So do people really drill holes in their thumb nails?

[UNSTUCK]

OUCH! I smashed my thumb yesterday between a hammer and chisel. Don't ask how. Anyways, now the area right where my nail meets the skin is getting ugly. About 5/16 in. into my nail, and that much on the skin. I have been popping the skin to keep in bleeding, but am wondering about the nail. I've heard people drill a hole through the nail to relieve the pressure. I'm about ready to try this. It's been throbbing nonstop this whole time. I'm thinking a 1/2 inch drill bit should work.

 

[BCGPER]

If the pain is bothering you, take that same hammer and whack yourself in the nads with it. You'll forget all about that thumb.





Heat a pin red hot, it will burn right through the nail.

 

[Jinx]

Ok this might sound a little prehistoric but works like champ.

Take a paper clip and pull the big end out to about 90' so it makes a "L"

Then take a lighter or buddy burner or torch and heat the point of the "L" to where it is red hot.

Simply place the hot end on the black spot in the nail. It will melt the nail, singe the nerve and allow the blood and pressure to release. Your thumb will feel better immediately.

The only pain you will feel is the same if you actually touch the nail now.

Obviously, lift the paper clip up after you are through the nail. It will bleed pretty good.

This works better than using a drill bit because it is faster. The hole will just be in your nail till it grows out.

Good luck.

 

[TRD270]

You can also drill BY HAND, if the heat scares you to bad, get a small sharp clean bit, and just work it back and forth with your fingers, shouldn't take to long

 

[cjncustoms]

Yup just did this to my bro-in-law's thumb like 2 weeks ago. Took a safety pin heated up the pointy end with a lighter and did a little drilling. Works like a champ!

 

[rockdog]

I've done the drill bit thing. Feels way better when it goes through the nail. Took me awhile though. I think the paper clip deal sounds easier, but I'd rather not put my thumbs in the way of the hammer to start with. BWAAAHAHAHA Sorry, I just had to throw that in.

 

[rholbrook]

Hot paper clip, hot needle or a very very small drill bit will do the trick. I prefer the small drill bit because I can twist it between my finger and drill the nail out. Something about a hot piece of steel just scares me. You will feel better no matter how you do it.

 

[glockman]

Don't put a small bit in the benchtop drill press and try to hold your thumb against it pulling down with you other hand I have seen this and it didn't end well. No it wasn't me.
I used the drill bit turned by your fingers routine. The pressure and throbbing go away almost immediately.

 

[Coreshot]

Ok this might sound a little prehistoric but works like champ.

Take a paper clip and pull the big end out to about 90' so it makes a "L"

Then take a lighter or buddy burner or torch and heat the point of the "L" to where it is red hot.

Simply place the hot end on the black spot in the nail. It will melt the nail, singe the nerve and allow the blood and pressure to release. Your thumb will feel better immediately.

The only pain you will feel is the same if you actually touch the nail now.

Obviously, lift the paper clip up after you are through the nail. It will bleed pretty good.

This works better than using a drill bit because it is faster. The hole will just be in your nail till it grows out.

Good luck.

Did this a couple months back after smashing my pinky, worked like a charm, and the relief is instant. Plan on losing the nail...

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I smashed my right pinky 3 weeks ago between a breaker bar and a steel wheel and was able to avoid drilling a hole in the nail because luckily the swelling went down the next day. But a quick tip on hammering, I always try to hold whatever I am hammering with vise grips so if I miss it doesn't smash a finger.

 

[rockreligious]

done all of these methods several times, they all work good, I prefer to use a smallest drill bit I have, new, clean, and sharp and use my finger tips to twist it in. Ive used drill several times too, it works but remember when the bit makes it through the nail, its going to catch a little and go into your flesh a little, doesnt take long to drill with your finger tips if the bit is sharp.

 

[richpblaze]

Done it many times with a drill bit finger method haven't lost a nail ever, paper clip works well but can hurt if you go in to far ( less control )

 

[rollover]

A hot pin works every time.

 

[UNSTUCK]

I did the hot paperclip method and I think the clip was to big. So I then did the hot pin and it took a few tries because I couldn't keep it hot enough. Once it went through, I could feel the difference right away. I think I need to do it one more time closer to the other side of the nail. I think there is more to drain out.