Noah Sinclair
Removing links from a watch strap can be done at home, saving you a trip to a watch repair shop. It is a straightforward process that can be done in under 15 minutes, and you probably have the necessary tools at home. The tools required include a small screwdriver, a pin pusher, a spring bar removal tool, or even common household items like a hammer, foam pieces, or a thumbtack. The process involves locating the pins that hold the links together, pushing or prying them out, and then reassembling the watch band with the desired number of links removed. It is important to measure the number of links to be removed before starting and to protect the watch from scratches and damage during the process.
How to remove watch links with a nail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools required | Small screwdriver, hammer, foam pieces, pin pusher, thumb tack, needle-nose pliers, block of wood, eyeglass screwdriver, paper clip, watch/bracelet holder |
| Preparation | Work on a flat, uncluttered surface in a well-lit area to avoid losing or damaging small parts. Protect the watch with a soft cloth. |
| Measurement | Measure the watch band by positioning it on your wrist and gathering the slack in the band. Turn your wrist over and count the number of links to remove. Ensure an even number of links is removed from both sides of the clasp for better balance. |
| Removal process | Locate the arrows on the watch band indicating the removable links. Remove the cotter pins or push out the connecting pins with a tool or household item. Separate the links and reinstall the pins to lock them in place. |
| Reattachment | Interlock the ends of the watch band and use the removed pins to connect them. |
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What You'll Learn
Tools required for the job
To remove watch links, you will need a few tools. The good news is that you can use common household items to remove watch links, so you probably have everything you need at home already. Here are the tools you can use:
A thin, pointy object
You will need a thin, pointy object like a thumb tack, a small screwdriver, or a tool designed for watch pin removal. This will be used to push out the connecting pins that hold the links together. Make sure to follow the direction of any arrows marked on the underside of the link when removing the pins.
Pliers
Long-nosed pliers can be useful for removing links and handling small parts. They can also be used to compress and lever out the spring bar if you need to separate the bracelet from the strap.
A small mallet
A small mallet, such as a hammer, can be used to tap pins back into place after they have been removed. This is useful if you need to reinstall pins to lock the links in place.
A parts tray
It is important to have a parts tray or bowl to keep all the tiny watch pieces, such as pins and links, secure and organised. This will help you avoid losing any small parts during the removal process.
A soft work surface
Choose a work surface that won't scratch or damage your watch. If you are working on a hard or rough surface, lay down a towel or soft rag to protect your watch. It is also important to keep your work area uncluttered to avoid losing small parts.
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Preparing your workspace
Firstly, choose a suitable work area. It is recommended to select a flat, stable surface, such as a desk or countertop. This provides a secure base for your work and reduces the risk of damaging your watch or losing small components. Clear the surface of any unnecessary items to create a clutter-free workspace. A cluttered surface can easily lead to misplaced parts or scratches on your watch.
Next, prepare the surface to protect your watch and contain its small parts. Spread a small, soft cloth, towel, or rag on the chosen area. This simple addition will safeguard your watch crystal from potential scratches and damage during the process. Additionally, place a shallow tray or bowl on your prepared surface to hold any tiny watch pieces, such as screws and links, preventing them from rolling away or getting lost.
Before beginning the link removal process, gather the required tools and keep them within easy reach. While the specific tools needed may vary depending on your watch's design, some standard tools include small pliers (preferably long-nose or needle-nose), a small hammer, and a thin, pointy object like a thumbtack or a tool designed for watch pin removal. If your watch has screw-based links, ensure you have a small screwdriver that fits snugly into the screws.
Finally, ensure your workspace is adequately lit. Good lighting is essential, as it enables you to clearly see every pin, screw, and detail, reducing the chances of errors. A bright desk lamp or natural light source can provide the illumination you need to work effectively.
By following these steps, you will create a safe and organised workspace that will make the watch link removal process much more manageable and help prevent any avoidable mistakes.
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Locating the links to remove
Identify the Type of Watch Band
Before you begin, it's essential to understand the type of watch band you have. Most metal watch bands have links connected by small pins, which can be removed to adjust the size. On the other hand, adjustable watch bands may have a snap-down deployment buckle that allows for size adjustment without removing links.
Determine the Number of Links to Remove
To ensure a comfortable fit, it's recommended to remove links in pairs from both sides of the clasp or buckle. This maintains balance and prevents the watch from sliding on your wrist. Measure your wrist and the watch band to determine how many links need to be removed. Position the watch on your wrist as you normally would, and then turn your wrist over so that the clasp or buckle faces upward. Gather the links together in a "V" formation from both sides, simulating the removal of links until you achieve the desired fit.
Locate the Removable Pins
Hold your watch with the face pointed towards the ground. On the underside of the wristband, near the clasp or buckle, you will find small arrows indicating the direction in which the pins can be removed. Most watches have up to three removable pins on each side of the clasp. These pins hold the links together, and by removing them, you can separate the links.
Prepare Your Workspace
Before proceeding with link removal, prepare a clean and well-lit workspace to avoid losing small parts and protect your watch from scratches or damage. Spread a small, soft cloth on a table or countertop, providing a safe surface to place your watch. Additionally, gather the tools you'll need, such as a pin pusher, a small hammer, or a removal tool.
Removing the First Pin
Once you've located the first pin to be removed, use a screwdriver, small nail, or pin pusher to push it out through the small opening across from the arrow. Apply gentle pressure in the direction indicated by the arrow, and the pin should slide out. Be careful not to bend the pin during this process, as you may need to reuse it later.
Remember, it's crucial to locate the correct links for removal and perform the procedure carefully to ensure a proper fit for your watch.
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Removing the pins
Removing links from a watch strap can be done at home, without the need for specialist tools. However, it is important to be careful when removing links, as it is easy to scratch or damage your watch, or lose small parts. It is also important to ensure that you remove the correct number of links, so that the watch remains symmetrical.
Firstly, you should prepare your workspace. Work in a well-lit area, over a flat surface, such as a table or workbench. Cover the surface with a towel or soft rag to protect the watch from scratches and make small parts easier to spot.
Next, you need to measure how many links to remove. Place the watch on your wrist, as you would normally wear it, and turn your wrist over so that the clasp is facing upwards. Gather the links together in a V formation from both sides, pulling gently, so that the back of the watch rests on your wrist. This will allow you to see how many links are unnecessary. Remember to remove an equal number of links from each side of the clasp, so that the watch remains balanced.
Now, you can start to remove the pins. Small removable pins hold each of the links in place. To locate them, hold the watch with the face pointing towards the ground. Particular links may have arrows indicating that they can be removed. If there are no arrows, look for a seam in the pin, and gently tap the pins out using a small hammer. If there are arrows, use a pin pusher or spring bar removal tool to push the pins out, following the direction of the arrows. You can also use household items, such as a thumb tack, paper clip, or small screwdriver, to push out the pins.
Once you have removed the pins, place them somewhere safe, as you may need them later if you want to add the links back to your watch.
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Reattaching the bracelet
Once you have removed the links, you will need to reattach the bracelet. To do this, you will need to follow the steps below. It is important to note that you will need the pin(s) and link(s) that you removed earlier. If you did not keep them, you may not be able to reattach the bracelet.
Firstly, place the pin in the same direction as the arrows and slide it back into the link. You may need to use a hammer to gently tap the pin back into place. Make sure that the pin is secure and that the bracelet is connected before moving on to the next step.
If your watch band has ferrules, place the ferrule in the middle of the link before pushing the pin back into the hole. The ferrule will engage as you push the pin through.
Now, reconnect the clasp. To do this, simply reverse the steps you took to disconnect it. Make sure that the clasp is the right way round and that the spring bars are replaced.
Finally, reassemble the watch band. You may need to use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to secure the links. Be careful not to scratch the watch or damage the band.
If you are reattaching a leather watch band, you may be able to do so without any tools. Simply line up the holes in the new band with the studs on the watch case, and press the band down firmly until you hear a click.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use common household items such as a hammer and foam piece, or a nail file.
Particular links on your watch will have arrows indicating that they can be removed. Small removable pins hold each of these links in place. To locate the pins, hold your watch with the face pointed towards the ground.
Use your nail file or another thin tool to push the pins in the direction of the arrows. Then, pull the pins out by hand. Be careful not to bend the pins, as you will need to reuse them if you want to add the links back to your watch later.
If the pin becomes bent, you won't be able to slide it back into place. You will need to straighten it with a pair of pliers or cut it with side-cutters or a Dremel.
Measure the exact size of your wrist and leave at least one extra link. It is recommended to remove an even number of links for a better balance.
