Identify links to remove: As you pinch the watch band, count how many links are in the pinched section.Pinch band on your wrist: Put your watch on your wrist and pinch the links to the tightness you want your watch.Step-by-Step Instructions for Removing Links with a Push Pin Tool and Band Holder: Note that for more traditional stainless steel bands, the micro adjuster on the clasp should be the first go to before removing links! And that when it comes to the Nixon 51-30, you will need a special tool to make the strap adjustment.įollow this step-by-step guide to get your fit right. Sometimes these fall to the bottom of the box, so check under the foam insert if you can’t find it right away. Nixon provides extra links for free with watch purchases that can be used to make this type of metal watch band larger. Once you have these tools together, you’re ready to get started. Non-abrasive cloth (like a micro-fiber or soft case for sunglasses). Small hobby hammer (basically a small hammer for precision tapping).Needle nosed pliers (you know, they ones with the tiny ends).Sizing block/band holder (imagine a perfectly sized and padded vice grip).8mm diameter (something with a fine but not sharp tip) Here’s everything you’ll need to resize this type of metal band: For more information, please visit the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI).If your metal watch band uses pins (called “cotter pins”), you’ll need several different tools to get the job done. Reprinted with permission from the Professional Jeweler Magazine. The other type (in a blue tube) allows the screw to be removed by hand. One variety (in the red tube) requires you to heat the link if you ever need replace it. If you tend to lose these screws or if they need to be replaced frequently, a drop of liquid metal glue called Lock-Tite will suffice. This will allow you to remove the old screw and insert the new one. If you see a specialised screw, you'll need to contact the manufacturer for the correct screw size and possibly a custom replacement device. Locate the correct replacement pin from your supply and place it in the hole as the bracelet remains supported in a bench block. Measure the pin and note it for future reference if needed. If the pin is the type shown in the illustration on the right, take care not to lose the sleeves at either end. Grasp the end of the pin with your pliers and pull it out or gently move it side to side. Choose a punch with the largest diameter that will pass through the hole at the edge. Drive the old pin out of its hole using a hammer on a punch. Place the bracelet in a staking tool or tool supplied by the watch manufacturer. Less common is a pin held in place by a small sleeve at each end (see illustration on the left for a view of this pin from the edge of the link).įor either type of common pin, the replacement process is the same. The outline may appear to be a screw, but more likely you're seeing the line created by a split pin - which resembles a cotter pin. Rotate the edge under a sharp light to see the outline of the end of the pin. In some cases it's flush with the edge of the link - particularly on finely polished models. Several wellknown watch brands supply a link-pin remover when you first work with their watches.įind the old pin. All can be removed quickly using a thin punch in your staking tool or by using a tool supplied by the watch manufacturer. Some pins are smooth, some are ribbed and some resemble cotter pins, where one end splits open to tighten it in place. Pins are the most common method used to hold links together. Here we cover how to use link-pin tools to quickly replace the lost or bent metal link in your bracelet. In recent articles we've covered mesh varieties and how to fit links back onto cases. The link bracelet is held together in several ways. By David Christianson, Certified Master Watchmaker
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