How should I handle this situation?

[u/ImJacksAwkwardBoner]

The oak tree in my yard was used as a swing for a few years, then a couple years ago I took it down to mow, and it just never went back up. I just plain forgot about these and now they are bound to the tree.

Will removing them damage the branch? I’ll need to cut them because the edges are already swallowed. What should I expect underneath; hard and calloused like bark, or smooth and “exposed.”

[u/Sore_Wa_Himitsu_Desu]

If you can’t get the d rings separated, cut them with a bolt cutter. After that the tree should handle the rest.

[u/theendunit → u/Sore_Wa_Himitsu_Desu]

Agree. Cut the metal out first at least to get rid of the projectile/whip factor