A ring that is too tight can usually be removed instead of cut off.
It's embarrassing to try on a ring and discover that it will not come off your finger. Sometimes, a ring that usually fits you can become too tight and cut off your circulation due to an injury to your hand or fingers, allergies or fluid retention. Being patient is one of the best ways to get the ring off your finger; sometimes the rough action of trying to force the ring off will cause your finger to become red and swell even more.
Lubricants
Using soap and cold water, petroleum jelly, vegetable oil or lotions will all help to loosen the ring from your finger. Try sitting with your elbow on a table so that your hand is up in the air, above your heart. If the swelling is due to fluid retention or allergies, it may go after 20 or 30 minutes of elevation and make it easier to loosen the ring. If you try to force the ring off your finger, the skin folds may bunch up and prevent the ring from coming off. Try gently pulling on the skin in a downward motion underneath the ring, or try gently pushing it back toward your palm. This will work better than trying to force the ring over the skin folds.
String Method
Push the end of a strong piece of twine, suture material, dental floss or fishing line underneath the ring. Wrap the twine around your finger a few times above the ring toward the tip of your finger. Try to do this as quickly as possible because the twine may become uncomfortable, as it will be decreasing the circulation in the finger. Grasp both ends of the string so that the longest section is down near the finger and the shortest end is on top of the ring. Gently pull both string ends so that the twine slowly unwraps; bringing the ring up over the strings and pushing it off the finger.
Emergency Method
If your finger starts to turn blue or purple or becomes very painful, you should consider this an emergency. The ring will have to be cut off your finger. Don't despair; it can always be repaired. Use wire cutters or a bolt cutter to clip one side of the ring, this may loosen it enough so that you do not have to make another cut. If you do not have a tool that will cut through the metal, then you should go to an emergency room or the closest jewelry store. Most jewelry stores have tools or a special saw that can be used to cut the ring and remove it from your finger. If you have suffered an injury that causes the swelling, it is best to go to an emergency room or to see your doctor right away to take x-rays and to avoid making the injury worse if your hand or finger is broken.
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