Abstract: A combined staple removing and retrieving device that includes two pivotally connected elongate ferrous members of channel shaped transverse cross section that define first and second claws on first ends thereof, which claws at least partially overlap one another when the device is pivoted from a first position to a second position to remove a staple from a number of papers through which the staple extends. The device in a first form includes a permanent magnet means that retrieve a staple and hold it in a first removable position on the device after the first and second claws have removed the staple from a number of papers. In a second form of the invention the claws are permanently magnetized to retrieve a staple after it has been removed from a fastening position. A third form of the invention employs permanently magnetized spring means to not only maintain the first and second members in a first position but to retrieve a staple after it is removed from a fastening position.