Staples are small, U-shaped pieces of metal that are used to fasten papers together by driving the two prongs through the sheets and folding them inward. Staples are very common in offices and schools as an easy way to keep papers organized and attached. However, sometimes staples need to be removed, whether it’s to separate pages or remove a staple that was improperly applied. There are a few main types of tools that are commonly used to remove staples.
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Staple Removers
The most common type of staple removal tool is a staple remover. Staple removers are specifically designed for removing staples from paper. They come in a few main styles:
Manual Staple Removers
Manual staple removers are operated completely by hand, without any electric power. They have a wedge or notch on one side that slides under the staple crown and a handle that is squeezed or pulled to pry up the staple. The staple’s legs are then lifted out of the paper. Common styles of manual staple removers include:
- Plier-Style – This looks like a pair of mini pliers, with one flat side to slide under the staple and handles you squeeze to pull up the staple.
- Slide-Style – With this type, you slide a flat metal wedge under the staple crown and pull up a lever to pry out the staple.
- Magnetic – The wedge that goes under the staple contains magnets to help lift and pull the staple free.
Manual staple removers require some hand strength to squeeze or pull, but are simple to use. They are inexpensive and do not require any power source.
Electric Staple Removers
Electric staple removers operate using an electric motor and batteries or a power cord. They make removing staples faster and easier than manual ones, doing most of the work for you with just the press of a button. Different models of electric staple removers work in slightly different ways, but commonly:
- A motorized wedge slides under the staple crown when a button is pressed.
- The staple remover automatically pries up and extracts the staple when the button is held down.
- Some collect removed staples in a built-in compartment for easy disposal.
Because they remove staples so quickly, electric removers are very efficient for large staple-removal jobs. However, they are bulkier than manual ones and require purchasing batteries or power access.
Alternative Staple Removal Tools
In addition to dedicated staple removers, there are some other common items that can be improvised to remove staples in a pinch:
Scissors or Pliers
The wedge of a pair of scissors or pliers can be slid under the staple crown and used to pry it up and out of the paper. Needle-nose pliers work especially well. Though not as efficient as a purpose-built staple remover, scissors or pliers can get the job done when no other tools are available.
Paper Clips
When unbent into a long, straight piece, a paper clip can also be used similarly to scissors or pliers, sliding it under the staple to lift it up. Paper clips are thin enough to easily fit under staples.
Letter Openers
The thin blade of a letter opener is another improvised staple removal tool. Slide the blade under the crown and gently twist to lever up the staple. Be careful not to tear the paper.
Screwdrivers
A flathead screwdriver can pry up staples once wedged underneath. A screwdriver gives good leverage for removing stubborn staples.
Factors in Choosing a Staple Remover
When selecting a staple removal tool, there are a few factors to consider:
- Use Frequency – For frequent, heavy staple removal, an electric remover will make the work go faster. For occasional use, a manual one is adequate.
- Staple Size – Standard staples are fine for most manual removers. For big staples or staples in thick stacks, an electric remover provides more power.
- Price – Manual removers can cost just a few dollars, while electric ones run $10-50 based on power and extra features.
- Portability – Small, light manual removers are highly portable. Electric ones need to factor in batteries or power cords.
Select a staple remover that fits your usage needs, budget, and portability preferences.
Proper Use of Staple Removers
For best results removing staples, follow these tips when using most staple removers:
- Slide the remover’s wedge fully under the center of the staple crown.
- Press the remover flat against the paper to get under the staple as much as possible.
- Apply firm but gentle upward pressure to pry up the staple.
- Lift straight up to avoid tearing the paper.
- Remove any staple remnants left behind in the paper.
- Empty the remover of removed staples regularly to prevent jamming.
Being careful will help prevent damaging documents while removing staples. Avoid pulling aggressively at an angle, which can rip paper.
Safety Tips
Though staple removers are fairly safe, simple tools, keep these safety guidelines in mind:
- Don’t try to remove staples with your fingers, which can puncture skin.
- Keep staple removers out of reach of young children.
- Pay attention to avoid pinching fingers in lever-style removers.
- Unplug electric removers before changing batteries or clearing jams.
- Store safely when not in use to avoid accidental injury from sharp ends.
Exercising basic care and caution when using staple removers can help avoid accidental cuts or other minor injuries.
Maintenance for Optimal Function
Like most tools, staple removers work best when properly maintained:
- Cleaning – Occasionally clean the wedge and teeth of a staple remover with a cloth or brush to remove paper dust and debris.
- Lubrication – Put a small dab of machine oil on jointed parts and levers every few months.
- Inspection – Check for bent or worn parts that may need replacement.
- Blade Sharpening – Have very dull wedges professionally sharpened.
- Cord Care – Avoid kinking or damage to any power cords.
With regular cleaning and care, most staple removers will function well for many years. Proper maintenance helps them work like new.
Popular Brands
Some leading brands for both manual and electric staple removers include:
- Swingline
- Stanley Bostitch
- Arrow
- Acco
- Stanley
Within each brand are affordable basic models as well as heavy-duty and high-end electric removers for office and industrial uses. Individual models get excellent reviews for their functionality and durability.
Cost Considerations
The price range for staple removers spans just a few dollars for simple manual tools up to around $150 for sophisticated electric removers with all the bells and whistles.
Manual Staple Removers
Basic manual staple removers typically cost between $2 and $20. This table compares some sample manual models and prices:
| Brand | Model | Style | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swingline | Magnetic | Magnetic | $5 |
| Stanley Bostitch | MSR15 | Slide lever | $6 |
| Acco | EZ Out | Plier squeeze | $2 |
Factors like comfort grip handles and magnetic assistance increase the price slightly on some manual models.
Electric Staple Removers
More advanced electric staple removers range from about $15 on the low end up to $150 for professional-grade removers. Here are some example electric models and prices:
| Brand | Model | Power Source | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanley Bostitch | ESTR25 | Cordless battery | $15 |
| Swingline | Optima 40 | AC outlet plug-in | $35 |
| Acco Rexel | Heavy Duty | AC outlet plug-in | $55 |
| Arrow Fastener | Jumbo Electric | AC outlet plug-in | $150 |
Higher prices bring more power and faster staple removal on large jobs. Professional grade removers are the most expensive.
Where to Buy Staple Removers
Staple removers are widely available at most major retailers that sell office supplies, organization tools, or hardware accessories. Top places to buy staple removers include:
- Office supply stores – Staples, Office Depot, OfficeMax
- Big box retailers – Walmart, Target, Costco
- Hardware stores – Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware
- Online – Amazon, office supply websites
- Electronics stores – Best Buy, electronics departments
Both compact manual and larger electric staple removers can easily be found at most stores that sell office and school supplies. Purchasing online offers a wider selection of brands and models to choose from.
Conclusion
Removing staples is quick and easy with the right staple removal tool. Basic manual staple removers slide under the staple to lift it out, while electric removers accelerate the process. Improvised tools like scissors or paper clips will also work. Consider usage frequency, power needs, and price when choosing a staple remover. With minimal maintenance, a quality staple remover should provide years of service. Keeping your staple remover clean, lubricated, and sharp will maintain its functionality. Next time you need to remove some pesky staples, reach for a staple remover and make the task simple.