The staple removal tool (1) has finger pieces (2) for depressing two arms (10) at the ends of which are shaped claws (5) which pass under the staples to be removed. As the finger pieces are depressed, the inclined edges (6) of the claws gradually lift up the curved ends of the staples. Once the ends of the staples have been loosened from the paper, the flat part of the staple can be inserted into a slot (8) at the end of the tool away from the claws and gripped by exerting pressure on the finger pieces. A lever action can then be applied or the staple can be pulled out cleanly.
