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How to Remove Pieces of Wood With Angle Staples

Thin strips of wood such as molding, carpet strips and trim pieces are often held in place with heavy-duty staples instead of nails. Wood staples are also used in upholstering furniture. In some applications the staples are angled into the underlying surface. The standard alligator style office staple remover isn't sufficient for removing these longer, thicker staples. To get them out and free the wood without damaging the surface, you need a heavy-duty staple remover.

Things You'll Need

  • Small cloth
  • Heavy-duty staple remover
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position the small, thin cloth next to the staple if you don't want to damage the surface of the wood.

    • 2

      Slide the tongue on the staple remover under the surface of the staple. The bottom of the staple remover should rest on the cloth.

    • 3

      Depress the handle on the staple remover. The bottom edge of the staple remover acts as a pivot. The pressure on the handle forces the staple up and out of the wood. Repeat until all of the staples are removed.

    • 4

      Lift the wood away from the surface.