Surgical retractor systems including removable angling devices and methods of use are provided. A surgical retractor system can include a head with an opening, a blade including a nipple, and an angling device including a handle. The nipple can include a first recess that runs circumferentially around an exterior surface of the nipple and terminates at a flange. The opening can be configured to receive the nipple. The nipple can be longer than the opening such that the flange and at least a portion of the recess extend beyond an end of the opening when the blade is attached to the head. The angling device can be configured to receive the flange such that the angling device can be removably attached to the flange. The angling device can be used to manipulate the position of the blade when the angling device is attached to the flange.
