How to Get a Tight Ring Off

Looking at the stuck ring on your finger and wondering how on Earth to take it off? You aren’t the first one!

Whether it’s because you tried to flaunt a sparkler that’s a smidge smaller or because your finger/knuckle (second joint on your finger) got swollen after you slipped it on, there are several reasons why your stunner could hold your finger hostage.

Regardless of the reason, taking off a stuck ring can be an uphill task. Lucky for you, that’s where this article comes in.

Ring Size Guide

From applying liquid soap to trying the wrap method, we’ve noted down several ways to remove a tight ring.

So, what are you waiting for? Read on!

Before We Begin…

Remember, when trying to remove your sparkler don’t force the ring or tug it too much as being rough could cause your finger to swell even more.

Now that you know the most important tip, let’s move on to the solutions.

5 Ways to Remove a Ring Stuck on Your Finger

1) Use a Mild Liquid Soap

TBH, one of the most common questions we get asked is ‘how to get a ring off safely.’ Our response: Use a mild liquid soap, of course!

To do this, start by squirting a little liquid soap on the shank (band) of your ring and your finger. Once done, try to gently ease your stunner off the same.

2) Use a Lubricant (Oil, Lotion, Etc.)

Apart from mild liquid dishwashing soaps, there are several slippery substances that can be used to lubricate the shank of your ring and slide it off. These substances are as follows:

Vegetable oil
Butter
Cooking spray
Coconut oil
Baby oil
Mineral oil
Petroleum Jelly
Hand lotion
Hair conditioner or shampoo
Shortening (lard)

Did You Know?

The chemicals present in everyday household items like lotion, shampoo and oil can negatively impact your gemstone. So, if you do plan on lubricating your ring before removing it, remember to clean it immediately afterward.

3) Try to Reduce the Swelling

Interestingly, swollen fingers are one of the main reasons why your ring could get stuck on your digit. If you realize that your ring gets stuck only when your fingers swell under certain circumstances (like during/after working out or spending a day in the sun), we highly recommend removing it beforehand.

That said, the best way to get a ring off a swollen finger is to first try and reduce the swelling and shrink your digit back down to its original size. Here, start by running your hand under ice-cold water while gently twisting the ring over your knuckle.

If that doesn’t work, we recommend following the RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) method:

Step #1: Start by fully submerging your finger with the stuck ring into a bowl of ice water.

Step #2: Once done, elevate your hand with the finger in the bowl by holding it above your head for 10 minutes.

Step #3: Next, remove your finger from the water and with your other hand, compress the area of your finger above your stuck ring.

Step #4: Finally, slowly and gently ease your sparkler off your finger by rocking it back and forth (rather than twisting it). You can also add some lubrication here to help ease the process.

Important Note: You may have to repeat this swollen finger ring removal method a few times for it to have the desired effect. Here, we recommend allowing a 5-10 minute break between attempts.

4) Try the Wrap Method

Generally speaking, this method works best when your men’s or women’s ring is only a little stuck and your digit isn’t very swollen. If it is, do note that this method might make things worse.

Step #1: Slip some string or dental floss under your sparkler while keeping most of it toward your fingertip.

Step #2: Wrap your digit tightly (so it’s compressed) with the string or floss beginning at the top of your ring and moving up past the lower knuckle.

Step #3: Use the end of the string or floss (that was under the ring) to push your sparkler up over your knuckle which will unravel the string or floss as you go.

Important Note: If your ring doesn’t come off, remove the string or floss and get emergency care at once.

5) Consider Cutting Your Ring Off

If all else fails, we highly recommend going to a jeweler and asking them to cut your sparkler off. Here, the jeweler will use a specialty tool called a ring cutter to cut your stunner while simultaneously avoiding cutting or injuring your finger.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

Now that you know how to get a stuck ring off, remember that it’s important to go to the doctor if required. Here, we highly recommend visiting the doctor before you attempt to remove your stuck sparkler if your finger is swollen because of an injury or if you have a wound or cut on your finger or both.

Your doctor will help by providing options that should avoid additional damage as well as the risk of infection.

We also suggest seeking emergency care if your injured finger is:

Discolored
Swollen
Has no feeling

Why? Well, the ring could be playing the role of a tourniquet on your finger. And needless to say, this could cause some serious permanent damage.

Now that you know how to get a tight ring off, don’t wait a second more – try our tips and remove your sparkler now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why might a ring get stuck on my finger?

Your ring could either be too small or your finger could have grown after wearing your ring for a long period. It could also be stuck because your finger is swollen due to an injury or trauma or you’re retaining fluids due to your diet or a health condition. And lastly, since you put on your sparkler your knuckles might have enlarged due to a condition like arthritis.

Q2. How can I safely remove a stuck ring at home?

Applying some mild liquid soap or lubricant (like lotion or oil, for example) and gently easing your stunner off your finger is a great way to safely remove a stuck ring at home. Here, if your finger is swollen, we recommend first trying to reduce the swelling.

Q3. What should I avoid doing when trying to remove a stuck ring at home?

Avoid tugging your ring too much as being rough can cause additional swelling.

Q4. When should I seek professional help?

We highly recommend visiting the doctor before you attempt to remove your stuck sparkler if your finger is swollen because of an injury or if you have a wound or cut on your finger or both. We also suggest seeking emergency care if your injured finger is discolored or has no feeling.