Lampwork Etc.
 
Mountain Glass Arts

LE Live Chat

Enter Live Chat

No users in chat


Donate via PayPal to donate@lampworketc.com

Beads of Courage


 

Go Back   Lampwork Etc. > Library > Tips, Techniques, and Questions

Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #1  
Old 2009-09-23, 10:56am
akustik's Avatar
akustik akustik is offline
...as in.. acoustic
 
Join Date: Aug 25, 2009
Location: Illinois
Posts: 55
Angry Glass Splinters! OUCH!!

Okay - so I was being careless and got a particularly aggravating glass splinter in my thumb. It is so tiny. I mean microscopic. It's been there for a couple weeks now, and usually by now I would've been able to work it out (yes, I've been careless a couple times)

I have tried everything. I mean everything. I even busted out the duct tape (and yes- that has worked in the past when all else failed). But this little bugger's not letting go. He has totally fallen in love and he refuses to get out of my life. I've tried to break off the relationship peacefully, but he just doesn't get that "no" means "NO."

If anyone out there has ever had glass splinters like this - what do YOU do to get rid of 'em? Have any secret tricks to getting them out? Or am I the only one stupid enough to slide my hand across my workbench...

And please, if you're just going to say "go to the doctor," there's no need to reply.

I thank you for any and all advice you can give.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2009-09-23, 11:22am
princessb's Avatar
princessb princessb is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 26, 2009
Location: Paducah Ky
Posts: 131
Default

I dig them out with a needle and tweezers. May not be the best way but works for me. I do the same think when my husband comes home with metal splinters. Sometimes he has to weld on the job and he gets them stuck in pretty deep
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2009-09-23, 11:33am
beadgirl's Avatar
beadgirl beadgirl is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 19, 2006
Location: FLORIDA
Posts: 816
Default

Ouch Manda,
I use duck tape more often than I like to admit.
Best wishes for digging with a needle and tweezers My husband offered to help too.
Marieann
__________________
"Every child is an artist...The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up" Picasso
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2009-09-23, 11:33am
Frit Diva's Avatar
Frit Diva Frit Diva is offline
MacGalver
 
Join Date: Oct 15, 2006
Posts: 9,927
Default

It's probably already too late for this first bit of advice, but I've read to never squeeze or poke at a glass splinter, it can cause it splinter further!

Beyond that, I'd try to soften the area around the splinter with some type of "drawing" agent to bring the splinter to the surface. A nice long soak (an hour or more) in warm castor oil, hydrogen peroxide or a baking soda paste. If you don't have any of these, you can just use warm soapy water. If it still doesn't come out, then liberally plaster the thumb with baking soda paste or caster oil and loosely wrap it up and leave it overnight. Once you get the splinter close to the surface, run the side (not the tip!) of a soapy needle over the area, moving in the opposite direction that the splinter went in, so you are kind of luring it out, rather than picking it out, if that makes any sense. Hope that helps!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2009-09-23, 11:44am
chrissij's Avatar
chrissij chrissij is offline
Rose colored glasses…√
 
Join Date: Jul 22, 2005
Location: Monticello, FL
Posts: 8,259
Default

Remember the Elmer's Glue Game you played in the third grade? When you'd put the glue on your hand, wait for it to dry, and peel it off?
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
OMG I listed some stuff!!! Little devils ARE ice skating!!!
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


RIP Sunday; You can donate for Izzy's Future Trust @:

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


Live kindly...'cause karma will bite you in the ass harder than you ever thought about nibblin'...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2009-09-23, 12:28pm
akustik's Avatar
akustik akustik is offline
...as in.. acoustic
 
Join Date: Aug 25, 2009
Location: Illinois
Posts: 55
Default

Ha ha! Chrissi you are so funny!

And THANK YOU, grrlartist for all that helpful info! I actually DO have some "Draw Out Salve" but I think it's from 1972, although the smell is rather potent, I assumed it prolly wouldn't work. But I always keep it... just in case, right? Ya, that makes sense...

I'm definitely gonna try some of those things. And it does make me feel better to know: 1) I'm not the only person who does this, and 2) I'm not the only person to use duct tape.

I think I might have to wait a couple days to get it going, because now I've jacked around with it so much it is absolutely deeper and prolly in a million pieces in there! the jerk.

Thanks everyone!
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2009-09-23, 12:38pm
laserglass's Avatar
laserglass laserglass is offline
old fart
 
Join Date: Apr 18, 2006
Location: st paul mn
Posts: 778
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by akustik View Post
Okay - so I was being careless and got a particularly aggravating glass splinter in my thumb. It is so tiny. I mean microscopic. It's been there for a couple weeks now, and usually by now I would've been able to work it out (yes, I've been careless a couple times)

I have tried everything. I mean everything. I even busted out the duct tape (and yes- that has worked in the past when all else failed). But this little bugger's not letting go. He has totally fallen in love and he refuses to get out of my life. I've tried to break off the relationship peacefully, but he just doesn't get that "no" means "NO."

If anyone out there has ever had glass splinters like this - what do YOU do to get rid of 'em? Have any secret tricks to getting them out? Or am I the only one stupid enough to slide my hand across my workbench...

And please, if you're just going to say "go to the doctor," there's no need to reply.

I thank you for any and all advice you can give.
this has happened to me. it will not come out on its own, and i doubt any glue or tape will do it. what i have done will probably make you a bit ill, but what i have done is use toe nail clippers to remove a bit of my flesh in the area of the splinter. you remove the splinter by removing the material it is in. yes it hurts, but the hurt will end unlike what you have to look forward to leaving it in. sorry for the blunt advise, but it does work and has worked for me, many times.
__________________
Mark Wilson

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2009-09-23, 1:15pm
Iwannabead Iwannabead is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 29, 2009
Posts: 90
Default

As strange as it might sound, a Raisin is good for sucking infection and slivers out. Because they are dehydraded, they absorb moisture. I've bandaged a raisin to both and have been successful in draining both pus and slivers.

iwannabead
__________________
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." Edmund Burke
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2009-09-23, 2:40pm
SteveWright SteveWright is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 31, 2005
Location: Corpus Christi
Posts: 508
Default

I keep small squares of Biore pore cleaning strips around for just this reason. Works occasionally.

Steve
__________________
Steve & Susie Wright

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2009-09-23, 4:39pm
Starrr Starrr is offline
a pox upon an idiot :..
 
Join Date: Jul 01, 2005
Location: in the real world...
Posts: 1,298
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveWright View Post
I keep small squares of Biore pore cleaning strips around for just this reason. Works occasionally.

Steve
Good Idea!

I had a sliver of glass in my big toe for months, and it really hurt. I tried everything and finally dug deep enough with my awl to get a nice open area. I then kept putting nail polish on it until it built up a nice layer and peeled off the nail polish. It's amazing how something so tiny can hurt so much!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2009-09-23, 6:11pm
playswithfire104's Avatar
playswithfire104 playswithfire104 is offline
Dangerous Woman
 
Join Date: Nov 21, 2005
Location: Southcentral PA
Posts: 5,018
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Iwannabead View Post
As strange as it might sound, a Raisin is good for sucking infection and slivers out. Because they are dehydraded, they absorb moisture. I've bandaged a raisin to both and have been successful in draining both pus and slivers.

iwannabead
Do you cut the raisin or use it just so?

Mark you can not be an old fart! You are younger than me! And I'm not old!!!

Thanks for the duct tape tip I never heard of that. My splinters are usually in my feet. I have the very bad habit of walking around my work area bare foot.
__________________
Nancy

May your torch burn brightly and your oxy never run out. - Karen Hardy


On a Cheetah with a hurricane Still have my Lynx as a back up.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 2009-09-23, 6:23pm
demcc2's Avatar
demcc2 demcc2 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 11, 2009
Location: Massachusetts...I95 south...before Rhode Island
Posts: 2,006
Default

I was going to suggest the duct tape routine...I was going to suggest the elmers glue routine. I was going to suggest NOT to poke and dig...etc.

I have NEVER (I know, lucky me) received a glass sliver in my hands. I have been careless however! I'm almost always sweep the floor after each torching session. Leave it to me to get that glass sliver in my foot when I just have my socks on looking for something else.

If its too small to get it the first time with tweezers I will switch to other methods.

Duane
__________________
ETSY SHOP IS NOW OPEN

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
REVAMPED WEBSITE NOW OPEN


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 2009-09-23, 7:47pm
akustik's Avatar
akustik akustik is offline
...as in.. acoustic
 
Join Date: Aug 25, 2009
Location: Illinois
Posts: 55
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by laserglass View Post
what i have done is use toe nail clippers to remove a bit of my flesh in the area of the splinter. you remove the splinter by removing the material it is in. yes it hurts, but the hurt will end unlike what you have to look forward to leaving it in. sorry for the blunt advise, but it does work and has worked for me, many times.
Believe it or not- I've actually already tried this. I have some REALLY super sharp nail trimmers and used them this exact way!

Now I have a crater in my thumb with a sliver somewhere down beyond it. I swear I must've been pushing him down further and further with every cut. These clippers are so sharp, though - that I didn't even feel them cutting my skin! I felt it afterwards, of course, but I had really high hopes....

So far I've put : Elmer's glue, a small strip of duct tape, baking soda paste, and "Instant Fast Dry Top Coat" nail polish (YEEEEOWWWW!!!!)
I do NOT recommend that last one to anyone- you might as well be pouring hydrochloric acid into the hole.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 2009-09-23, 8:17pm
playswithfire104's Avatar
playswithfire104 playswithfire104 is offline
Dangerous Woman
 
Join Date: Nov 21, 2005
Location: Southcentral PA
Posts: 5,018
Default

I'd say try the raisin. What could it hurt?
__________________
Nancy

May your torch burn brightly and your oxy never run out. - Karen Hardy


On a Cheetah with a hurricane Still have my Lynx as a back up.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 2009-09-23, 9:16pm
metalbone metalbone is offline
Kobuki & DIY Homefill Sys
 
Join Date: Apr 30, 2009
Location: socal
Posts: 220
Default

you might want to just let a doctor dig it out...they can give you a local of lidocaine and dig away under a scope until that puppy is out.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 2009-09-24, 1:59am
PerfectDeb's Avatar
PerfectDeb PerfectDeb is offline
Unmedicated since '62
 
Join Date: Jan 18, 2009
Location: Hunter Valley, Australia
Posts: 5,907
Default

i wander around with my finger in my mouth till it gets nice and wrinkly and i suck really hard!

maybe not the best solution but it usually works
__________________
Deb

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
- my 17yo sons first novel


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
- download, get organised, enjoy
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 2009-09-24, 7:28am
Carolyn M's Avatar
Carolyn M Carolyn M is offline
Life is change. Love it
 
Join Date: Oct 10, 2005
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 5,566
Default

My DH shares my workshop and sometimes walks around with bare feet

To get the shards of glass out I use a super heavy duty magnifying glass with a strong light and a razor blade and dig around until I see something shine, then pull it out. I've had to go quite deep on occasion. You'd think he'd learn
__________________
cRlyn, cause Traci says so

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 2009-09-24, 9:08am
Bead_lover's Avatar
Bead_lover Bead_lover is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 11, 2008
Location: Richardson, TX
Posts: 168
Default

Wow - I just learned a bunch from this thread. I hadn't heard of a lot of these ideas (esp. the raisin) - but I have to tell you all that while I have dug for a splinter w/a needle, as a Nurse Practitioner in my day job, listening to you all talking about razors and cutting holes in your skin makes my skin crawl... Hope you keep a good supply of Neosporin handy
Melody
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 2009-09-24, 9:52am
Keoki Keoki is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 19, 2006
Posts: 83
Default

I bought a snake bite suction kit from a local sporting store. It looks like a large yellow syringe with a small plastic cup at the end. It sucks hard enough to draw the splinter to the surface. Works every time for me. Good luck.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 2009-09-24, 3:30pm
Iwannabead Iwannabead is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 29, 2009
Posts: 90
Default

I use the really dark dried up raisins and put them in a little water to get them soft and then bandage it up over the wound. My parents had some older friends who suggested this one time when I had a horrible infection in my thumb that antibodics weren't touching. It worked. It took about 5 raisins to get rid of it. I guess it is an old time cure. It also works really good when there is a little pus around the sliver.
__________________
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." Edmund Burke
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 2009-09-27, 12:13pm
glassartist glassartist is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 14, 2006
Location: FL
Posts: 224
Default

I'm sure you are "all better" by now, Manda. But for future reference, a bowl of hot-as-you-can-stand-it water with a heavy dose (1 cup) of Epsom Salts has never, ever faiiled me. If the object is buried, keep adding hot water and soak for at least 20 minutes, adding hot water each time the water cools off. The Epsom Salt softens and soaks the foreign object out. Sometimes with glass, it pulls it out into the water, and I don't have to do anything. If it's wood or metal (darker) it makes it so you can see where the object is, and many times the direction it went in. Pushing with the tweezers towards the "inner" side and directing it out the hole, will usually move the object out so you can grab the end with the tweezers.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 2009-09-27, 12:36pm
Fine Folly Glassworks's Avatar
Fine Folly Glassworks Fine Folly Glassworks is offline
Hot Glass Neophyte
 
Join Date: Aug 06, 2009
Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC
Posts: 3,293
Default

GOSH - thank you all for such good options. I haven't heard most of them!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 4:19am.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Your IP: 44.204.218.79