The present invention discloses a ring cutter and ring cracker intended for use by medical personnel. The ring cutter employs a tissue guard that slips under the ring to protect the patient's finger or other appendage. A clipper head is inserted into the tissue guard. The tissue guard does not move and prevents the jaws of the clipper from injuring the patient. The tissue guard may be constructed of plastic that will break away after use to prevent contamination between patients. The invention also incorporates a ring cracker for breaking tungsten or ceramic rings. A recess in a ring base in one of the arms of the ring clipper retains a part of a ring. In the other arm, a threaded bolt with a hardened tip extends toward the ring. The arms of the clipper can be locked by a bar in a fixed position. A knob on the bolt allows a hardened tip at the end of the bolt to exert pressure on the tungsten or ceramic ring until it cracks, without injury to the patient.