Staple remover

A staple remover is a device that allows for the quick removal of a staple from a material without causing damage. The best-known form of staple remover, designed for light-gauge staples, consists essentially of a) two opposing, pivot-mounted pairs of thin, steep wedges and b) a spring that returns the device to the open position after use. Although a simple metal wedge can be used for the same purpose, and although some staplers (especially small ones about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long) feature such a wedge at their hinge end, use of the wedge tends to tear fragile papers.

Proper use of the opposing wedge staple remover is debated; the two major methods are described below.

The user forcefully clips the front flat side of the staple, causing the folded tabs on the reverse side to open and pull through the entry holes. This method requires much less time. Although this method is quick, it can have the undesirable side effect of tearing the paper when the folded tabs pull through. Tearing usually does not occur when higher quality paper is used or the staple connects three or more sheets.

The inventor of the original staple remover, William G. Pankonin, illustrates this method of removal in US Patent Number 2033050.

The following method reduces the risk of damage to the paper sheets being separated, albeit at some cost to speed and associated time efficiency:

The design is focused on functionality and robustness with no unnecessary decoration (unless one includes the ergonomics of the handle) and minimised number of parts to lower costs and production time. The device works with a pincer action to unfold and pull out a staple in one motion. The modern staple remover is believed to have been conceptualised by an Irish housewife, Meghan Rooney. However, Miss Rooney had initially intended the design to function as an implement to remove stitching and not as a staple remover. Please note: The notch on a modern-day staple remover is to remove broken staples by hooking the aforementioned broken staple into the notch and utilising the standard pincer action.

The two pivoting blades interlock each other. They are made of chrome-plated steel, which is harder than the thin ductile wire of the staple and strong enough to withstand the force required to remove it. The chrome plating provides a mild rust-resistance suitable for use in an office environment away from any liquids. Though the blade is made from what was originally sheet metal, the right angles and clean edges mean that a punch and die method of production would not be suitable. Therefore, the piece of sheet metal is cut using the process of blanking in a mechanical press, then bent in a press brake. This is a highly automated method which allows for a production rate of up to 1,500 units per minute.

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