How do you remove staples without a staple remover?

Quick Answers

Removing staples without a staple remover can be tricky, but there are a few handy items you can use in a pinch:

• Use the edge of a butter knife or flat head screwdriver to get under the staple and pry it up
• Use a thumbtack or pushpin to stick into the back of the staple and pull it out
• Use the pointy end of scissors to get under the staple and pull it out
• Use needle nose pliers to grip the staple and pull it out

The key is using an object with a thin, rigid edge that can fit under the staple crown and lift it up off the paper. Go slowly and be careful not to tear the paper. With some finesse, you can remove staples cleanly without an actual staple remover tool.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here are more detailed instructions on how to remove staples without a stapler remover:

Using a Butter Knife

Butter knives work great for removing staples due to their thin, tapered edge. Here are the steps:

1. Wedge the tip of the butter knife under the crown of the staple, trying to get as close to the inner corner as possible.
2. Gently pry upwards to lift the staple crown away from the paper. Apply even pressure on both sides if the staple spans two pieces of paper.
3. Once the crown releases its grip, slide the butter knife sideways a bit to lift the staple legs up and out of the paper.
4. Pull the staple out and make sure no stray pieces are left behind in the paper.

The key is to get the knife tip under the inner corner of the crown for the best leverage. Wiggling the knife blade back and forth often helps release the staple.

Using a Flathead Screwdriver

A flathead screwdriver can also work, using a similar technique:

1. Wedge the flat tip of the screwdriver under the staple crown at the inner corner.
2. Gently pry upwards, wiggling the screwdriver slightly if needed, until the staple crown lifts off the paper.
3. Slide the screwdriver sideways to free the staple legs from the paper.
4. Pull the entire staple out and discard.

Just be careful not to tear the paper with the screwdriver tip.

Using a Thumbtack or Pushpin

For a makeshift staple remover tool, a thumbtack or pushpin works surprisingly well:

1. Position the thumbtack or pushpin point at the back center of the staple crown.
2. Press the point into the crown and simultaneously pull the staple towards you.
3. This should cause the staple legs to lift out of the paper.
4. Discard the removed staple.

The key is finding the right angle to catch the crown with the pushpin while pulling the staple out. It may take a few tries.

Using Scissors

Scissors can remove staples too. Here’s how:

1. Place the sharp tip of the scissor blade under the inner corner of the staple crown.
2. Lift upwards to pry the crown off the paper, just like with a butter knife or screwdriver.
3. Once loose, use the scissor tip to lift the staple legs up and out of the paper.
4. Pull the entire staple out and throw it away.

Be extremely careful not to cut yourself on the scissor blade during this process.

Using Needle Nose Pliers

Finally, needle nose pliers are perfect for gripping and pulling out stubborn staples:

1. Grip the staple crown tightly with the plier tips.
2. Steadily pull the pliers away from the paper to extract the entire staple.
3. You can wiggle the pliers from side to side to help loosen the staple if needed.
4. Discard the removed staple safely.

The pliers give you a very secure grip on the staple for quick removal.

Tips and Warnings

When removing staples without a staple remover, keep these important tips in mind:

• Work slowly and carefully to avoid tearing the paper.
• Don’t pull too hard if the staple doesn’t come out right away.
• Watch your fingers to avoid poking them on loose staple legs.
• Place a piece of cardboard underneath to provide a solid surface.
• If the paper is brittle, put tape over it first to reinforce it.

Also avoid using the following objects which can damage the paper:

• Steak knives or other serrated knives
• Razor blades
• Fine tweezers

With practice, you’ll get the hang of gently prying up that staple crown and sliding the whole staple out. Just be patient and protective of the paper.

When to Use an Actual Staple Remover

While the above methods work in a pinch, you’ll have the easiest time removing staples if you use an actual staple remover tool. These inexpensive and handy tools grip the entire staple securely to pull it straight up and out in one quick motion.

Staple removers greatly reduce the risk of ripping or tearing delicate paper. They are quick, safe, and give optimal leverage for removing even stubborn staples in thick stacks of paper.

I’d highly recommend picking up an inexpensive staple remover for efficiency. But for sporadic needs, using basic household objects can get the job done in a careful manner.

Some of the most popular and highly rated staple removers include:

Brand	Model	Price
Stanley	Bostitch Antimicrobial Magnetic Staple Remover	$5
Swingline	Standard Staple Remover	$2
Arrow	Jumbo Staple Remover	$3

As you can see, they range from $2-5 and are readily available at office supply stores or online retailers. Investing in one of these tools will make removing staples much easier and damage-free.

Removing Staples from Walls

Staples affixed to walls — whether mounting papers, cables, or other objects — can also be removed using the same techniques:

• Use a butter knife, flat screwdriver, or needle nose pliers to pry, lift, and pull out the staples.
• For staples deeply embedded in the wall, use a hammer and nail to gently tap them clockwise until loose.
• Be careful not to gouge or damage the wall surface while removing wall staples.

Work slowly and carefully when removing deeply embedded staples. Patience and the right tool will allow you to remove them without leaving large holes or marks on your wall.

Best Practices for Paperwork

To avoid frustrations with staple removal in the future:

• Use paper clips or binder clips to bundle papers instead of stapling.
• Invest in a stand-alone staple-less stapler that punches holes and weaves papers together.
• Scan documents digitally and store them on your computer instead of paper copies.
• Use removable or acid-free staples, which are easier to remove.
• Always staple documents in the top left corner to make removal simpler.

Implementing these best practices will reduce stapling frustrations down the road. Being selective about what documents require stapling, and using removable staples when needed, makes paperwork management much smoother.

Conclusion

While staple removers are inexpensive and ideal for the job, you can remove stubborn staples using common household items in a pinch. Butter knives, flathead screwdrivers, thumbtacks, scissors, and needle nose pliers allow you to pry up and pull out staples when you don’t have the remover handy. Just be cautious not to tear the paper and work slowly for best results. Implementing scanning, paper clipping, and minimal stapling can also help reduce frustrations when dealing with paperwork. With the right techniques, you can tackle any unwanted staple quickly.