In the past, wall-to-wall carpeting was very famous as a flooring material. Over the years, home decorating has changed and bare floors, especially hardwood, are widely famous. Wall-to-wall carpeting is very hard to clean and it is a haven for dust as well as other pollutants. Currently, there are increased cases of allergies and other respiratory problems, which has prompted many homeowners to shun away from wall-to-wall carpeting and embrace hardwood flooring underneath.
However, the removal of wall-to-wall carpeting is challenging because the underpad is normally laid using a staple gun to hold it in place. Therefore, there are many small staples in the flooring beneath that need to be removed for you to enjoy your hardwood or softwood. The removal process of the staples from floor wood is time-consuming. However, it is a worthwhile project that you should enjoy undertaking.
Staples are prevalent in places where two pieces of underpads meet. Additionally, they are prevalent in corners as well as room entrances. You will find overlapping staples, some will be bent, and others will be driven in level with the floor. It is difficult to try and remove staples from the wood floor carefully without damaging the floor. There is no magical tool that guarantees the removal of staples without causing the slightest damage to the surface of the floor.
What You Should Not Do
Most people try to remove staples from the wood floor using a straight–blade screwdriver, nippers, or a pair of pliers. Generally, nippers have an inward bevel that prevents grasping the staple since it is close to the surface of the wood. Screwdrivers will most likely gouge the surface of the floor. Pliers do not sit flat since the heads of the tool have a slight bevel, which makes it hard to grab the staple.
Pliers may be required to be used for some hard pliers, especially in cases where the staple breaks off and only one leg is stuck in the wood floor. In that case, you will be required to use a pair of pliers and grasp the staple as near the floor as possible. Ensure that you use the slip-joint and roll the pliers over the curve and pull out the staple. This can also be done using small water pump pliers.
Staple Remover for Softwood
- When you want to remove staples from pine board or plywood floors, the best tool to use include:A long-handled scraper with an 8-inch blade
The tool can remove the staples easily and the sharp blade can catch in the metal of the staples, thus forcing them out of the softwood. When compared to using other methods, it is easily done when you are standing.
- A long-handled scraper with a 4-inch blade
Alternatively, you can use the same tool with a 4-inch blade. This is especially in cases where there are staples that cannot be lifted using an 8-inch blade. It may not offer as much leverage, but it offers better control.
- Diagonal cutters
You can also use diagonal cutters to remove staples that can’t be reached using a 4-inch scraper. They offer the same grip into the metal of the staple. However, you need to be careful not to cut off the staple.
Staple Remover for Hardwoods
Removal of staples in hardwood is somewhat harder compared to removing staples from softwood. The tools that are best suited to remove staples from hardwood such as oak include:
- 4-inch scraper
The best is a scraper with a bulbous end to the handles. This is because it makes it easier to apply pressure to the scrapper without getting sore hands. You can use the tool when there are a few staples to be removed.
- Diagonal cutters
If the scraper proves futile to use, you can use diagonal cutters. They offer the same grip but you need to be careful not to cut the staples.
How to remove staples from wood floor
There are different ways you can remove staples from hardwood floors. These include:
1. The traditional way
In this method, different basic tools are required. These include:
- Pliers
- Flathead screwdriver
Steps on how to do it
- Slide the flathead screwdriver under the staple to lift it from the wood floor
- Once the staple is lifted, use the pliers to gently pull the staple fully out of the wood
This sounds simple but it has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- It is an effective way to remove staples
- It requires basic tools that you may have in your toolbox
Disadvantages
- It is slow and tedious
- It is tough on your hands
- It can cause damage to hardwood
2. Easy way
This method is simple because it uses heavy-duty staple remover and pliers
Steps on how to do it
- Slide the tip of the staple remover under the staple
- Press down the handle to pop the staple out of the wood
- There are instances where the staple may still be stuck in the wood. Therefore, use the pliers to fully remove the staple from the wood floor
Advantages
- It is quick and simple
- It is gentle on your hands
Disadvantages
- You may not have an office heavy-duty staple remover readily available in your toolbox
Final Thoughts
There is no single way that can be used to remove staples from the wood floor. You can try different methods, depending on whether your wood floor is softwood or hardwood. The article has highlighted the tools you can use on softwood and hardwood. Also, there are two methods that you can choose to follow to remove staples from the wood floor.
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