Surgical stapling methods and tools which allow a surgeon to create several different predetermined amounts of tissue constriction using the same staple (11) loaded in such a tool (31). A stapling tool (31) holding one or more staples in an effector section (35) contains a mechanism for spreading the pointed ends of a staple to one of several spaced apart distances as controlled by an actuator-indicator (43). Depending upon the distance the pointed ends have been spread when the staple is implanted into tissue (51), the amount of constriction accomplished by the staple is varied. An improved staple construction (61) of increased rigidity is also shown.