Abstract: An electrically operated stapling device is disclosed. Staples are driven into the article to be stapled by a simple driver blade which is powered by a current actuated solenoid. In the preferred embodiment, the solenoid is provided with a plurality of pulses which are derived from alternate half-cycles of an AC power source which powers the stapling device. The circuit produces two pulses by defining a window in each of the successive output cycles of the power source. The current then initiates the generation of an enabling signal which lasts for a predetermined period of time which begins during the window. During this period of time, alternate half-cycles of the power source are coupled to the solenoid, thereby causing the driver blade to drive the staple into the article to be stapled.