction is designed for durability. A specially crafted inner rail delivers jam-resistant, accurate stapling you can count on.
- DESIGNED FOR DESKTOP – The 747 stapler is intended for desktop use. It holds a full strip of 210 staples. The helpful low-staple indicator lets you know when it's time for a refill.
- SECURES 30 SHEETS – This high-performing stapler fastens up to 30 sheets of paper and works best with standard Swingline S.F. 4 Premium Staples. Standard staples have 1/4" length legs.
- TACKING & PINNING – Tack papers to bulletin boards with ease: unlatch the stapler and you're ready. The stapler can also produce pointed staples for temporary pinning: just reverse the anvil.
- BUILT TO LAST – Swingline stands behind this classy stapler with a 100% performance guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty.
If you have to buy, it's almost twice the price, used, and the 747 is available on the shelf for $30.
In any event, they used to be heavy, well made, and hearty. As of a couple of years ago, the build quality dropped dramatically, they're ...
Trust tier reflects our editorial assessment of the source, not the individual quote. Hover for the rationale. See how we tier sources →
“The Red Stapler” · The Swingline 747
If the consensus convinced you
Check current price on Amazon
Pricing and availability change frequently. Tap through to confirm before buying.