Ow! Metal Splinter...

[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.

[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

[Arefin Bari]

I recently had an aluminum splinter stuck in my finger. This is what I did, please only use this process if you feel comfortable.

I used a tweezer and a needle. I used the needle to dig out some of the skins around the splinter, then used a tweezer to pull it out. It took a while and I had to dig in a little bit but it worked. Also, please burn the needle head for a bit before you use it.

[Cecil]

Have you tried Duct Tape? Put a small strip over it, and rip it off quickly. Repeat a few times, and it should be out. Works every time for me.

[WileyB-J]

two credit cards on a 30 degree angle opposite each other pinching the skin containing the splinter does wonders in the back-country, might do the trick for you (i.e \./ )

[RoboMom]

Years ago I got a metal splinter in a finger while sailing.
It didn't hurt. I carried on for 12 hours.
By the next day, my finger was twice the size, required a hospital visit for some pretty painful lancing and a long course of antibiotics.

You see where I'm headed with this.

Good luck.

Jenny, RN, MPH