How did a Swingline Stapler change from humble office product to hot personal accessory? First it got a coat of red paint. Then it went Hollywood.

A candy-apple red Swingline stapler plays a prominent role in "Office Space," a dark, low-profile 1999 comedy about a fictitious Texas software company and the everyday weirdos who work there. One is Milton, who devotes his workdays to guarding his red Swingline against pilfering by covetous co-workers. He eventually has his revenge against the smug boss who takes it away, by setting...