Maximum pull-out forces of 16 mm bridge width staples of 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm leg length were tested in cadaver femoral metaphyseal bone. Pull-out force was related to leg length, but there was a very wide standard deviation. A plastic composite bone and beech hardwood were tested as substitutes and found to be unsuitable. A balsa wood composite was found to provide more reproducible results and is recommended for staple testing.