Introduction: How to Fix a Loose Ring With Tape and Clear Fingernail Polish
After losing a lot of weight my wedding ring would no longer stay on my finger. Normally it might not be a big deal to get it resized except that my ring is made out of tungsten carbide. So I either get a new ring - or figure out how to make this one fit better.
If you have a ring that can't be resized or maybe a metal ring with an intricate pattern on it that you don't want to interrupt this little trick works great!
This is a better alternative to the metal ring guards some jewelers install that have to fold around the outside of the ring or plastic tubing that is too ungainly and sharp for a permanent solution. With this trick no one can even tell you've changed anything..
This is a slightly different version of another instructable that can be found here:
https://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Ring-Reducer/
Some people wrap tape or dental floss around their rings, and there are some liquid solutions that can be applied that when dry will reduce the interior diameter a bit. This instructable uses some adhesive tape and fingernail polish that you can find in any drugstore.
Step 1: What You'll Need..
1.) Roll of thick adhesive tape that can be cut into strips - the Nexcare Absolute Waterproof First Aid Tape - 1 inch width I used was great. It was thick and spongy and easy to cut. I found it in the bandages/first aid section of the drug store.
2.) Razor blade (and cutting board) or scissors
3.) Clear nail polish
4.) Nail polish remover (acetone) if you make a mistake or need to remove the nail polish.
Step 2: Resizing the Ring
Cut a strip of tape thinner than the ring. Since the razor blade was longer than the 1 inch width tape I could make a straight cut all the way across simply by pressing down on it over a cutting board. If you need to use more than one thickness of tape put two small pieces of tape on top of each other and use the razor blade to cut through both at the same time to trim them to the same size. Peel the tape off the cutting board and press it inside the ring as shown. Then apply the clear nail polish over the top and to the sides of the tape. Let it dry overnight and you're good to go.
16 Comments
7 years ago
I'm going to do this tomorrow! Thank you so much for the help! What is the point of the nail polish? Does it work as a type of sealant or something?
Reply 7 years ago
The nail polish seals the tape and prevents it from peeling and degrading from water or abrasion. I wear my ring every day (over 1 1/2 years now) and have never had to add a new coat. I'll attach a picture of what it looks like now. Instead of layering two pieces on top of each other I attached one layer opposite of the other on the inside (see photo).
Reply 8 months ago
8 years later and the fix is still the same. I haven’t noticed any deterioration of the tape or the nail polish!
Reply 6 years ago
Check out this new product that will fix your ring sizing issues
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWQVHV7zgHY
Reply 7 years ago
Awesome, that's what I figured! Thanks again for the help!!
Reply 5 years ago
I have a question how can I fix my rings so that way my dog won't her toenails coult in it
6 years ago
I wonder if this will work with gold and the nail polish won't react to it?
Reply 6 years ago
Check out this new product that will fix your ring sizing issues
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWQVHV7zgHY
6 years ago
Has anyone have any success using this method on gold rings?
Reply 6 years ago
Check out this new product that will fix your ring sizing issues
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWQVHV7zgHY
6 years ago
Check out this new product that will fix your ring sizing issues
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWQVHV7zgHY
7 years ago
Can I do that im my platinum wedding band?
Reply 7 years ago
Sure. Platinum is a very non-reactive metal.
7 years ago
Thank you sooooo much! I recently got engaged. Apon choosing my ring my finger swelled up and I ended up getting a ring that was so loose, it would fly off of my finger if I shook my hand.
Reply 7 years ago
You're very welcome. I've been wearing my ring every day for 1 1/2 years now with this trick and there are still no signs of pealing or needing to reapply fingernail polish!
8 years ago
Great instructable I have a tungsten ring too and mine slips off when my hands are cold so this should fix the problem