How to Remove a Stuck Ring

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.

General

1. Place your index finger gently on the stuck ring, and thumb under, then start twisting the ring gently back and forth, while slowly pulling the ring out.
2. Make sure that you don't pull and tug too much. It could cause additional swelling and make it even harder to remove the ring.

Lubricant Method

1. Use 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. Ammonia-based cleaners such as Windex often work best. 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
     
     
     
     (professional jewellers often use this)
   • Hand lotion
   • Hair conditioner/shampoo
   • Petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment
     
     
     
     (the best choice if the skin is broken)
   • Cooking oil, soft butter, or cooking spray
   • Shortening (lard)
   • Peanut butter -smooth, not chunky!! (may be a little sticky but works to get the ring off)
   • Soap and water
2. Move 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.

Elevation Method

1. Elevate the arm. If you still can't remove the ring, try elevating the arm above shoulder level for a few minutes.

Cold Water Method

1. Dip the hand in cool water. Have you noticed that your rings fit more loosely on cool days than hot ones? Place the hand in cool, but not ice cold, water and leave it there for a few minutes. It need not be painful to leave your hand in the water.

Dental Floss Method

1. Slip one end of the dental floss under the ring.
2. Wrap the dental floss around your finger, up to your knuckle. Wind snugly, but not so tightly that you cause pain or turn the finger blue. Unwind it if it's too tight.
3. Unwind 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.

After You Get the Ring Off

1. Clean the area where the ring was and tend to any other injuries. Don't put the ring back on until it has been resized or the swelling has gone down.

Tips

• Take a long, cold shower or go outside if it's cold, to drop your body temperature. Don't overdo it, of course.
• This works well when you need to remove your ring from fingers that are puffy in the morning.
• Get your ring size measured if you haven't lately. It may change as you gain or lose weight or simply as you age. Any jeweler should have a set of sizing rings.
• If your ring had to be cut off, any worthwhile jeweler should know to wait at least two weeks before sizing your finger, so that your finger has time to heal.
• Always have the ring finger bent slightly as this reduces "bunching" of skin on the knuckle and therefore makes the knuckles slightly smaller.
• As the ring reaches your knuckle, press it against and move it as far up the joint on the inside as possible. This makes it much easier to then pull the ring over the knuckle on the top of your finger.
• If the ring isn't stuck too tightly, here's a simple way to get it off with another person's help. Usually what gets rings stuck is the skin getting bunched up between the ring and knuckle, so if you can flatten the skin out there's a good chance the ring will pop off relatively easily. Simply get someone to pull your skin behind the ring back towards your hand, while you pull the ring off of your (lubricated) finger.
• When all else fails it may be necessary to cut the ring off. Try to get a popsicle stick or some toothpicks between the ring and the skin to protect the finger. Slowly and carefully use a needle file to cut a groove through the ring. Needle files are available at any hardware store.

Warnings

• If the finger is turning blue and you cannot remove the ring then visit the ER or the nearest fire station immediately!
• 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.
• 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 resize 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.
• 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.

Things You'll Need

• Windex or other Ammonia based Window cleaner, antibiotic cream, Petroleum jelly, hair conditioner, butter, cooking oil, cooking spray, hand lotion, shortening or soapy water.
• Cold water
• Dental floss