I was just wondering how you folks handle this? If an item (module, rulebook, etc.) has rusty staples, but is in otherwise NM condition, what do you do?



My solution has been to replace the staples. I am able to put the new staples in the existing staple holes, and it looks great, IMO. It just takes a bit of practice before you get good at it, and I practiced on some magazines before I tried it on any of my D&D materials. My reasoning is that the staple rust looks ugly, stains the pages, and harms the value of the item. Now, some may say that replacing the staples harms the value of the item by making it a "restored" item. What are your thoughts?



Please note that if I were to sell the item, I would certainly let the buyer know that the staples have been replaced.

Hey Ralf, thanks for the link to the previous thread. I suppose I should have done a search first.    It seems there were people on both sides of the issue, as I suspected there would be. I will continue my practice of replacing rusty staples, as the rusty staples damage the paper around them, as well as being unsightly.