Indications for Removing a Ring With a Ring Cutter Edema or anticipated edema when ring will not slide off finger Rings made of soft materials (eg, gold, silver, copper, plastic) Contraindications to Removing a Ring With a Ring Cutter None Complications of Removing a Ring With a Ring Cutter Laceration of underlying tissue Equipment for Removing a Ring With a Ring Cutter Nonsterile gloves Mild antiseptic cleanser (eg, 2% chlorhexidine) Manual ring cutter Hemostat or pliers Eye protection (eg, face mask, goggles) Sometimes a powered ring-cutting saw, bolt cutter, or vice grips Additional Considerations for Removing a Ring With a Ring Cutter Sometimes, the ring can be removed easily by thoroughly lubricating the patient's finger with a water-soluble lubricant, then using a circular motion with traction to twist off the ring the from the finger.