Many jewelers will remove a stuck ring free of charge or for a low fee. The cost of ring removal may depend on how difficult it is to cut through the ring. [2] X Research source
A jeweler’s ring cutter is a small circular saw tool that resembles a can opener. A finger guard slides between the ring and your finger to protect your skin from the saw blade. Ring cutters can be either manual (hand-cranked) or electric. If you plan to save the ring and have it repaired, ask to have it cut in just one place. You may need 2 people to spread the ring apart with a pair of heavy-duty paperclips once the cut is made.
It may take 2-3 minutes to cut through a titanium ring with an electric diamond blade cutter. It is not always possible to cut a titanium ring with a manual ring cutter, especially if the ring is thick. The blade will need to be lubricated with water while cutting to prevent overheating. If no power cutter is available, bolt cutters may be used in an emergency. [6] X Research source However, bolt cutters are more dangerous than ring cutters, and may not work on titanium rings that are more than 5-6 mm (about ¼ inch) wide.
A ring can be cracked by slipping the tool over the outside of the band and gradually tightening it in small increments. While this method sounds alarming, it is quick, safe, and painless when done properly. It typically takes about 30 seconds, and the ring will give before your finger experiences any pressure.
Never attempt to cut a ring off of your own finger. Have another person cut the ring off for you. Only try to cut a ring off at home if other methods have not worked and you cannot get professional help.
Insert something metal, like the blade of a butter knife or the handle of a spoon, between the ring and the finger in order to prevent the skin from being burned or cut. Hold the blade to the ring for a second or two at a time, and lubricate the ring with a few drops of cold water between cuts to prevent overheating. Cut through the ring in two places, e. g. on opposite sides of the finger, to make it easier to remove. Do not attempt to use a blade to cut off a tungsten carbide, stone, or ceramic ring.
Use extreme caution when using bolt cutters to remove a ring, as you can easily cut the finger with either the bolt cutters or the crushed edge of the ring band. If you can, slip something between the ring and the finger, such as the blade of a butter knife or a thin piece of foam padding, to protect the skin from getting snipped or lacerated. [11] X Research source Bolt cutters will not work on a titanium ring with a wide band (i. e. , more than 5-6 mm, or about ¼ inch, in width).
Wear protective goggles if you have them, as small pieces of the ring may fly into your face when the ring cracks. Do not try to slide the cracked ring off, as this may cut the finger. Instead, pull the cracked pieces away.
The water should be nice and cold, but not icy. If your tap water is not cold enough, put some water in your refrigerator to chill it.
If your skin is broken, use an antibiotic ointment or vitamin A and D ointment. The lubrication method may work best in combination with other methods. Try cooling your finger in cold water to reduce swelling before lubricating it.
