Gardens require a lot of tools to maintain, from fences, shade sails, watering cans, weed eaters and more. One of the most inconspicuous little tools that plays a really important role is the garden spike. Garden staples may be small, but they play an important role in landscaping, gardening and many outdoor DIY projects. Of the various sizes available, 17mm garden staples are a versatile and practical choice. Whether you are securing landscape fabric, fixing netting or anchoring irrigation pipes, 17mm staples provide a reliable and convenient solution.
What Are 17mm Garden Staples?
17mm garden staples refer to the width between the two legs of the staple-measured from the inner sides of the prongs. These U-shaped pins are typically driven into the ground to hold down materials securely. The 17mm width offers a good balance of holding strength and ease of insertion, making it suitable for both lightweight and moderate-duty tasks in garden and landscape settings.
While the width is 17mm, garden staples come in various lengths and wire diameters depending on their intended use. For example:
Short staples (e.g., 100mm length) are ideal for soft soils or lightweight materials.
Longer staples (up to 200mm) provide extra grip in loose or sandy soil conditions.
Material Options: Galvanized and PVC Coated Staples
To withstand the outdoor environment, 17mm garden staples are typically available in two protective finishes: galvanized and PVC coated.
Galvanized Garden Staples
Galvanized staples are coated with a layer of zinc, which protects the steel from rust and corrosion. They are:
- Affordable and widely available
- Durable for long-term outdoor use
- Ideal for use in soil, under mulch, or in areas with moderate moisture
PVC Coated Garden Staples
PVC coated staples have an additional layer of plastic coating over the metal. This coating not only increases resistance to corrosion but also provides extra protection against abrasion and weather. Benefits include:
- Extended lifespan in wet or highly acidic soils
- Smooth finish, reducing potential damage to materials like drip irrigation tubing or landscape fabrics
- Less visible in green or brown tones, blending in with surroundings
Types and Variations of 17mm Staples
Although "garden staples" might seem like a single-use item, they actually come in a range of types tailored for different purposes:
1.Standard U-Shaped Staples
Most common design
Ideal for general-purpose use, such as fixing weed barriers or netting
2.Heavy-Duty Staples
Made with thicker gauge wire
Better suited for tougher soil or for securing heavier materials
3.Square-Top Staples
Have a flat top instead of a rounded U-shape
Useful when materials need to lie completely flat, such as artificial turf
4.Barbed Staples
Feature notches or ridges on the legs
Provide superior grip in loose or sandy soils
5.Curved or Saddle Staples
Designed to hold down round objects like drip irrigation hoses
Prevent pinching or damaging the tubing
Common Uses for 17mm Garden Staples
The strength and versatility of 17mm garden staples make them suitable for a wide variety of outdoor tasks. Here are some of the most common uses:
Securing Landscape Fabric: Prevents movement of weed barriers and geotextile sheets, especially in high-traffic or sloped areas.
Anchoring Drip Irrigation Tubing: Keeps hoses and pipes firmly in place, ensuring efficient water delivery to plants.
Holding Down Netting or Mesh: Useful for bird netting, chicken wire, or protective plant covers.
Fixing Artificial Turf or Sod: Helps maintain the shape and position of synthetic grass installations.
Attaching Fence Bottoms: Used to pin down the bottom edge of garden fencing to prevent animals from burrowing underneath.
Supporting Erosion Control Materials: Holds coir mats, jute netting, or erosion blankets on slopes or construction sites.
Camping and Temporary Shelters: Can be used to secure tarps, tents, or canopies when traditional pegs aren't suitable.
Choosing the Right Garden Staples for Your Needs
When selecting 17mm garden staples, consider the following factors:
- Soil type: Loose or sandy soil may require longer or barbed staples for better grip.
- Material to be secured: Lightweight fabrics may only need standard staples, while irrigation tubing benefits from curved or coated staples.
- Environment: Areas exposed to constant moisture or salt (such as coastal regions) are better suited to PVC coated staples for extended durability.
Conclusion
Garden staples are simple tools that are indispensable in the world of gardening and landscaping. Available in either galvanized or PVC coated finishes and in a wide range of types and lengths, they offer exceptional versatility for securing materials in outdoor environments. Whether you are a professional landscaper or a gardener, having staples on hand ensures that you can complete nearly any anchoring task with ease and c
