Push pins VS staples

[Bristleback]

Considering trying some staples next year to speed things up. For those that have tried staples, have you tried a staple rake or comb to get the staples out, this seems to be the biggest issue with using staples....What are your thoughts......please

I can tell you this.......the first time I run a staple under my fingernail after a 14-15 hr day on the line, lack of sleep.......something is likely to get broken...lol

[HappyPlumber]

Dwayne, I don't like push pns or staples. For the push pins to be effective the nail part should be longer so they don't leave marks on the hide. Staples need to be felt to be able to get them all and the only way to do that is with your hands. I started out using 3/4" brads and went to push pins, staples and then 1" brads. The only disadvantage of 1" brads is the time involved and the end of the index finger that holds the brads. That finger gets pounded so much that it feels like it's dead at the end of the season. My Son used a nail gun with 1" brads which works great as a time saver, but at the end of the season, all these nails get thrown away. HP

[Bristleback]

Thanks Jerry, I know what you mean about by the end of the season and fingers being numb and all, the end of my thumb is still numb from skinning, push pins, setting traps?

I can never keep the names straight, Greg or Gary from NAFA that puts on all the fur handling demos, make is looks so easy......I'd never considered using staples til this coming season. He can sure handle fur, makes it look effortless.....

[TurTLe]

I use an electric staple gun for coon and beaver. Much faster, and I don't think it takes all that much more time to pull them. I just pull them with needle nose pliers.

Only bad thing about staples is they seem to go up in price every 2 months.LOL

[marten]

I have seen a older man use a electic staple gun on beavers, he had a plate in front so there was a gap so that he could get a comb underneath, way faster than nails.

[JLDakota]

DK,
Greg Schroeder from NAFA demo fame used to attach with electrical tape a piece of metal the width of the electrical stapler with teeth filed into it as a spacer that hung down below where the staple exits. The toothed piece served a couple purposes. Again, one of them being the providing of a spacer so that the staple didn't bury itself completely into the board. It also acted like a hide stretcher so to speak as when you put the teeth down on the hide, you could use it to pull the hide towards you just before you pulled the trigger. Some experimentation with the distance the toothed piece hung below the stapler is in order as the power of each brand of stapler is a little different. He also used a 100 foot extention cord to reduce juice to the stapler so it doesn't drive the staple in so far. He used a fur comb to pull staples. I have duplicated what I saw at his demos and for me it is a valid alternative to pins and nails on coon and beaver and much quicker. Using a fur comb I experienced no problems with missing staples but run a strong magnet over the fur to somewhat assure myself I'm not leaving a surprise for myself or the grader. Also use a magnet on a long handle to keep the floor in the shed picked up. Works for me. Have no experience with nor have I seen the staple pulling comb I've seen advertised this past year. JL

[bankrunner]

I tried staples this year on my coon. They went in fast but pulling sometimes sucked because when they dried they were trapped and had to feel for them. Make sure to get them or the fur buyer won't be happy. The push pins are okay but I wish they would machine them as one piece because I've had many break. Hopefully somebody has a better way, I'm all ears.

[marten]

jldakota said:

DK,
Greg Schroeder from NAFA demo fame used to attach with electrical tape a piece of metal the width of the electrical stapler with teeth filed into it as a spacer that hung down below where the staple exits. The toothed piece served a couple purposes. Again, one of them being the providing of a spacer so that the staple didn't bury itself completely into the board. It also acted like a hide stretcher so to speak as when you put the teeth down on the hide, you could use it to pull the hide towards you just before you pulled the trigger. Some experimentation with the distance the toothed piece hung below the stapler is in order as the power of each brand of stapler is a little different. He also used a 100 foot extention cord to reduce juice to the stapler so it doesn't drive the staple in so far. He used a fur comb to pull staples. I have duplicated what I saw at his demos and for me it is a valid alternative to pins and nails on coon and beaver and much quicker. Using a fur comb I experienced no problems with missing staples but run a strong magnet over the fur to somewhat assure myself I'm not leaving a surprise for myself or the grader. Also use a magnet on a long handle to keep the floor in the shed picked up. Works for me. Have no experience with nor have I seen the staple pulling comb I've seen advertised this past year. JL

Thats the same man that showed me when he was doing his demos, he is very nice i pretty much sat with him all day.

[JLDakota]

Marten,
You are correct in that Greg is a fine gentleman and a willing provider of info and answers to your questiions when asked. He can put up fur with the best. Remember when he's doing demos, he's purposely going slow so people can pick up on what he's doing. People are always amazed at how quick he is and how simple he makes it look and that's at half speed. ;D When he wants to rock and roll, he flat gets with the program.

His videos on fur putup are a steal for those wanting to learn to put up fur correctly and efficiently and can be gotten from NAFA for about $15 bucks a piece. $75 gets the whole series. Just make sure you specify the animal or animals you're are interested in when ordering and they will fix you up. BTW, Some videos have more then one specie on them.

His insight and take on the upcoming fur market each year is a serendipity and something I look forward to hearing. I get to see him at both the MN and WI conventions in Aug and Sept each year and make a point of checking out whatever new ideas he has come up with on fur putup. JL

[marten]

He showed me how fast he could go he must have had 1/2 the beaver done in less than 2 mins.So i just contact nafa to get his videos?

[JLDakota]

Marten,
I believe if you just give this number (608-205-9200)
a call and ask to be put in touch with someone who is in charge of their NAFA fur putup videos, they will take care of you real quick. JL

[Stef]

I use staples on my foxes, raccoons and coyotes.
I use the 3/8" size staples.

To removed them, I use a flat screwdriver and/or a long nose plier and also my fingers when needed.

Stef

[marten]

Thanks.