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.

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.

Did You Know?
In 1477, the Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy the first diamond engagement ring recorded in history.