Abstract: Colored staples with color identification components are disclosed. A plurality of staples is provided. Each such plurality has a central section in a first plane and end sections in planes spaced parallel with each other and perpendicular to the first plane. The staples have a common cross-sectional configuration throughout the majority of their extents and are formed with points at the ends of their ends remote from their central sections. Each plurality of the staples has a generally rectangular cross-section with parallel interior and exterior faces and parallel lateral faces therebetween. A plurality of cylindrical sleeves, one for each staple, are provided. Each sleeve has an interior opening of a rectangular cross-sectional configuration of a size and shape corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of the staples and mounted thereon to cover essentially the entire central section. The color of the sleeves are constant for the plurality of staples to assist in identification purposes.