Yes, it jams occasionally - when there are only a few staples remaining. For the most part, it is very sturdy. I've had mine for 5 years or so. Unfortunately, the cleaning lady dropped it onto the floor. It will staple, but I have to hold it open to get papers in it. It's very annoying, so I'm buying another. We have a hand-held Bostitch in the office by the copy machine which is about 40 years old. Still works! It's metal work horse. Everyone in the office uses it. I would prefer to buy a Bostitch, specifically # BOSB777BLK, but my boss is paying, of course, and he wants me to have another one of these Swingline Optima staplers (because that's what he has on his desk and he has decided there are none better). I'm okay with that. He's the boss. :-)