Abstract: A device for dislodging standard staples having their side portions imbedded in carpet and for dislodging standard staples having their side portions hooked around carpet thread. A toothed member has teeth spaced such that standard staples' side portions will fit between two teeth with at least one other tooth between the two teeth, such that the staple will not turn out of the fit. The teeth are also spaced close enough such that a staple's hooked side portion will not fit between the teeth. Embodiments include the toothed member being the head of a hand rake and being the surface of a drum which is motorized.