Sometimes a person needs to adjust his ring size, maybe because it was wrong from the start, or the wearer's finger size has changed. In that case, the best course of action would be to take the ring to a jeweler; he could correct the size of the ring without lowering its value. However, the ring size can be adjusted on its own although its value will be partially reduced. This is why it's best to only repair cheap rings that are self-repaired. You can use pliers to increase or decrease the size of the ring; You can also reduce the size of the ring stretch it or use silicone.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Reducing Ring Size with Silicone
Step 1. Clean the ring thoroughly
Soak the ring in hot water mixed with dish soap. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the metal and stone set on the ring.
- Dry the ring completely before continuing.
- Avoid using cleaners that contain bleach, acetone, or chlorine as they can damage the metal ring.
Step 2. Use a coffee stirrer to apply the silicone sealant on the ring
Be sure to use clear silicone, such as food grade or aquarium grade silicone. Make sure you thicken the silicone at the base of the ring. It's best to just use a little bit of silicone, unless the ring is very loose on the finger.
Step 3. Puree the silicone with a coffee stir stick
Since the silicone will directly touch the skin, it's best to make it as smooth as possible. Run the stick along the inside of the ring until the silicone is smooth.
You can use a wet kitchen paper towel to wipe the silicone off the ring
Step 4. Allow the silicone to harden
Depending on the type of silicone used, it can take anywhere from 24-48 hours. Be sure not to wear the ring during this time so the silicone will take longer to dry and come off completely.
If you need to remove the silicone, just scratch it with your fingernail
Method 2 of 4: Using a Hammer to Enlarge the Ring
Step 1. Lubricate the ring with soap and slide it in the ring mandrel
You can use bar soap or dish soap. Make sure the soap coats the ring completely before tucking it in the mandrel.
A ring mandrel is a metal funnel used to measure rings. You can get it through online retail
Step 2. Tap the ring gently with a wooden mallet or hammer
The hammer beat should be gentle but firm. Hit downhill; in essence you are trying to make the ring go deeper into the mandrel. Make sure you rotate the ring when hitting so that it stretches evenly.
- If you have one, make it easier to use a vise to tighten the mandrel.
- If you have a carpenter's hammer, it's best to cover the ring with a cloth so it doesn't scratch.
Step 3. Remove the ring from the mandrel and put it on
If it's too tight, you can repeat the process. Attach the ring to the mandrel and punch until it fits. Remember, this method can only increase the size of the ring by half.
If the ring gets stuck, hit it up with a hammer until it comes off
Method 3 of 4: Stretching the Ring with Pliers
Step 1. Put on the ring and mark the center
Don't force it; for now, the ring can go just above the knuckle. Use a marker to mark around the part of the ring that is under the finger.
Step 2. Cut the ring along the mark with a wire cutter
You can use special wire cutters, or pliers with wire cutters. Slide the ring into the pliers on the previously drawn line. Press gently so that the pieces are even.
Step 3. Gently unscrew the ring using flat muzzle pliers
Open both sides of the ring to keep it as even as possible.
Step 4. Smooth the cut edges
Ideally you use a metal file. If you don't have one, you can use a nail file, although it will take longer to sand. Make sure the edges of the ring are smoothed so they don't scratch your finger.
You can use a nail file to smooth out the cut edges after sanding
Step 5. Try on the ring to check the size
The ring should fit snugly but not slide on the finger, and the exposed cut edge should not hurt the finger when the ring is moved.
If the ring is too tight, remove it and enlarge it again using pliers
Method 4 of 4: Reducing Ring Size Using Pliers
Step 1. Mark the center of the ring circle
This step is easier to do while wearing the ring. Make sure the stone or other decoration on the ring is above the finger before marking. Then. Make a mark around the ring under the finger with a marker. Make sure you wear a color that contrasts with the ring: black works best with gold and silver rings.
Step 2. Cut the ring along the mark with wire scissors
You can use special wire shears, or pliers with cutting blades. Slide the ring into the wire clippers at the drawn line markings. Press gently so that the pieces are evenly distributed.
Step 3. File the cut edges
We recommend using a special file for metal. If you don't have one, feel free to use a nail file, but make sure it's safe to use on metal. File slowly, and blow off a bit of metal dust at a time.
Step 4. Close the gap and try wearing the ring
Place the ring inside the open pliers so that each side of the "snout" of the pliers pinches the outside of the ring. Carefully squeeze the ring so that the ends meet. Press evenly and steadily to keep the ring's circular shape.
Try the ring after closing the gap. If it's too loose, sand the end of the cut a little more and try wearing the ring again
Step 5. Clean the cut edges of the ring
Use a buffing block, which can be obtained from a beauty store, to smooth the edges of the ring. This can prevent the ring rim from hurting the finger.
