What are the types of lifts?

	There are many different types of lifters, and there are some tools that look like lifters but aren't. Below is a guide to help you decide which type is best for you.
Standard lifts
	The standard lifter has a V-blade and vanadium steel shaft, and a hard plastic handle. This tool is used to remove tacks from carpets and upholstery. This is a simple yet effective piece of equipment and should be your first choice if you need to pick up carpet tacks, pins or hairpins.
Serrated tack removers
	Serrated nail removers, sometimes referred to as "upholstery knives," are multifunctional hand tools that can lift nails, pins, and staples, and have a serrated steel blade for cutting rope, twine, and other materials. The V-point of the knife is quite small and the blade is straight, so you may find it difficult to get the leverage needed to remove large stubborn nails with this tool.
Staplers or hammers
	Staple removers or "hammers" are used on staples and snaps and have sharp steel pins that are ideal for slipping under staples and popping them out. The thinner V-notches on this tool can be damaged if you use it to remove heavier carpet nails.
	You can also use this tool along with a hammer to knock out staples.
Edge staple removers
	Edge staple removers are almost identical to the staple removers above, except they have a slightly higher blade angle. The 'V' shaped blade is curved at a 45° angle to the shaft, allowing the user to use the leverage needed to remove carpet and upholstery staples.
Staple lifters
	Hard braces are slightly different because the blade is shaped like a "W" instead of a "V". The “W” shaped recess allows you to reach under the staples and remove them. The sharp prongs on both sides can also be used to dig in and pull out deeply stuck staples. A staple lifter usually has a wooden handle and a straight stem and is designed to lift staples for carpets and upholstery.
Staple removers
	Staple removers are often used in traditional upholstery to lift staples and studs. They have a spade-shaped triangular blade that can be used to slide under the edges of the clasp to pry it out.
Tack claws
	A tack tack is another type of tack lifting tool that has a V-shaped blade that is bent at a 45° angle for leverage. The blade is slightly rounded and has sharp points that allow it to slide under the head of a carpet or upholstery potholder.
Traditional lifts
	The traditional tack lifter has the typical "V" shaped blade that is angled to give the user more leverage and a wooden handle for a comfortable grip. Its blade is flat and slightly wider than modern counterparts.
Which is better?
	It really depends on your specific needs and requirements, but the modern standard nail lifter is generally considered to be the best tool for removing buttons, studs, pins, and small nails. It is easy to use and its vanadium steel head and shaft are strong and durable. Purchasing a device with a soft grip will ensure a firm and secure grip while you work.
	Since most carpet installers and upholsterers use staples, it's worth investing in a lift designed to remove staples, such as a staple remover or staple lifter.