Spring-activated staple removers are the most simple and cheap mechanisms for removing staples. Basically, these are little claws that you can use to pinch open the back clasps of the staple to free it up and remove it. You can get these at most office supply stores for a dollar or less. “Office-style” staple removers are more complex, but just as simple to use and more ergonomic. Featuring a scissors-like design, these staple removers allow you to position the end over the staple claps, then pull the trigger to activate and loosen the staple. Couldn’t be easier. Your fingers are also perfectly effective at getting a few staples out of paper. If you’ve got a big stack, though, it might not be worth the aggravation, and would be better to get a staple remover. Use a small penny, nail clippers, the end of a pen, or some other object to help lift the tabs of the staples if you just want to use your fingers.
If you notice that the prongs are broken, or already loose, it may be quicker and more simple to just pull it loose, rather than fiddling with the remover.
If you’re using the spring-style staple remover, make sure the little teeth are positioned accurately, so you’ll pinch them open cleanly, without damaging the paper. You usually can do this on either side of the paper, if you’re using a real staple remover.
If it catches some, be careful not to rip the paper. Wiggle your wrist back and forth gently to help coax the staple through. Bent, old, or rusty staples will be more difficult to get loose than newer staples, so it might take some work. Just slow down and give it time.
Keep a trash can right beside your desk, so you can sweep the loose staples directly into it if necessary. Do this regularly to avoid building up too much clutter in your work area.
Flathead screwdriver and pliers make a good tandem if you want to go primitive. You can use the screwdriver to pry up or separate the screws and the pliers to pull them loose. If you’d rather, you can just go for the pliers. Office-style staple removers can be effective at removing certain varieties of staples. If the staples are small enough to work in a trigger-style staple remover like you might use to remove staples from paper, feel free to give it a shot. Better yet would be a flat prybar-style staple remover, which are common at office supply stores. Knee pads are extremely valuable while you’re undertaking this project. After fifteen minutes crawling around on your knees on a hard floor covered in carpet adhesive and staples, you’ll be wishing you had some.
Go slowly, using your pry bar underneath to loose the carpet as you’re pulling it loose to help bring up as many staples with the carpet as possible. Don’t take too much carpet at once, or go too quickly. You’ll make the job much easier on yourself if you leave fewer staples.
