Abstract: A protective thing for friction-fit container closures is disclosed, comprising a disposable annular ring provided with an annular bead about its lower surface for insertion into the sealing groove on a container lip and which ring has inner and outer circumferential downward facing flanges, a pull tab on the outer circumferential downward facing flanges to facilitate easy removal, and an inward pitch built into the annular ring to encourage the return of material into the container rather than onto the outer sides of the container. In one embodiment of the invention, a protective ring cover is provided having a pull tab on its outer circumference proximate to a tear line, which tear line facilitates easy removal of the ring cover, by permitting the cover to be quickly torn along the tear line and upwardly lifted from the container. In such an embodiment incorporating a tear line, the protective ring cover is fabricated of stiff coated paper or other suitable disposable material.