Removing Staples from Paper
Choose a staple remover. There are lots of different mechanisms that you can use to loosen staples and remove them from paper, some super-simple and some a bit more complex. Depending on how much paper you've got to remove, you might find one or the other more useful.
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.
Turn the paper upside down and check for staples. The back of the staples should form two prongs that need to be straightened to remove them without tearing the paper too much. Expose one side of the staple with the pointed end and place it face up on the table.
If you notice a prong is damaged or has come loose, it's quicker and easier to just pull it loose instead of fiddling with the remover.
Use the nail remover to lift the prongs. Place the staple remover on the prongs of the staples and pinch the staples apart. This won't remove it completely, but it should help straighten the two prongs that hold it in place. Doing this should allow you to pull the staples freely.
If you're using a spring-loaded binder, make sure the tines are positioned correctly so you can pinch them cleanly without damaging the paper. If you're using a real staple remover, you can usually do this on either side of the paper.
Turn the paper over and remove the staples. After you release the teeth, you should be able to swing the staples freely. You can grab the staples with your fingers or the teeth of the staple remover and pull them out.
If it catches some, be careful not to tear the paper. Gently wiggle your wrist back and forth to help lure the staples through. Bent, old, or rusted staples are more difficult to loosen than new ones, so it may take some work. Just slow down and give it time.
Discard old staples. Keep staples in a clean pile while you work, especially if you have a ton of documents to check, and then dispose of them properly. Stepping on loose staples or getting caught in your fingers can be a painful experience, so it's best to start cleaning up while you're working rather than waiting until later.
Keep a trash can next to your desk so you can sweep loose staples straight into it if necessary. Do this regularly to avoid creating too much clutter in your workspace.
