
Tungsten rings have soared in popularity for grooms choosing a material for their wedding bands. But with this rise have come several misconceptions – one of which is: are tungsten wedding rings safe?
In short- yes, tungsten rings are safe. This article explains exactly why.
Are Tungsten Rings Safe?
Because of the ring’s famed toughness, it is often wrongly assumed they will be more difficult to remove from your finger in the event of an emergency.
In fact, the opposite is the case- they are less likely to bend around the finger, and cause further damage, than more malleable materials like gold.
While tungsten rings are the toughest men’s ring on the market, this toughness also comes with a brittleness, which means that while they are scratch-resistant and will not bend, they can (under the necessary pressure) shatter. In the event of an accident, a vice grip (or locking pliers) can be used to remove them.
How to remove tungsten rings?
Before you reach for the tools:
Try soaking your hand in ice water for a few minutes and applying a lubricant between your ring and the knuckle. Then, holding the ring with a towel, try to gradually wiggle/slide it off your finger.
If that doesn’t work or isn’t possible, you will need to cut it with vice grips. Most emergency rooms will have them, as will more resourceful households!
When you have the wrench in hand:
- Close the jaw of the wrench around the outside of the tungsten ring.
- Turn the screw in the handle a half-turn to further tighten the grip.
- Clamp down on the ring again, now further pressure has been applied.
- If this does not crack the ring, repeat the above steps until you do.
- There is a chance shards may fly off in the process, so please take precautions when trying this procedure- such as safety googles or placing your hand in a plastic bag to trap the flying debris.
Yes, even if you work in a job that entails more manual labour, the rings are perfectly safe. Just make sure they can’t get caught on something. They are more durable to the elements, and there is no risk of them bending around your finger under heavy pressure- in this instance, they would either remain as they were, or (if the pressure was strong enough) they would crack off.
As well as their resistance to this wear and tear, you can rest assured your tungsten band will keep its finish throughout the ring’s lifetime.
Can Tungsten Rings Be Worn During Physical Activities?

Yes, even if you work in a job that entails more manual labour, the rings are perfectly safe. Just make sure they can’t get caught on something. They are more durable to the elements, and there is no risk of them bending around your finger under heavy pressure- in this instance, they would either remain as they were, or (if the pressure was strong enough) they would crack off.
As well as their resistance to this wear and tear, you can rest assured your tungsten band will keep its finish throughout the ring’s lifetime.