Ring Cutter used in Your ER

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Specializes in ER, Renal Dialysis.

I am in the midst of ordering a new set of ring cutter for my department.

Currently I am considering the 'GEM Ring Cutting System' - the battery operated cutter and the spreader. We have never used this model before.

Any comments on this? Any other brands/make that I can consider?

Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in Emergency.

We have battery cutter, not gem. Works well altho I still like manual wirh sharp cutter. Also get small vise grips for titanium rings. Tighten to finger tight on ring, remove, tighten 1/4 turn, place on ring, close and bam, titanium ring is in pieces.

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Specializes in ER, Renal Dialysis.

Sorry for the late reply.

I have decided to order for an electrical battery operated cutter.

And a ring cracker for tungsten and ceramic rings. Took me some time to search for the models/supplier but I have identified the most essential needs.

Thanks so much

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Specializes in Med Surg, ER, OR.

Regarding ring cutters...VICE GRIPS or for TUNGSTEN ONLY!!!!! Tungsten rings do break under extreme force. They are unable to be cut through, except for with a laser cutter, and you would never use this on a human being as the heat is too extreme. Titanium rings bend. We do use the GEM cutter for difficulty to cut rings, i.e. cobalt and higher grade titanium. You must use lubrication (water, or other recommended lubricant) as the amount of friction can cause first degree burns, even with the finger guard. We don't use it often, but it is nice to have when the manual ring cutters dont work too well.

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