Has it been a while since you took off a ring? Have you tried one that looked big enough, but doesn't come off anymore? No fear! Don't be in a hurry to cut it. Here are some simple ways to safely take it off.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: General Tips
Step 1. Gently place your index finger on top of the stuck ring and your thumb underneath, then start moving it back and forth, trying to slowly pull it off
Step 2. Be careful not to pull too hard
You may cause your finger to swell more, making it more difficult to remove the ring.
Method 2 of 6: Lubricant Method
Step 1. Use something greasy
At home you will have plenty of things to lubricate your finger so that you can take the ring off without damaging the skin. Window cleaning products containing ammonia usually work very well. If the skin is cracked or cut, choose the lubricant carefully. Otherwise, try one of the following products, applying it generously between the back of your hand and the knuckle.
- Vaseline
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A window cleaner containing ammonia
(ask your jeweler for more information, because they should have the right product but make sure it doesn't hurt your skin; read the instructions carefully)
- Moisturizing cream
- Conditioner / shampoo
-
Antibiotic cream
(it is the best choice if the skin is bruised)
- Cooking oil, softened butter, margarine
- Cooking lard
- Peanut butter - not that crunchy (it may be a little sticky at first, but after a while it will make your finger greasy enough to take off the ring)
- Soapy water
- Baby oil
Step 2. Move the ring in different directions so that the lubricant penetrates underneath
Rotate the ring around your finger a few times, spray or spread a little more lube, then gently pull it off, moving it back and forth or twisting it as needed.
Method 3 of 6: High Position Method
Step 1. Raise your arm
If you are unable to remove the ring, raise your arm above your shoulder, holding it in that position for a few minutes.
Method 4 of 6: Cold Water Method
Step 1. Dip your hand in cold water
Have you ever noticed that rings look wider on cold days than when it's hot? The water must be cold, but not icy; keep your hand submerged for a few minutes. You shouldn't feel pain during this step.
Method 5 of 6: Dental Floss Method
Step 1. Slide the end of the floss under the ring
If necessary, use a needle to pass it between the skin and the metal.
Step 2. Wrap the thread around your finger, up to the knuckle
The thread should stick to your skin, but don't wrap it too tightly as it would hurt or your finger would turn blue. Untie it if it's too tight.
Step 3. Unwind the floss, starting at the base of the finger
As you do this, the ring should move, sliding off and you will be able to take it off.
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If the ring does not slip off completely, repeat the previous steps starting from where it is.
Method 6 of 6: After Removing The Ring
Step 1. Clean up where it was and treat any wounds
Do not put the ring back on until you have changed it to fit your size, or until the swelling has subsided.
Advice
- If it is necessary to cut the ring, a good jeweler should know that you have to wait a couple of weeks before taking the right size of the finger, so that it has time to heal.
- Don't be afraid to cut the ring if necessary. It only takes a few seconds, it doesn't hurt and the rings are easily repaired. Don't get hurt with too tight a ring. Go to the hospital, to a fire station or to a good jeweler. They'll take it off you in no time.
- These methods work when a ring needs to be removed from swollen fingers in the morning.
- Get your ring size measured if you haven't done so lately. The size of the finger may vary based on age and weight change. Any jeweler should have the right tool to measure your finger.
- Always keep your ring finger bent to reduce the accumulation of skin on the knuckle, making it slightly smaller.
- When your finger reaches the knuckle, press it against it, moving it as far as possible towards the joint. This will make it easier for you to pull the ring off your finger.
- If the ring is really stuck, here is an easy way to remove it with the help of another person. Generally, the rings fit together at the knuckle, where too much skin accumulates, so if you can flatten it you will probably be able to remove it easily. Ask someone to pull the skin of the finger towards the back of the hand, while you will have to pull the ring from the greased finger.
- You need to be patient. Don't panic if the ring doesn't come off right away. Probably, it will take some time and you will have to try several approaches before you succeed.
- Take a long cold shower, or go outside if it's cold to lower your body temperature. Of course, don't overdo it!
- If you've tried anything to get the ring off but it still doesn't slip off, grab a file of some kind and start filing down one side of the ring. It will take some time, but eventually it will create some space and you can take it off.
- If you are forced to cut the ring yourself, here's how: take a stick of a popsicle or a toothpick that you will have to insert between the ring and the skin to protect your finger. Carefully, use a needle file to create a groove on the ring. Needle files are available in any hardware store.
Warnings
- Any jeweler should have a ring cutting tool. After that, they can fix it and resize it, fitting it to your finger, but you'll have to wait for the finger to heal first, then a couple of weeks or so. Get in touch with an experienced jeweler who will be able to fix it, as they will know what to do.
- Get help if your finger is swelling from an injury. Do not pull the ring if you suspect your finger is broken.
- Some glass cleaning products contain ammonia which may damage some metals and some stones. Be well informed before using any product!
- If your finger is turning blue and you can't remove the ring, go to the emergency room or the nearest fire station immediately.
- In the ER and most fire stations they have the tools to cut the ring in seconds. Either way, you can take the ring to a jeweler to have it repaired.
