How To Remove A Tungsten Wedding Band In An Emergency

“Well son, it’s about time we had “the talk”. It may be an awkward subject but it’s something we think you should know about. Your mother and I noticed your recent google searches and thought it was time. So take a seat, and I’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to remove your tungsten wedding band in an emergency”. 

- Gandalf (probably, not really sure. Never seen it.)

*Cracks knuckles* Let’s dive in shall we:

If you suddenly notice that your tungsten wedding band won’t come off, don’t panic. Whether your fingers have swollen normally (which can happen over time) or suddenly due to injury, it’s important that you remove the ring promptly to prevent circulation issues that can cause permanent damage to your finger. In general, you should be able to spin your ring both clockwise and counter-clockwise with some effort. Perhaps you might also have the incorrect ring size. If so, make sure to check out our post on how to find the correct ring size to ensure your ring is properly fitted. 

Tungsten rings are incredibly durable making them a favorite among men who work with their hands, however, this means that tungsten rings are almost impossible to cut off, so it will have to be removed a bit differently. It is important that you do not try to cut or “saw off” your ring, as this technique will not work and may cause injury to your finger. Before resorting to emergency removal, you might want to try removing your ring with some soap and water or soaking your hand briefly in ice to reduce swelling. If both of these options fail, here’s what to do next:

Contrary to popular belief, solid gold or silver rings are not necessarily a safe alternative to tungsten wedding bands. As a malleable and soft metal, gold will deform on impact and not return to its original shape, creating an additional hazard cutting off circulation to your ring finger. A similar impact (IE: ever slammed your finger in a car door?) will cause a tungsten ring to shatter with enough force. 

Tungsten carbide is a brittle metal, which means that you can actually “shatter” it into large pieces using the right pressure. Please remember that this means you should wear glasses or protective eyewear. If you’re at all unsure, please contact an EMT or an experienced local jeweler for help. If you feel confident in your ability to remove the ring safely and patiently, the most effective tool to use is a vice grip. Please follow the instructions carefully to avoid injury.

Vice grips, also called locking pliers, allow you to grip and apply measured amounts of pressure to your tungsten ring. By slowly applying pressure, your ring will simply break off without causing further damage to your finger.

Step One: Place the vice grips gently around the ring, being sure to avoid pinching your skin. Twist the adjustment knobs at the handle to make sure the vice is snug around the ring. 

Step Two: Remove the vice grip and twist the adjustment knobs one additional quarter. Place the vice grip back around your ring, again being careful to avoid contact with your skin. 

Step Three: Squeeze the vice grips until you feel the jaws click, indicating the locking mechanism is engaged and now clamped down on your ring. It’s possible that this will be enough to break the ring. If not, continue to remove the clamps and tighten the adjustment knob ONLY one-quarter turn at a time to be sure you won’t crush your finger. 

Once you’ve broken the ring, be sure to keep all tungsten pieces to send back to your manufacturer (we hope that’s us, remember that lifetime warranty we offer?) for a replacement. Most warranties will cover emergency removal and provide you with a new ring free of charge, so be sure to go with a reputable brand (🙋‍♂️yoohoo das us) when choosing your new wedding band.

When you have your ring back in one piece, make sure to check out our helpful men's wedding band care tips to ensure you are getting the most out of your wedding band. Once you’ve invested in a wedding ring that you cherish, caring for it is as important as caring for the marriage itself. 

As always, if you have any questions just ask, that’s what we’re here for. We’ll make sure you receive top-notch customer service we pride ourselves on. We look forward to earning your business and hope that this guide was at least slightly more helpful than the number 9 on the microwave.  Now get back to heating up your hot pockets, your breakfast of champions awaits. 

- Emerson -

"I just lost my mood ring...not sure how I feel about this"

Still have questions? Email our team info@foxtrotbands.com and we will respond within 24 hours. 

*Disclaimer, this article is not a supplement to professional help from a licensed doctor or EMT. If you are in an emergency situation please call 9-1-1.