Ow! Metal Splinter...
 

I got to work about an hour ago and quickly realized that there's a metal splinter in the tip of my left ring finger. It's presumably aluminum since that's mostly what I worked with this weekend. It wouldn't be a problem if I weren't a programmer for a living; tap-typing isn't going to fly in the long term...

I need a Macgyver-type solution to this. Nail-pinching isn't working and none of my coworkers have tweezers in their pockets. :ahh:

Thoughts? Cheerful puns?

Re: Ow! Metal Splinter...
 

You're at the workshop, right? There should be plenty of saws in the back ;)

In a serious note, you can try soaking the finger in warm water for a while, then try squeezing it out again. Alternatively, I've heard of iodine or isopropyl alcohol used to cause the surrounding skin to retract a bit and make it easier to get out, though I can't personally vouch for those methods.

(Please sterilize the saw before removing the finger. It will lower chance of infection)

Re: Ow! Metal Splinter...
 

If it's aluminum, then it's a real pain to remove it. If it's wood, it will get infested after a day or two, and the pus will make it easier to remove. Iron sometimes rusts and that helps start an infection, allowing the pus to help it come out.

If you're not comfortable cutting your finger open yourself to remove it, I suggest a visit to a doctor. And the cut will take time to heal, too.

Re: Ow! Metal Splinter...
 

Happen to have a pair of needle nosed pliers handy?

Re: Ow! Metal Splinter...
 

Oi, looks like a trip to the site's physician then. Thanks for the info!

Re: Ow! Metal Splinter...
 

Nail clippers might do the trick. Just be gentle and DON'T cut it shorter!

Re: Ow! Metal Splinter...
 

That's some of the strangest advice I've read on CD

but the nail clipper trick might work if the piece is not embedded too deeply.

Re: Ow! Metal Splinter...
 

Ooooops, my bad. That's what I get for trusting spell checker to keep me from looking foolish. :rolleyes:

Re: Ow! Metal Splinter...
 

Yes. Soak it for half an hour (or more) till the skin gets soft.

Inspect it with a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe to see which end is which.

Then take a sterilized pin and pry it out.

Re: Ow! Metal Splinter...
 

Gosh, all these guys are suggesting processes which require patience! rather than patients.

Re: Ow! Metal Splinter...
 

Maybe, just call it a sick day and go home. ;)

Don't let FIRST hear about it, or they will come up with new finger-protection rules. ::ouch::

Re: Ow! Metal Splinter...
 

Everyone must wear safety glasses AND welding gloves. :-)

Re: Ow! Metal Splinter...
 

take a pocket knife, sharpen it, dip it in something to sterilize it, and carefully go poking around for it.

Re: Ow! Metal Splinter...
 

I usually grab a new razor blade and start digging.

Re: Ow! Metal Splinter...
 

Time for a mani pedicure.


Roy