How to Stretch & Resize a Ring

Today we stretch and resize a silver ring, and share a few tips along the way. See the "About" tab to connect with the radical Rocks community and subscribe to our podcast, thanks for stopping by and remember Rockhounds don't die they petrify.

[@dannyboyd1299]

Congratulations on your first hammer good job

[@jerryg50]

If the ring has a pattern or precious stones settings using this method can cause distortions in the pattern, and also damage the settings for the stones or the stones themselves. I have also seen the ring split when trying to stretch it. Jewellers have a process of cutting the ring, , bending it out, and welding more gold or silver (whatever is required) to add to the size. Then they do a re-finishing of the ring to make it look like it has never been modified. This is a very special skill. For stretching and compressing rings there are screw types of tools for this type of work. Better than the hammer method.

[@rpp7768]

❤Thanks Shane! All the best from Transylvania

[@RadicalRocks]

I Appreciate Transylvania

[@Hawken0]

I love hillbilly repairs. I feel right at home.

[@zubirhusein]

These are good, screw type ones are a lot easier and more control

[@vsat88]

Or use a deep well socket and a hammer. If you don't mind the hammered finish that is.

[@RadicalRocks]

Have you seen the coin ring stretcher, and shrinker

[@johnf-kelsey5343]

Hit the ring stretcher from underneath to release it mate. Good tip, thanks

[@RadicalRocks]

Thanks John

[@itsuhboyprincechedda6288]

how to get one of those

[@ourd0gseven]

CDA, ID for the Win!!

[@debbiebeardsley7737]

Interesting thanks

[@RadicalRocks]

Thank you Debbie

[@freestuffgiveaways]

if you put the block on top of a vice the pin can keep going?then turn it up side down and hit the pin out

[@RadicalRocks]

A little bit as I recall

[@emiliac8480]

Instead of hammering the stretcher to release the ring, I saw this other girl who took her mandrel, inserted it to the stretcher from the bottom and tapped it. Voilà, the stick was dislodged and the ring came right out without a sweat!

[@RadicalRocks]

Sounds good thanks!

[@garystephens9909]

Should I get a ring that’s big or small? What is easier to resize?

[@RadicalRocks]

I try to get a ring the same size. If it’s a solid band with no setting stretching is usually a good option for sterling silver. Shrinking a ring usually requires cutting some out and then soldering. This is again with sterling silver. Do more research if you attempting something otherwise. For education & entertainment only, do at your own risk and skill level or be prepared to damage or destroy your jewelry. It happens

[@RadicalRocks]

I try to get a ring the same size. If it’s a solid band with no setting stretching is usually a good option for sterling silver. Shrinking a ring usually requires cutting some out and then soldering. This is again with sterling silver. Do more research if you attempting something otherwise. For education & entertainment only, do at your own risk and skill level or be prepared to damage or destroy your jewelry. It happens

[@chadsmith9218]

Drill a hole in a pice of wood so the pin can be driven further and junk the hose clamp nightmare

[@RadicalRocks]

Thank you for your comment I appreciate it

[@ggazzara1115]

The pin was bottomed out on top of the stretcher too, so this would not help.

[@rigo6156]

Would that work on a class ring?

[@RadicalRocks]

If it’s cast or has a stone set, you have to be careful assuming it’s silver? I would not try stretching more than a size or two you will have to take the stone out or you might damage it might have to reshape the basil if it stretches at the bezel if it’s something you really prize you might want to just have it professionally done.

[@aribella6913]

Where can I purchase one of those ring stretchers? Thanks in advance.

[@RadicalRocks]

You can go to Johnson brothers lapidary supply or you can check out Rio Grande both of those are good places to get a ring stretcher thank you for watching the program and for participating

[@aribella6913]

@@RadicalRocks thanks!

[@isainspo]

@@RadicalRocks what if you didnt have all them tools? plus my ring i have isnt very thick but its way to small.........

[@RadicalRocks]

@@isainspo in the end you have to use your own discretion. If it’s very thin you would probably want to anneal it first for silver you simply heat it until it is kind of a dull red and then quench it in water, that softens it.I have stretched rings on a steel ring mandrel by tapping on it with wood but you can score of the silver, so it’s up to the individual

[@mikep8080]

@@RadicalRocks Could you give a link as neither showed the device you used. The first looked like a sex toy and on the second site it was a 400 dollar device that looked like something I would use in reloading ammo. After 30 seconds more of searching that looks like tools from Rathborn. Could you provide a link or something. Ok took me 3 minutes to figure out what you are using and bought the sizer and stretcher from amazon for 30 bucks. Believe me I am grateful as you provided me the knowledge this even existed my sincere gratitude

[@aanon9333]

Will this work on tungsten? I heard the metal is too hard.

[@RadicalRocks]

It will likely break, sounds like a good topic to research.

[@mohduzair6392]

Would this work on a signet ring with a gemstone

[@RadicalRocks]

If it has a Gemstone mounted in it theoretically could loosen the Gemstone

[@justcallmehanna823]

Those ring stretches work great but they only started size 6. If you have a typical woman’s ring size 5 you’re out of luck

[@RadicalRocks]

Yes there is some limitations will have to look around and see if we can find one that works for smaller rings

[@RadicalRocks]

The only other thing if it’s a basic band you can heat it up to a dull red and quench it in water to make the metal malleable and then you can put it on the ring mandrel and then use a block of wood and tap it on there and stretch it slowly and reheat it and repeat. not the best way of doing it but I’ve done it

[@nancyhunter3947]

Hnnnn Oh my Friend my heart hurts x

[@RadicalRocks]

Thank you for your comment

[@robertmiles388]

How do you increase a gold wedding band a half size

[@RadicalRocks]

I would say band with no gemstones on. It would be pretty straightforward to stretch a half a size.

[@zeploa1044]

Can we stretch a simple gold wedding band/ring (18k) using this tool?

[@RadicalRocks]

Yeah as long as it’s not plated or white gold you cannot stretch those,only real gold or gold filled rose gold if it’s real Rosegold and not just plated. because if it’s plated it will crack the plating and if it’s white gold there’s actually a coating on white gold it will potentially mess that up so only on real gold and if it has a diamond on it you have to be careful the way the prongs are that you don’t stretch the prongs apart and loosen the stone so it really depends on the structure of the ring but on the band gold band should be no problem

[@zeploa1044]

@@RadicalRocks as far as I know yes this is real 18k gold. If it cracks the outer surface then it means it's plated right? 😂 Anyway is it also necessary to rotate the ring while pounding? Or this tool stretched the ring evenly

[@RadicalRocks]

@@zeploa1044 The ring should have a marking on the inside indicating whether it is plated or 18 karat gold also it does pretty evenly stretch the ring it’s good to just stretch it a little at a time and examine it you can wrap Teflon tape around it a little bit if you want to help protect it a bit

[@zeploa1044]

@@RadicalRocks thank you for all the information 😊 huge help, there is indeed an 18k marking inside the rings. You have a good one mate!

[@robertmaxwell3548]

Why don’t you build a Work Bench!

[@coqueende5372]

Christ on a bike.

[@nideiki3815]

Fidel Castro 😂😂😂😂😂