13 Quick and Easy Ways to Remove Subfloor Staples

Needle-Nose Pliers

For staples that are sticking out a little, use needle-nose pliers to grip them close to the subfloor, then rock them back and forth while pulling upward. Patience is key to avoiding damaging the wood. “You need to wiggle them a bit if the staples are deep,” says general contractor Bar Zakheim. “It is not the fastest way if you have a lot of staples to remove, but this works fine if you have limited tools.”

Channel Locks

Similarly, channel locks, aka locking curved jaw pliers or fencing pliers, are another method to remove subfloor staples. Just grip the staple firmly, then roll or rock the pliers backward to pull the staple out in one motion says Zakheim. “The rolling action helps to not damage the wood,” he says.

Floor Scraper

This YouTube hack from Scott @everydayhomerepairs shows how to remove a lot of staples quickly. Flip the blade on a four-inch floor scraper so the dull side is out, then push it along the floor at a low angle. “This method is best right after pulling up carpet, when the staples are loosened but not yet embedded with years of dirt,” says Huang. “It’s messy, the staples go flying like tiny shrapnel, so I always wear safety glasses.

You’ll have to follow up with pliers to get out the remaining stubborn staples.

Flathead Screwdriver and Hammer

This is a common method for removing subfloor staples if they’re flush with the floor. Use a flathead screwdriver as a mini pry bar, inserting it under the staple and twisting it gently. If needed, use the hammer to gently tap the screwdriver into place under the staple. “Pro tip: Place a scrap piece of wood under the screwdriver to avoid denting the subfloor,” says flooring and tile expert Mike Belk.

Staple Remover Tool

Yes, there are actually official tools to get this job done, and they are effective, depending on the staple type and visibility. Multi-toothed staple pullers come in several shapes and sizes, but the ones with a curved tip are generally the easiest to use. “This specialized tool is commonly found in a flooring installer’s toolbox; however, for DIYers wishing to keep cost down, a set of pliers and a hammer is typically all you will need,” says Borcherding.

Hammer and Nail Puller

For stubborn, deeply embedded staples, tap a nail puller under them with a hammer. You can even just slightly tap the staple to raise it enough for the tool to grip, says Belk. To avoid marring the subfloor, place a thin scrap of wood between it and the tool. “I remember a job with industrial staples from old carpet that this method handled beautifully, much faster than prying each by hand,” says Belk.

Oscillating Multi-Tool

A metal cutting blade on an oscillating multi-tool is a quick way to shear the tops off of deeply embedded staples. Hearing and eye protection are a must with this technique. “I always tell clients that this method is for the patient-but-efficient type,” says Huang. “The catch is the vibration. If you don’t have a steady hand, you’ll chew into the plywood.”

Heat

For staples that have rusted into the wood, or which are stuck in with adhesive, try a heat gun. It will soften the adhesive and/or wood fibers, plus expand the metal slightly, making the staples easier to pull. Keep moving, so you don’t scorch anything, and ventilate the area. “Personally, I’ve used this method in older rentals where staples were nearly fused to the subfloor,” says Belk. “It made them come out like magic.”

Small Crowbar

A tiny pry bar is ideal for stubborn staples. Just slide it under the staple, rock back and forth and gently lift. You might need to follow up with pliers. Also place a thin scrap of wood under the bar to prevent denting the subfloor. “A cat’s paw pry bar is built exactly for jobs like this,” says Huang. “It’s faster than a screwdriver and much kinder to your wrists.”

Diagonal Cutters

If a staple has broken off at the surface, leaving tiny metal fangs poking up, Huang recommends using diagonal cutters to snip them off flush with the subfloor, then sand them smooth to prevent sharp edges. “In older homes, this has been a lifesaver because some staples are rusted solid, and it would do more damage to force them out,” she says.

Sanding

For large areas with staples buried just below the surface, a coarse belt sander or hand sander can expose them enough to get a grip with pliers, says Belk. But don’t sand too aggressively, and be sure to wear a dust mask to protect from sawdust and old adhesive residues. “I sometimes use this on rental flips where the staple pattern is dense and pliers alone would take forever,” he says.

Combination Approach

Belk finds that often the fastest method to remove subfloor staples is to combine techniques: lift with a flathead, pull with pliers and finish with a hammer or crowbar. To save time and prevent injuries, keep a bucket or magnetic tray nearby to catch staples. “Personally, I teach apprentices this combination trick because it’s efficient and keeps the subfloor in pristine shape,” he says.

Leave and Cover

This one’s controversial, but worth mentioning, says Huang. If the staples are shallow, and you’re laying down new underlayment, sometimes it’s easier to just snip them flush (or hammer them flat), then cover them, rather than try to force them out. “I’ve done this in rental units where speed mattered more than perfection, and it’s held up fine,” she says. “The trick is to double-check with your hand that nothing sharp remains. It’s not glamorous, but it’s practical.”

About the Experts

• Thomas Borcherding is owner and lead designer at Homestar Design Remodel, a residential remodeling firm in St. Louis, Missouri. He has removed many staples from subfloors during his career.
• Bar Zakheim is a general contractor and CEO of Better Place Design and Build, a residential contracting firm based in the San Diego area that specializes in residential renovations, additions and ADUs.
• Lily Huang is co-founder and a senior designer at Grandsea Building, an aluminum door and window manufacturer. She has a background in construction, combining aesthetics and structure to create spaces that are both beautiful and built to last.
• Mike Belk is owner, founder and a flooring and tile expert at online retailer BELK Tile, which he’s been with since 2013. He’s also avid about home improvement.

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