A stored energy stapler includes a base portion and a first lever pivotally coupled to the base portion. The first lever includes a front end and a back end. The stapler also includes a second lever pivotally coupled to the base portion about a pivot point, the second lever having a front end and a back end, and a striker element at the front end for driving a staple out of the stapler. The stapler also includes a biasing member coupled to both the first lever and the second lever that biases the back ends of the first and second levers apart from one another. The pivot point is disposed between the striker element and the biasing member.