Concealed Armor Bandages

I recently cut the tip of my finger well enough to get 4 stitches. While I had the stitches in (about 10 days) I wore an aluminum finger splint I purchased from CVS/Walgreens which was about 2" tall and 2" long and blue. The finger splint helped protect my finger tip well but typing, writing, or trying to use chopsticks was difficult. I have since stopped wearing the splint after my stitches have been removed, however my finger is still tender. Needless to say, you really take for granted what life is like without shooting pain as you try and get your keys out of your pocket... So I decided to make a bandage that wasn't huge, obnoxious, or a hindrance to my daily life. I had some aluminum wire laying around and the idea sparked!

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Gather the following supplies:

- Bandages

- Pliers (I used needle nose pliers)

- Piece of Aluminum wire (you can use a hanger**)

**I would strongly recommend that you use aluminum for this DIY armor because if you manage to get rust into a cut it could lead to infection and even possible amputation. With that said, if you do decide to use a metal hanger make sure you do not get the bandage wet so the hanger does not rust.

Step 2: First: Apply Your First Bandage

Apply your first bandage with Neosporin if needed. Cover the wound as normal.

(I am sure you have all seen cuts before so I did not post those pictures.)

Step 3: Second: Bend the Wire

Start off with a strip of aluminum wire approximately 5 inches in length. Bend the wire around a different finger to get the general shape. Then place the bend wire over the injured finger and mark where you need to cut the lengths. Cut the wire to the desired length (I went just up to my first bend in my finger).

You can even use another wire if you want, it all depends on the size of the injury.

Step 4: Third: Prepare the Second Bandage

You will then need to prepare the second bandage and remove the pad. I did this so the wire would stay in place better and keep the whole thing smaller. It was actually very easy to remove the pad from the bandage, I was pleasantly surprised.

Step 5: Final: Assembly

Finally, place the bent wire around your injured finger and apply the second bandage. Make sure to add a small space between the wire and the injury before applying the second bandage.

Now you can go about your day without hurting your finger! This does not mean that you should stop worrying about other things though... Please wear proper protective equipment no matter the size or difficulty of a job or project!