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Has it been a while since you took off a ring? Did you try on a ring that seemed big enough going on but won't readily come off? Don't panic, and don't rush to cut it off either. There are some simple things you can do to remove it safely.
Steps
General
Lubricant Method
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1Use something slippery. Plenty of "skin-safe" household items can be used as lubricants to get the ring off in one piece and with minimal damage to skin. Dish soap might be your best option. Ammonia-based cleaners such as Windex often work well (but these are not entirely safe on skin). If the skin is broken or cut, choose your lubricant wisely. Otherwise, try any of these, using a generous amount at least as far as the knuckle.[1]
- Vaseline
- Windex or other window cleaners
(make sure its safe on skin, read the bottle first) - Hand lotion (works particularly well)
- Butter - if possible
- Hair conditioner/shampoo
- Petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment
(the best choice if the skin is broken) - Cooking spray, soft butter, or cooking oil
- Shortening (lard)
- Peanut butter -smooth, not chunky!! (may be a little sticky but works to get the ring off)
- Soap and water
- Baby Oil
- Ring Release
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2Move the ring around, getting some of the lubricant underneath. Turn the ring around the finger a time or two, and spray or rub more lubricant on as well. Gently pull the ring off the finger, working it back and forth and turning it as you go, as necessary.
Dental Floss Method
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1Slip one end of the dental floss under the ring. If necessary use a needle to get the dental floss under the ring.
Warning: Tight string wraps can cause skin damage, and may only work for simpler cases. If unsuccessful, the finger may be sore, and the swelling may worsen.
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2Wrap the dental floss around your finger, up to your knuckle. Wind snuggly, but not so tightly that you cause pain or turn the finger blue. Unwind it if it's too tight.[3]
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3Unwind the dental floss, beginning at the bottom of the finger. As you unwind the dental floss from the bottom, your ring will move up your finger until you can get it off.
- If the ring only goes partially off: Repeat the two previous steps from the rings current position.
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow tight should a ring be?
wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff AnswerwikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerA ring should always feel comfortable on your finger and the best fit is where the ring slides on with ease but resists slipping back off. If your skin bulges around the ring, then the ring is too small. If it slides back and forth with ease, never settling in one place, the ring is too large. To obtain the right fit, there should be a tiny gap between your finger and the ring, with some minor resistance when pushing over the knuckle. As with shoes, the best time to have a ring fitted is at the end of the day, to account for natural swelling during the day.
Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.
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QuestionWhat is a ring cutter used for?wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff AnswerwikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerA ring cutter is used to remove rings from fingers when the ring won’t come off because of swelling, crushing or other injury. It acts somewhat like a can opener, to quickly cut a part of the ring without harming the skin. Ring cutters vary depending on the type of metal they have to cut; some are made for softer metals such as gold and platinum, while others are made to handle tougher metals. If you need to have a ring removed with a ring cutter, it’s best to see your jeweler (if no other injury is present) or the local hospital, as they’ll have the right tool.Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.
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QuestionCan a jeweler cut a ring off?wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff AnswerwikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerYes, a jeweler can definitely cut off a ring. A jeweler will have the appropriate tools for cutting the ring and will be able to remove the ring without harming your finger. As well, a jeweler can ensure that minimal damage is done to the ring, giving you the option of having the ring repaired afterward. If you can’t find a jeweler, then the local ER, your doctor or even the fire station may be able to assist. Important: If you have damaged skin, injury-induced swelling or cut skin at the site of the stuck ring, it would be best to see your doctor first, to discuss options for removal that avoid causing infection or further skin damage.Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.
Warnings
- Your local jewelry store should also have a tool that allows them to cut the ring off. Once they remove it they can repair and re-size the ring for you, but only after letting your finger heal, usually 2 weeks. It's best if you go to a store that has a repair shop on the premises since they'll definitely know what they're doing.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Get immediate help if some other injury to the finger is causing it to swell. Don't pull at a ring if you think the finger might be broken.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Most fire stations and emergency rooms have a tool that can cut the ring off in a matter of seconds, and you will still be able to take the ring to a jeweler for repair.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Some types of window cleaner may contain ammonia and can hurt certain types of metals and gems. Be sure to check!⧼thumbs_response⧽
- If the finger is turning blue and you cannot remove the ring then visit the ER (A&E in the UK) or the nearest fire station immediately.[4]⧼thumbs_response⧽
Things You'll Need
- Windex or other Ammonia based Window cleaner, antibiotic cream, Petroleum jelly, hair conditioner, butter, cooking oil, cooking spray, hand lotion, petroleum jelly, shortening or soapy water.
- Cold water
- Dental floss
- Ring Release
References
- ↑ https://blog.brilliance.com/education/how-to-remove-ring-that-is-stuck
- ↑ http://blog.handcare.org/blog/2017/08/06/5-steps-to-removing-a-stuck-ring/
- ↑ http://www.assh.org/handcare/Conditions-and-Injuries/Hand-Safety/Removing-a-Ring
- ↑ se.google.com/cse?cx=008953293426798287586:mje_rkjv8m0
About This Article
To remove a stuck ring, try dipping your hand in cold water to lubricate your skin and reduce any swelling. After a few minutes, try twisting the ring off your finger while your hand is still wet. If that doesn’t work, apply a generous amount of lubricant such as hand lotion, petroleum jelly, or cooking oil on the skin around the ring. Then, move the ring around to get the lubricant underneath, and gently twist it back and forth as you pull it off your finger. For more tips, like how to remove a stuck ring using dental floss, scroll down.
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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