When you have found the ideal watch, it is important that it is flawless on your wrist. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to remove a few shirts to make them fit well. Read this article to learn how to remove the links from the band so you can adjust it perfectly to your wrist.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Part 1: Getting started
Step 1. Measure the watch bracelet
Before removing the links it is necessary to measure the bracelet to know exactly how many links you will need to remove. So, proceed like this:
- Place the watch on your wrist exactly the way you intend to wear it. When you have found the position that suits you, turn your wrist so that the closure of the bracelet is facing up.
- With the watch on your wrist, tighten the bracelet, gathering the excess loose links together, until the watch fits the way you want.
- Take a good look at where the links join each other; keep in mind that depending on the model of the bracelet, the links may not even touch each other. The excess ones, which hang down, will tell you the number of links you need to remove first.
- If you cannot accurately identify the number of links to remove, remove one less than what you think is necessary; it is always easier to remove than to add later.
- Keep in mind that it is always better to eliminate an equal number of links. This way, by removing the same number on each side, you can make sure that the clasp is positioned in the center of the strap.
Step 2. Get the tools
To properly remove the links, you will need a few tools including:
- A pointed and thin tool like the handle remover or the pin press.
- A pair of long nose pliers.
- A gavel.
- A screwdriver.
- A container for small pieces.
Step 3. Organize your workspace
First make sure there is no confusion. It would be advisable to put a sheet or something on the floor to cover the surface where you are going to work, so as not to lose the small pieces that you will have to disassemble.
Part 2 of 5: Part 2: Remove the Links with Round and Flat Pins
Step 1. Separate the bracelet
With some metal straps it is necessary to separate the bracelet before removing the links. Do it like this:
- Remove the spring bar from the strap clasp. To locate the spring bar, hold the strap clasp in your left hand and you will have the bar on the left side of the clip.
- Use the latch remover or the pin press, pressing on the spring bar and levering the hook of the strap closure.
- Be careful not to blow it up, because it's the only spring bar you have!
Step 2. Choose which link you are going to remove
Use the pin press or the loop remover to push the pin that secures the link, following the direction of the arrows you see at the bottom of the metal mesh in the image.
- You should be able to push the pin out 2-3mm and then pull it out on the other side, using your fingers or a pair of pliers.
- Set the pin aside in the small piece container until you need it to re-assemble the bracelet.
Step 3. Beware of small metal cylinders
In some straps in the center of the link you can find a small metal cylinder that comes out when you pull out the pin. The barrel can fall to the ground during this operation, so keep your eyes peeled. You will need it later.
Step 4. Remove the second pin from the link
Repeat the previous step with the other pin of the shirt. When you are done you should have two pins and probably two small metal cylinders that you will need later.
Step 5. Remove the next link
If necessary, also remove another link from the other side of the clasp in the same process. When you have removed the links you deem necessary, you will be ready to assemble the bracelet again.
Step 6. Reassemble the strap
Once you have removed the links, you will need to put the pin back into the strap. Then put the pin back in the opposite direction to the arrows.
- If the link of the strap carries the cylinder, place it back in the center of the link you are mounting and be sure to lock it when you push the pin into its seat.
- If necessary, you can tap the pin lightly, using the hammer.
Step 7. Fit the closure
To assemble the closure you have to repeat the disassembly operation in reverse. Make sure the clasp is straight and go and place the spring bar in its original place.
Step 8. Test the watch
Your watch should now fit you, if you have eliminated the correct number of links. If it's still too loose, you can always take off another shirt.
- If you feel a little loose or too snug, you may need to make further adjustments to the bracelet, inserting the spring bars of the clasp into another pair of holes to get the desired fit.
- Keep the leftover links along with the metal pins and cylinders, as they can come in handy later.
Part 3 of 5: Part 3: Remove Links with Screwed Pins
Step 1. Locate the link you intend to remove
Slide the watch, find the link you want to remove and locate the screw that holds it securely to the strap.
Step 2. Remove the screw
Use a 1mm screwdriver to loosen the screw. You can do this by applying light pressure and turning the screwdriver clockwise.
- Keep turning clockwise until the screw comes out.
- Use a pair of tweezers to grab the screw before it falls. Keep it - you will need it to reassemble the clock.
- Perform this step on a table or tray to make sure you don't lose any screws if they fall out during the operation.
Step 3. Remove the shirt
Once the screw has been removed, it will be easy to separate the link of your choice from the bracelet. Repeat this step with each stitch you need to discard.
Step 4. Re-assemble the band
Once you have removed the necessary number of links, you can adjust the strap again by simply screwing the removed screw with the screwdriver.
Part 4 of 5: Part 4: Removing Links from an Elastic Bracelet
Step 1. Measure the strap
You can do this by holding only one end of the band to the watch case and wrapping the bracelet around your wrist. Count how many stitches correspond to this size and add one. The remaining number is the number of links you need to remove. With this type of strap you can easily remove links from any part of the strap.
Step 2. Fold down the flaps on the top edge of the cuff
Place the watch face up on the work surface and bring down the flaps of the top edge of the section you want to remove.
Step 3. Open the flaps on the lower edge of the cuff
Curve the bracelet on itself and with a sharp blow open the flaps of the lower edge. These will be located just to the left of the top edge flaps you have already opened.
Step 4. Remove the links
Extract the shirt, pulling the section you want to remove from the side. This will automatically release the metal supports that hold the links together.
Step 5. Reassemble the bracelet
To do this you will need to snap the metal supports on both sides of the strap at the same time, before snapping all the lugs into place.
Part 5 of 5: Part 5: Remove the Snap Pins Links
Step 1. Remove the pin
Using the pin press, remove the pin from the shirt you wish to remove. Make sure you do this in the direction of the arrow shown at the bottom of the shirt.
Step 2. Apply gentle pressure
Hold the strap steady by grasping the link from which you just removed the pin with one hand. Apply light upward pressure on the side of the shirt closest to the chest. At the same time apply the same downward pressure from the side closest to the closure. You should be able to feel the mechanism release.
Step 3. Release the mechanism
Continue to apply light pressure as you gently "shake" the band to completely free the mechanism.
Step 4. Remove the links
When the mechanism is released, you can remove the links by moving the clasp side of the strap towards the watch case.
Step 5. Gently remove the necessary links
Once the links are unhooked, you can take them apart completely. Do it, however, in the gentlest way possible! Repeat the same operation with all the links you want to delete.
Step 6. Re-assemble the band
To assemble the watch again, simply follow the same steps above, but in reverse.
Advice
- After measuring your watch, make sure you have fewer links in the part of the bracelet mounted below the “6”. This usually makes the opening of the strap more balanced when you wear the watch.
- If you have trouble removing some of the links, use a magnifying glass to help you work with pins, links, and other small pieces.
Warnings
- Be sure to accurately measure your wrist with a flexible measuring tape before removing the links from the watch. If you remove too many, then it will be annoying to reassemble a few to fix the problem.
- To avoid scratching the strap, be careful, do not rush and proceed gently!
