Staple removal pliers have existed since the creation of the staples. The idea is very widespread that the first staple was owned by King Louis XV of France who used a brand new tool to fix court documents together and which provided, in fact, the use of staples depicting the royal insignia.. Removing these items doesn't have to be a long and tedious job, regardless of whether you need to free up huge piles of paper to separate them or remove a few spots left after changing the carpet.
If, on the other hand, you are interested in removing the staples of surgical sutures, read this article.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Remove the staples from the paper
Step 1. Choose a stitch removal tool
There are many models of pliers suitable for this purpose, from very simple ones to more complex tools. Based on how many sheets you have to free from the stitches, you need to get the most suitable one.
- Spring-operated staple removers are the simplest and cheapest mechanisms. In practice, these are small "claws" that open the rear clip of the stitch, so that it can be removed. You can find these tools at stationery and office supply stores for just a few euros.
- The "office" staple removers are a little more complex, but remain simple to use and ergonomic. They are similar in shape to scissors and are used by placing the end on the staple clips. From this position you must pull a "trigger" to activate the mechanism and detach the point. It couldn't get any easier than that.
- Fingers are also very effective tools for this job. If you have to free up a lot of sheets, however, this method is not worth practicing and it would be better to rely on a staple remover. You can also use a coin, a nail clipper, the end of a pen or other similar object that allows you to lift the clips of the point, if you do not want to take a specific tool.
Step 2. Place the sheet of paper upside down and check the stitch type
This element has two spikes on the back (forming the clip) that need to be straightened to unlock and remove it from the paper without damaging the paper too much. Place the piece of paper on the table so that the side with these points is facing up.
If you have noticed that the tips are broken or loose, then it may be easier and quicker to pull the stitch than to try using a special pliers
Step 3. Use the staple remover to lift the clasp
Put the pliers over the tips and grab them to open them. This process will not completely detach the stitch, but it should help you straighten the tips that are holding the paper clip. In this way you will be able to remove the staple from the other side.
If you are using a spring-loaded staple remover, make sure the teeth of the tool are positioned correctly so that they grip the point well without damaging the paper. You can usually do this on both sides of the paper if you use a real staple remover
Step 4. Turn the paper over and remove the dot
Once the clasp is loosened, you shouldn't have a hard time pulling the stitch out. You can use your fingers or a tooth of the stitch remover to grab it and pull it out.
If it gets partially stuck, be careful not to tear the paper. Gently move your wrist back and forth to force the stitch out. Remember that old, bent or rusty staples are more difficult to detach than new ones, so they require some time and work. Take your time and work slowly
Step 5. Discard the old stitches
Collect all the stitches in a neat little pile as you work, especially if you have a lot of paper to tear off. Eventually, dispose of them properly. Putting a foot or hand on an open spot is a rather painful experience, so you must always make sure you clean the workstation immediately and do not postpone it.
Keep a trash can near your desk, so you can drop the staples directly into it if necessary. Do this regularly to avoid piling up too many paper clips and messing up your workstation
Method 2 of 2: Remove the staples from the wood
Step 1. Choose a stitch removal tool
After removing the carpet from the floor, you will usually find some staples remaining fixed in the subfloor. Their removal is a long and tedious but necessary job; for this reason, take your time and make sure you eliminate them all quickly, to ensure that the new flooring is as safe and perfect as possible. For this you need a few useful tools:
- A flat-blade screwdriver and a pair of pliers are a great pair of tools if you don't want to buy specific tools. With the screwdriver you can pry and lift or separate the points and then grab and tear them with pliers. If you prefer, you can also use the pliers alone.
- Office staple removers can also be useful in this case. If the staples are small enough to be gripped by a trigger staple remover, then you can use this tool just like you would with paper. It is worth a try. If you have a staple remover that is shaped like a small crowbar, even better; this is the most popular tool in office supply stores.
- The use of knee pads is essential during this work. After 15 minutes on all fours on a floor full of glue and staples, you'll be thankful for thinking of this knee protector.
Step 2. Try carpeting as many staples as possible
If you are removing the carpet, most of the staples will come off with it; the biggest job will be to sweep them off the floor and dispose of them in the trash. Unfortunately, many others will remain stuck in the substrate and will have to be extracted one by one. However, if you are very precise with the "tearing" of the carpet, you will find that several will remain attached to it, facilitating subsequent operations.
Work slowly and use the crowbar to loosen the carpet as you lift it, so that most of the staples come off with it. Don't tear a large area of carpet at a time, or you'll be in too much of a hurry. Eventually you will be happy with all these precautions, when you only notice a few stuck spots in the floor
Step 3. Lift the stitches with a staple remover
Regardless of whether you have opted for a specific tool or for a screwdriver and pliers, even in this case there is a certain criterion that you must follow in carrying out this work. First get down on the ground and start prying on the points to loosen them. If there is a person who can help you, then ask them to loosen the stitches while you tear them off with pliers or vice versa. Proceed in a coordinated way to understand which technique is most suitable based on the tools available.
Step 4. Sweep the room to collect all the paper clips
It is essential not to leave any on the floor, so use a vacuum cleaner to remove them all, especially if you plan to install new carpet within a short time. Don't forget any staples.
Advice
- Get the staple remover that is most suitable and comfortable for you.
- Be very careful when removing staples from small stacks of paper.
- Make sure the tip of the tool is flat so you don't tear the paper.
Warnings
- Be careful with staples as they can prick your fingers.
- Paper cuts can cause profuse bleeding.
