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.
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: Lubricate your finger Lubricate your finger and the ring liberally with hand lotion, petroleum jelly, cooking oil, or soap.
- 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.
- TIP: Cover the drain if you are working over a sink so that the ring doesn't disappear down the pipe.
- 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.
- 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.
- FACT: In 1477, the Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy the first diamond engagement ring recorded in history.
You Will Need
- Lubricant
- such as hand lotion
- petroleum jelly
- cooking oil
- or soap
- Cool water
- Dental floss
- Patience