Removing a ring from finger.

The_Apprentice

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Alright, here's a problem I couldn't quite solve over a week ago.

I took my ring off on my right hand, but I couldn't get the one on my index finger off on my left. Realizing tugging with soap was only making it swell worse, I left it for now.

However, as I want to start to use my lathe on a daily basis now... this is going to be a priority issue for me.

I am going to attempt to swap out soap for some of our water-based sexual lubricant next, as I figure THAT is made for slickness. And if THAT doesn't work, I'll make a trip to the local Love Shop for Silicone based (or other). And if THAT doesn't work, I guess I can always go down to the local hospital and have them use a standard ring-cutter... though I'd rather avoid that if possible. Of course, it is better to have them cut it off BEFORE an accident, and not AFTER.

Since I know this is a common practice/problem with tenured machinists, is there any other tricks at the moment? Only other thing that comes to mind is an old wive's tale about soaking a finger/hand into ice-water for a bit before trying to slide a ring off...

Suggestions from many of those who've had experience in this endeavor? Thanks in advance.
 
Have not been thru this myself but.... Within sensible limits, cut way back on fluid intake for a day or so. Without fluids, a body starts puckering-up pretty fast and changes in ring size will be among the first places you'll notice a difference. If needed, reduce your calorie intake and try to lose a couple pounds over a week or so -of course, within sensible/medical limits.

Ray
 
The ice water thing is valid. Another thing to do, if your health is OK for it, is restrict your fluid intake for a day or two. If you do need the last resort, I wouldn't go to a hospital for it (expensive!) If you can wedge a tongue depressor of something similar between it and your finger to protect the skin, you could use a cutoff wheel in a dremel.
 
I was debating on fluids too. Possibly drinking too much soda during these winter months while indoors is causing my fingers to swell more than normal. In any case, I tried to use the water-based lube, while elevating my index finger above shoulder height for a while, unfortunately, there is no way this is going to do the trick.

Will stop drinking soda over the next few days, then try a better lubricant with a COLD finger as well as the finger elevation trick, and see how that goes.

BTW, in Canada hospital visits are free, part of the benefits of living here and paying taxes, so I'm not too worried of visits. But don't want to ruin this ring if I don't have to. It's not some cheap import from China. LOL
 
The dental floss thing looked painful - saw that a few months back when my 5 year-old got a "ring" jammed on his finger (a charm/pendant thing). Of course I saw it after I hacksawed it off his finger - an act that required great patience, lol. Used a hacksaw blade without the saw, needle-nose vise grip holding it. Took 45 min. :) Good luck!!

Protip - a hacksaw won't cut through diamond/cubic zirconia.
 
my 5 year-old got a "ring" jammed on his finger (a charm/pendant thing). I hacksawed it off his finger - an act that required great patience, lol. ...... Took 45 min

How do you get a worried 5 year old to stay still for 45 mins? Was he asleep or did you get his hand in a vise? ;)
 
How do you get a worried 5 year old to stay still for 45 mins? Was he asleep or did you get his hand in a vise? ;)

By making him not worried, of course! :D I think my wife told him stories of her childhood - that kinda thing always seems to captivate them.
 
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