Try wedging the staples out with a flathead screwdriver so that you can get the cap off and slide the rod out. I saved my tube as well and turned it into an "ultimate wiffle ball" bat. I'll explain the game if you really want to know about it. Anyways, I made good use of that tube until it broke down the middle. I don't know what you're going to use yours for, but that's how I used mine!