How to Remove Staples with Your Bare Hands

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Keep in mind these instructions are best suited for removing a staple from a stack of paper that has been stapled only at one end and preferably towards one of the corners (usually most people staple the left top corner of the stack).

   This technique works best with a stack containing between ten and 50 pages.
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   Step 2: Get a rough count of the number of pages in the stack.

   , Gently peel the top stack from the bottom stack until you can no longer peel the stacks without applying substantial force and/or ripping the stacks apart. ,,, This will loosen the joint and allows for the sharply turned ends of the staple to become more rounded and ultimately straighten out. ,, Some of the pages in your left hand (for a right-handed person) will fall off of the staple and you can ease the left stack off of the pin. , If you have have long fingernails you can lift it easily with your nails.
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   Step 3: Separate the stack into two stacks

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   Step 4: starting at the bottom end of the stack.

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   Step 5: Hold the two stacks of paper

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   Step 6: one in each hand while they are connected to each other by the staple.

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   Step 7: Move your hands towards the crevice formed by the two stacks of paper joined together by the staple.

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   Step 8: Insert both your thumbs into the crevice (each thumb approaching the deepest part of the crevice from each side) and with slow

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   Step 9: controlled force try to pull the two stacks apart.

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    Step 10: If you do this right

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    Step 11: you will feel a slight give as the staple ends begin to straighten out.

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    Step 12: At this point you can increase the force you apply to complete the process.

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    Step 13: To remove the right half of the staple you can insert a pencil or some other sharp instrument under the staple on the topside of the stack and lift the staple.

Detailed Guide

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