Best Milwaukee M18/M12 Compatible Stapler Guns

TL;DR: The Milwaukee M12 3 Crown Stapler delivers up to 1,500 staples per charge in a 3‑lb, 7.25‑inch body, offering portable power for tight‑space upholstery work at a budget‑friendly price.

What really stands out is the ability to drive up to 1,500 staples on a single 1.5 Ah M12 battery, while staying under 3.0 lbs and measuring just 3.4 inches tall. The 7.25‑inch length and 2.5‑inch width let you slip the tool into a standard belt pouch, and the 12 Volt power source keeps the unit lightweight without sacrificing staple‑driving force.

Compared with the three other staplers in this roundup, the M12 is the lightest option—well under the FormiPow’s 5.5 lb, the VeriLuxe’s 4.6 lb, and the Milwaukee M18 Fuel’s 6.48 lb. Its 20‑gauge staples are a step larger than the 18‑gauge staples used by both the FormiPow and the M18 Fuel, which can be advantageous for thicker upholstery fabrics. The magazine holds 89 staples, a bit smaller than VeriLuxe’s 100‑nail capacity, but still generous for most on‑site jobs.

Professional reviewers praise the compact design for reducing hand fatigue compared with manual T50 staplers, and they note the dual actuation modes plus a power‑adjustment dial that help achieve flush staple placement. Users echo this sentiment, highlighting the ease of reaching tight corners and the convenience of the staple‑leg locating arrow. The only recurring drawback is the tool’s exclusive compatibility with 3/8‑inch flat‑crown T50 staples, which limits versatility for projects that call for narrower staples.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the Milwaukee M12 3 Crown Stapler offers Magazine Capacity: 89 staples

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18‑Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler delivers 1/4‑inch precision, 1800 staples per charge, and brushless power in a robust 6.48‑lb cordless package, though it carries a premium price tag.

What truly sets this stapler apart is its 1800 staples per charge, a figure that far exceeds the up‑to‑1500 staples per charge listed for the Milwaukee M12 3 Crown Stapler. Coupled with a brushless motor and REDLINK PLUS intelligence, it provides consistent performance without the need for a compressor. The tool‑free depth adjustment and dry‑fire lockout add precision and protection, while two interchangeable non‑mar­ring tips let you tackle delicate upholstery work.

Compared with the three other contenders, the M18 Fuel is notably heavier at 6.48 lb, versus the 5.5 lb FormiPow Brad Nailer, the 4.6 lb VeriLuxe Brad Nailer, and the 3.0 lb M12 3 Crown Stapler. It also carries a higher price point, positioning it in the premium tier of the lineup. However, its 18‑gauge staple gauge and 1/4‑inch crown width match the professional standards set by the FormiPow and M12 models, while offering a cordless, brushless solution that the pneumatic‑driven peers lack.

Professional reviewers praise the cordless mobility and the dry‑fire lockout that prevents internal damage when the magazine is empty. Users appreciate the tool‑free jam clearance and the ability to work without a compressor, which translates into greater flexibility on job sites. The main trade‑off noted is that the stapler ships as a bare tool, so you’ll need to purchase an M18 lithium‑ion battery separately, and the added battery weight brings the total up to roughly 6.9 lb in use.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18 Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler offers Staple Gauge: 18-gauge

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The VeriLuxe Cordless Brad Nailer‑Stapler costs $79.99, weighs 4.6 lb, and ships with 600 brads and 600 staples, making it a budget‑friendly, all‑in‑one option for light upholstery jobs.

The standout spec is its 2‑in‑1 capability: a brushless motor drives 18‑ga brad nails from 3/8" to 1‑3/16" and narrow‑crown staples from 3/8" to 7/8". It even includes 600 brad nails (1‑3/16") and 600 staples (7/8") right out of the box, so you can start a project without hunting for consumables.

Compared with the three other tools in this roundup, the VeriLuxe sits in the middle of the weight range. At 4.6 lb it’s heavier than the Milwaukee M12 3 Crown Stapler (3.0 lb) but lighter than the FormiPow Cordless Brad Nailer (5.5 lb) and the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Narrow Crown Stapler (6.48 lb). Its 100‑nail magazine also tops the M12’s 89‑staple capacity, though the FormiPow and M18 Fuel specs don’t list a magazine size for direct comparison.

User feedback reflects a mixed experience: a 3.6‑star average from 20 reviewers suggests the lightweight design and dual‑action safety switch are appreciated, while the rating hints at concerns such as the need for a 4.0 Ah (or higher) Milwaukee 18V battery, which isn’t included. The tool‑free jam release and ergonomic grip are frequently praised, but a few reviewers wish the price‑to‑feature ratio was stronger against higher‑priced rivals.

From a technical standpoint, the brushless motor promises consistent driving power, and the high‑strength metal nozzle adds durability for indoor or outdoor use. The dual‑action safety switch provides an extra layer of protection, and the single‑fire versus contact‑fire modes let you choose precision or speed with a one‑second button press.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget — the VeriLuxe Cordless Brad Nailer offers Magazine Capacity: 100 nails

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns

TL;DR: The FormiPow Cordless Brad Nailer/Narrow Crown Stapler packs a brushless motor, 2‑fastener‑per‑second rate and 5.5 lb of solid build for $109.89, but offers limited spec detail and few user reviews.

This tool’s most distinctive spec is its dual‑stage trigger combined with a tool‑free depth adjustment, letting you switch between brads and narrow‑crown staples without swapping tools. It fires up to 2 fasteners per second and works with any Milwaukee M18 battery, so you can keep the same power pack you already own. The included 1000 nails and 1000 staples give you a full day’s work out of the box, and the non‑marrying contact tip helps protect delicate upholstery.

Compared with the three peers in this roundup, the FormiPow sits in the middle of the weight spectrum at 5.5 lb—heavier than the Milwaukee M12 3 Crown Stapler (3.0 lb) and the VeriLuxe Cordless Brad Nailer (4.6 lb), but lighter than the Milwaukee M18 Fuel stapler (6.48 lb). Its price point is higher than the M12 model and the VeriLuxe unit, yet lower than the premium‑priced M18 Fuel. Functionally, it’s the only 2‑in‑1 option; the M12 and M18 Fuel are staplers only, while the VeriLuxe focuses solely on brad nailing.

User sentiment highlights the brushless motor’s efficient power delivery and the high‑speed firing capability as real benefits on the job site. Reviewers also note that the tool feels solid in the hand thanks to the rubberized grip, and the quick‑clear jam mechanism reduces downtime. The downside many point out is the scarcity of detailed technical data and the absence of professional reviews, which can make purchasing decisions harder for seasoned upholsters.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the FormiPow Cordless Brad Nailer offers Weight: 5.5 pounds

Avoid if: You prefer products with extensive real‑world feedback and proven track records