How to Remove a Ring that's Stuck on a Finger
Avoid a trip to the hospital by using these tricks to safely dislodge a stuck ring.
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You Will Need
- Lubricant, such as hand lotion, petroleum jelly, cooking oil, or soap
- Cool water
- Dental floss
- Patience
Steps
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Step 1
Don't force it
Avoid pulling and tugging too hard, which could cause your finger to swell and make it more difficult to remove the ring.
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Step 2
Lubricate your finger
Lubricate your finger and the ring liberally with hand lotion, petroleum jelly, cooking oil, or soap.
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Step 3
Work the ring off
Turn the ring around your finger to get the lubricant underneath. Gently work the ring off the finger, turning it as you go.
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Cover the drain if you are working over a sink so that the ring doesn't disappear down the pipe.
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Step 4
Bring down swelling
Dip your hand in cool water for a few minutes to help reduce swelling if the lubricants don't work. Elevating your arm can also help reduce swelling.
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Step 5
Try dental floss
Wrap dental floss tightly around your finger starting just above the ring. Lubricate the floss and then slip the ring off over the compressed knuckle.
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In 1477, the Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy the first diamond engagement ring recorded in history.
