I've built 3 strip boats using staples and I've pulled all the staples with my trusty needle nose pliers. I use 9/16" staples and fend that my electric stapler generally drives them such that about 1/16" of the staple remains above the surface. I just grab the staple and pull straight up and flip the staple on the floor. It goes fast. Occasionally, a staple is tight against the strip and I lay a putty knife nest to the staple and carefully wedge a very thin and narrow screwdriver under and lift up. I've not experienced any dents as I'm careful when I have to use the screwdriver.

As I see it, I'm building a boat that I'm going to ding up and scratch as soon as it hits the water. I'm over trying to make museum pieces as they won't stay that way very long.

Just my perspective...

Bob Beaullieu