Remove links from metal watch band

This was on a Seiko Dive watch SKX007. This has the metal links joined with pins, which, you will find, are split/spring down their length.

I used a neoprene mouse mat as a work surface, which was ideal as it allows the pin to move out, whilst supporting the links and stopping any slippage. I also rigged a table lamp close by.

There is an arrow which shows in which direction the pin needs to be pushed to remove it. Look carefully and you see that one end of the pin is slotted a little, the other is plain. Push the plain end in the direction of the arrow firmly... it's a leap of faith.

As a tool, I used a cocktail stick to start with. It required firm pressure and then it suddenly gives. I was able to draw the pin out by hand, but used pin nose pliars in one instance, as some pins offer more resistance than others. In most cases the cocktail stick worked (I got through a few). I then graduated to a thumb tack which was more reliable, but metal to metal, so a bit more worrying.

Sliding the pin back was simple, though take care to get the smaller links the right way up when it is re-threaded. I pushed it home the last few millimeters with the flat side of the pliers, giving a final push with the cocktail stick. Good luck. Simplysimon.

One additional tip for using a thumb tack, place it face up on the table and push the watch down onto it. This allows you to keep everything stable enough while applying the considerable force required to pop the pin out. While it might sound a little dangerous, I found it to be much easier, and therefore safer, than any other arrangement I tried.

My experience in looking at the pins on both sides is to determine which side has the head that looks like a slot for a screwdriver and the other side that looks smooth. To remove push out from the side that looks smooth. I usually use a screw type pin remover that has a knob that you turn. If you feel resistance, STOP! Try the other side with the screw head. Usually this does NOT work but sometimes. As far as the arrows on the bracelet I have found that they signify how to INSERT the pin. Hope this helps but take your time as I have broken pins housed in the screw remover by forcing the pin when turning.

A lot of hints so far in this thread. If you have the band in front of you, it looks so hermetic, so hw could it work ? Make sure that you don't scratch the band when shortening it. So what is better than a step-by-step instruction along with real pictures of what you have to do ?

Click here to see how to remove links from a metal watch band

Cheers

Critter

Just Use a Thumb tack i just did it myself but make sure u look for the arrows so you can do it the right way good luck

Follwing the arrows on the inside of the band , hold watch on its side at edge of table or counter allowing room for pin to slide out . I used a small dremel bit , but any thing equivelent size of pin will work . simply pushing does not work , but a good light tap removed pin with ease. Be sure to put pin back the way it came out. It slides almost all the way with fingers ,then lightly tap with flat metal object (knife blade,small pliars ,etc.) untill flush with link. this is all very simple. I can not believe I took my first watch to a jeweler for this .

Kenneth Cole watch with a link band.
To remove a link,
I used my mechanic pick set, that has 4 different small screwdriver like tools with points that are case hardened .This set can be bought at any better auto parts store.
Push the pin thru the link in the direction of the arrow and with a bit of pressure, the pin will push thru the band link. Remove the link with a pair of needle nose pliers and re install the pin in the opposite direction .Voila!
If the watch fits, wear it!"
Davey_mack

I used a push-pin, as suggested on another site. I used it on a new Bulova (nice) watch with pins, that had the arrows on the underside of the links. I was able to remove 2 links very quickly to properly size my watch, which I just got 15 minutes ago. I'm wearing it already! The push pin trick works, just be sure to be careful not to slip and scratch the watch!

This thread was very useful. For Skagen ceramic watch I had to push really hard then it pulls out pretty easy with right aligning. Putting it all back is a snap. Note that there is an inner cylinder which holds the pin. see pic

Yws I found the information helpful to remove links from watch. I found that if you use the claw part of hammer, line it with something soft so you do not scratch the band, the claw holds the watch in place great, then I used the pointed end of a math compass of my kids and a hammer and in 10 minutes I removed 5 links and replaced each end with no trouble AT ALL. This method worked better than using the mat. Try it this way u'll love it

I found this helpful this shows you how http://youtu.be/wLTzGAtxXsc

On some bands you need to watch out for a little metal cylinder which comes out of the inside hole in the link. You will need to slip this back inside before putting the links back together as it grips the end of the pin (three quarters of the way along it.

If you have a push pin instead of a thumb tack it works too!!!

Check the inside of the watchband, if you see arrows then that's the direction that the pins should be pushed out. I bought a pin remover on Ebay, about $6 if I remember right. I tried pushing with a small paperclip opened up, but didn't have much luck.

I need to remove two links from the metal watch band and I don't know how to remove them. Please Help. Thank you, djkay

If you have removed the links I would like to buy them from you.would they be for sale?

Let me know. My e-mailis [email protected]

You don't have to buy a special tool to remove the pins. Just before I got on this site, I read on another that the easiest and cheapest thing to use is a thumb tack. Good Luck!

On Pulsar bands, the link comes out of the larger of the two directly opposite openings. Therefore, you must push in in the smaller of the two holes remove the link. To reassembly, the two arrows, the larger one on the band, and the smaller one on the link must be pointing at each other, and you insert the link into the larger of the two openings. When the link is almost seated, you press in on it and it pops into place. The first few tries are difficult to do, but they get easier. Although this final point is counter-intuitive, the number of adjustable links should be asymmetric for the band's latch to look balanced and to work smoothly. Four adjustable band segments on "12" side and two adjustable band segments on the "6" side, for me. After achieving what appears to be the correct fit, if the band is still a little loose, there are still three fine adjustment positions on the "12" side, inside the band's latch.