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 long) feature such a wedge at their hinge end, use of the wedge tends to tear fragile
papers.