pacer 3,174 #1 Posted January 26, 2023 No doubt all of us have had what @gt14rider is showing in his post on cutting a keyway.... So, my question is -- how do you handle this rather painful event?? Small drill twirled, sharp point of a knife twirled??? these work ... OK, but wow, is it painful! So, I'll share MY method in case you havent tried it, MUCH less painful. I like a paper clip but anything small metal (1/16" drill bit?) and using any heat source (I like a barbecue lighter) and heat the tip and quickly/gently press it in the blood area, may take 2-3-4 times but it will pretty quickly melt through and release the blood with much less pain...... Ahhhhh! 4 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skwerl58 704 #2 Posted January 26, 2023 Mashed fingers are painful! I also use the heating of a needle or paper clip to release the pressure. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red-Bovine 309 #3 Posted January 26, 2023 I have used that method, but prefer the small drill bit. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,381 #4 Posted January 26, 2023 I tend to choose the procedure as to where the blister is. If it is in the thin part of the nail near the cuticle as pictured - the heated pin or needle. Out front or on the side where the nail is thicker - the drill is a better choice. A word of advise - there is pressure built up causing the discomfort - do either method outside - it will spray blood once it has a path to follow !! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CCW 1,300 #5 Posted January 26, 2023 Years ago as a young man went to doctor with this problem. He heated a small pith and melted right through. Relief was immediate. Last July I cracked the nail of my middle finger from side to side. It has been 24 weeks and is almost completely grown out. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gt14rider 765 #6 Posted January 26, 2023 It hert like hell when I did it, but thumb was still attached, couple of choice words, it hert 1st day, doesn't hert at all, but will try your methods if necessary thanks for all your advice. Truck mechanic for 40 years, that thumb has been hit so many times. 1 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,316 #7 Posted January 26, 2023 21 minutes ago, gt14rider said: It hert like hell when I did it, but thumb was still attached, couple of choice words, it hert 1st day, doesn't hert at all, but will try your methods if necessary thanks for all your advice. Truck mechanic for 40 years, that thumb has been hit so many times. Since we were talking speeds and feeds, here is what I do for a nail like that. I run a sterilized .028" drill at several thousands RPM and feed the nail into the drill. Instant relief. If you have a Dremel, clamp it down so it can't move. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gt14rider 765 #8 Posted January 26, 2023 (Clamp it down so it can't move?) The dremel or the thumb? 1 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,305 #9 Posted January 26, 2023 1 hour ago, pacer said: how do you handle this rather painful event?? Calling the pain Guru....you out there Kev? @Pullstart 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,925 #10 Posted January 26, 2023 6 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said: Calling the pain Guru....you out there Kev? @Pullstart Hey! I spent a few hours in the shop today and no smashed thumbs! Just a few burns from TIG welding! I prefer the small drill bit method. I can control the twist and relief better than pushing a hot object towards my under skins. 2 1 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,508 #11 Posted January 26, 2023 Elevator door 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,316 #12 Posted January 26, 2023 1 hour ago, gt14rider said: (Clamp it down so it can't move?) The dremel or the thumb? I actually said “If you have a Dremel, clamp it down so it can’t move” 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
varosd 1,185 #13 Posted January 26, 2023 Medico here The condition is known as a Subungual Hematoma evacuating the blood will prevent possible loss of fingernail, a paperclip, drill point etc are fine. if you wait a day or two, the blood with coagulate so sooner is better I have a disposable electrocautery unit here in the clinic. heats up the looped tip red hot. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,174 #14 Posted January 26, 2023 16 minutes ago, varosd said: heats up the looped tip red hot. Yes, the quick loss of heat using a paper clip, etc is a factor, in that with the loss of heat, it has to be repeated until it goes through the nail .... but, in a way thats good because you dont have to put much pressure onto that ... VERY tender spot. When using a drill bit it needs a fair amount of pressure to penetrate the nail, and that can seem like its taking forever Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,377 #15 Posted January 27, 2023 I just wrap the finger/thumb tip in multiple layers of gauze for a few days. Never lost the nail and in a couple days the pain is about gone. 3 hours ago, varosd said: evacuating the blood will prevent possible loss of fingernail Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,508 #16 Posted January 27, 2023 Like a country song. The pain is gone but the memories remain….. for a while 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,381 #17 Posted January 27, 2023 (edited) 10 hours ago, 19richie66 said: Like a country song. The pain is gone but the memories remain….. for a while And I thought that was a "blues" song....na..na..na..na. Edited January 27, 2023 by ri702bill 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,649 #19 Posted May 22, 2023 @pacer been there done that , tried both a tiny drill bit and a match heated needle , both pretty rough , sharp tiny bit , got to the leakage stage pretty easy , that hot needle was , like the tower of London ! got a wrist cut that was a beauty , had a socket adaptor break , on a brake caliper , wrist to fender edge , 6 stitches, pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,305 #20 Posted May 22, 2023 35 minutes ago, peter lena said: had a socket adaptor break Made by ............? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,649 #21 Posted May 22, 2023 @Ed Kennell think it was a snap on , broke at the female side , actually split . got a new one , but still broke when doing the job it was saposed to do . that fender edge made a nasty cut , pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites