Ow! Metal Splinter...

[JesseK]

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.

Thoughts? Cheerful puns?

[EthanMiller]

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)

[MrForbes]

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.

[CalTran]

Happen to have a pair of needle nosed pliers handy?

[JesseK]

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

[billbo911]

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

[MrForbes]

Originally Posted by billbo911

Just be gentile

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.

[billbo911]

Originally Posted by squirrel

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.

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

[Ether]

Originally Posted by EthanMiller

In a serious note, you can try soaking the finger in warm water for a while

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.

[MrForbes]

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

[GaryVoshol]

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.

[Ether]

Originally Posted by GaryVoshol

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

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

[Frenchie461]

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

[BJT]

I usually grab a new razor blade and start digging.

[roystur44]

Time for a mani pedicure.


Roy