March 5 is celebrated annually as the Birthday of the Stapler. On this day in 1868, this indispensable office tool was patented in England.

The concept of a paper-fastening mechanism has been known for centuries. For instance, in the 17th century, King Louis XV of France owned a paper-fastening device where each staple was handcrafted and adorned with the royal emblem. Naturally, such a device remained exclusive to the royal court.

Over the next 300 years, various types of paper-fastening tools were developed, but it wasn’t until 1909 that the term “stapler” became common. Prior to that, these devices were simply called “fasteners.”

The modern stapler’s official birthday is often attributed to March 5, 1866, when the company Novelty Mfg Co received a patent for its design.

The Evolution of the Stapler

Since its inception, the stapler has undergone significant improvements, becoming far more practical and user-friendly than its earlier counterparts. Today, it is an indispensable tool in every office, ensuring no workplace can function without this incredible invention.