A scanner for removing paperclips from a sheaf of papers, with a paper lifting tray operable to move the sheaf of papers in a vertical direction, a pushdown bar configured to move in a vertical direction and make contact with the sheaf of papers on the paper lifting tray and apply a force in an opposite direction from the direction in which the paper lifting tray moves, the force being sufficient to hold the sheaf of papers in place, and with a removal bar configured to move in a direction that is coplanar with the paper lifting tray and orthogonal to the vertical direction, wherein the removal bar is configured to come into contact with the sheaf of papers and push a paperclip off of the sheaf of papers.