Where to get watch links removed

In fact, some of the kits available have upwards of a hundred pieces, with which you can complete other common watch repairs.

Removing watch band links can be fiddly work, which is why many people tend to get it done by a professional! However, it is also possible to remove watch links at home, as long as you have the right tools which you can buy at Walmart. How you remove the links from your watch will depend on the type of watch you are working with.

Different watch bands will be made using different pins, for example, round, flat, or screwed pins. Find out which pins your watch uses, and follow the link removal instructions on your toolkit to adjust the size. As well as selling watch repair toolkits, Walmart also sells actual watches. You can shop a wide range of watches in-store either at the jewelry counter if your local store has one or displayed on racks and shelves.

There is a more extensive selection available on Walmart. Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings.

Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Method 1. Measure the watch band.

Before you set about removing any watch links, it is necessary to measure your watch band so you know exactly how many links you will need to remove. To do this: Position the watch on your wrist exactly the way you intend to wear it. With the watch band on your wrist, gather the slack in the band and hold the links together to simulate them being removed.

Stop gathering the links up when the watch band fits your wrist just the way you like. Look where the links are gathered close together at your wrist — be aware that because of the design of the watch band they may not touch. The loose hanging links will tell you the number of links you should remove first. If you can't accurately judge the number of links to remove, remove one less than you expect - it is always easier to remove another link than add one back in. Be aware that it is always better to remove an even number of watch links.

Gather your tools. In order to remove watch links properly, you will need certain tools. These may include: [4] X Research source A thin, pointy object like a spring-bar removal tool or pin pusher. A long-nosed pliers. A small hammer. A screwdriver. A parts tray. Prepare your work area. Make sure that your work area is free from clutter. It is probably a good idea to put down a sheet or some other covering on your work surface and possibly the floor. This is to make sure that any small pieces won't get lost.

Method 2. Separate the bracelet. With some metal watch straps, it is necessary to separate the bracelet before you can remove any links. To do this: Remove the spring bar from the watch strap clasp. To identify which spring bar it is, hold the clasp in your left hand, and it will be the one on the left side. Be careful that it doesn't spring across the room, because this is the only one you have!

Choose which link you are going to remove. Use the pin pusher or spring bar removal tool to push the pin that secures that particular link, following the direction of the printed arrows on the underside of the metal link. Place the pin in your parts tray, you will need it to put the bracelet back together again. Watch out for a small metal ferrule.

Some watch bands contain small metal ferrules in the middle of joining links that will be released when you take out a pin. It may fall onto the floor or work station, so keep an eye out for it. You will need it later. Remove the link's second pin. Repeat the pin removal process on the link's other pin.

When you have finished, you should have two pins and possibly two ferrules ready to use later. Remove the next link. If you need to, remove another link on the other side of the clasp, using the same process. As soon as the pin is pulled out, the individual link will become disconnected from the watch band. Note: you will not need the link or pin that was removed in this step in any subsequent steps. However, if you want to add the link back to your watch at a later time, you will need both the link s and the pin in order to do so.

At this stage, you can determine if you need to remove more links from the watch band. Wrap the band around your wrist and hold the disconnected ends together with your other hand. If you determine that more links need to be removed, repeat steps Otherwise, proceed with the current step. Hold the watch so that both disconnected ends line up with each other. Push the ends together so that the links become interlocked first photo. Use the first pin you removed from Step 2 and place it next to the links that need to be connected back together second photo.

This pin will connect the watch band back together. See Step 5. Hold the two ends of the watch band together. Take the pin from Step 2 and thread it through the ends of the opposing links first photo. Make sure the pin is facing the correct way and that it is not reversed or flipped upside down—if you place the pin the wrong way, it may get stuck within the link. Slide the pin all the way into the openings of both links until it is flush with the side of the watch band.

The only parts left over after finishing this tutorial should be one pin and one or more links—depending on how many you chose to remove. Keep these items in a labeled parts-bag and store in a safe location.

You may need them in the future if you decide to add more links back to your watch band or if a link on your band becomes damaged. Make sure not to force the pins the wrong way. My son nearly destroyed his watch that way.