How To Remove Watch Links Detailed Guide with Video

Watches are an irreplaceable item to many people, as they are powerful and convenient accessories to wear daily. That is why you should be mindful of everything that happens with your watch and knows how to fix it immediately.

In this article, we will learn how to remove watch links – one of the most common problems while wearing watches. Check out this helpful guide, and stay tuned with us!

The Tools You Need

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a professional watchmaker (or seek one) to remove watch links. This simple activity requires straightforward tools which you can find right in your garage, such as:

1. A thumbtack
2. Pliers
3. Screwdriver
4. Hammer (optional)
5. Tray to place the parts (optional)

For work proficiency, we recommend doing this on a flat, clean table. Since we are dealing with multiple tiny parts around here, it’s better to have a flat surface so that you can have an embracing look at all objects with the least distraction possible.

Instruction

Here are the steps you need to follow to remove watch links:

Step 1: Measure How Many Links You Have To Remove

Many people often neglect the importance of this first step. Well, if you are not careful and end up taking out too few/many links or removing them in the wrong place, your watch will sit asymmetrically.

To get an idea of how many links you need to remove, first, put your watch where you usually wear it. Gather all slack and identify the excess links’ numbers.

Our goal is to get the clasp placed at the band’s center, so we should take the same amount of links from both sides instead of removing all the excessive links.

Step 2: Remove the Links

Now that we know how many links are there to remove and their original positions to remove them from, we will go to the next step: removing the links.

At the back of the bracelet, tiny arrows indicate the cotter pin’s coming-out direction. Place the watch in its box or a firm holder with the arrows facing downwards.

Get a small hammer to dedicatedly tap the push-pin tool’s end over the pins until you cannot push the pin inside the link anymore.

Remove the pin when it pops out using your fingers or pliers. Other irrelevant pins and ferrules can fall out during this process, so be mindful of that.

Step 3: Reconnect the Watch

Once you have finished removing all the unwanted links, it’s time to rejoin them at the bracelet’s ends. We need the bracelet back in the box, with arrows facing upward this time.

The pins need to slide back oppositely from how they were removed before. You have to put the cotter pin back in the hole, maybe using a hammer to tap it gently if it does not fall into the desired space.

Repeat this procedure on the clasp’s opposite side until the bracelet returns as you want.

To ensure you have everything done, check if the fastener has been in the center and eliminate the excessive ferrules in the place.

Step 4: Enjoy Your Watch

If your watch has not been set up to the correct time, set it up normally as you usually do. And if it runs, congratulations, you have finished removing watch links!

And if our instructions have not been clear enough, check out this video below for a further illustration of how to remove watch links with the tool:

The Best Kit To Remove Watch Links

There are outstanding kits that can help you fasten the watch links removal process, including:

EFIXTK 24 in 1 Kit

This kit will turn you into a professional watchmaker. Everything you need for removing watch links is in this kit, such as a 6-tips pin remover, a double-head hammer, plenty of punches, and cotter pins.

There is a watch holder in case you don’t have the original box of your watch, which fastens your process. It is truly a life saver for future watchmakers!

Warminster Watch Repair Tool Kit

Warminster Watch Repair Tool Kit offers you the basic components to get watch links removed. The ingredients include a watch link remover, pins, and a cleaning cloth.

Although there are not many components, Warmstor Kit will help you do a good job at fixing links. It even simplifies the project with straightforward components and instructions.

Autoxel Watch Band Tool Kit

For professionals who have dealt with watches before, go with the Autoxel Watch Band Tool Kit. This kit offers fancy tools to help you become an expert in removing links and different activities regarding watch-fixing.

You can expect a watch holder, 108 pin pieces, hammer, two-pin punches, and of course, a link remover. All components are made with high-quality antirust material to ensure users will hold on to them for years.

FAQs

What If I Don’t Have The Proper Tools?

There is a way how to remove watch links without tool. Instead, look for common household items, such as replacing the pin pusher with something pointy and thin. A little finding and fine skill are all it takes.

Is It A Must To Learn How To Remove Watch Links?

You don’t have to study how to remove watch links, but learning so will save you a fortune running to the watchmaker all the time and cost $10-20 each time. What could be better than handling and successfully fixing your beloved watches’ problems right?

Conclusion

And that’s everything we can conclude on how to remove watch links. Get yourself together using our simple instructions and videos, and you will soon be a reliable watchmaker on your own!
Thank you, and we will see you soon in the next article!