How do I shorten a watch band - watch band Watches

SOURCE: shorten watchband

I have a similar watch and removing the links are not easy. There are pins in certain links that have arrows on the inside of the band. I used a push pin to remove the pins in the direction of the arrows. Snip the end of the push pin with a wire cutter or pliers so that it fits into the hole and tap the top of the push pin with a small hammer until the other end of the pin is exposed enough to extract it with a set of needle nosed pliers. Repeat for other side of link. When the pin is extracted, twist the link inward and it should snap out.
Remove the link and reverse the procedure, placing the pin in the opposite direction as it was extracted. You may have to tap it gently with the push pin and hammer to get it to go into the holes flush.
It takes a little while and some patience, but if you can get someone to hold the band for you while you tap the pin, it will be easier. Also, if you remove the spring loaded pin from the band fastener so the band can be laid out straight, it will also be easier. Good luck!

Arturs Kalnins

• 2338 Answers
• Posted on Jan 04, 2009

SOURCE: Shortening stainless band for 1st generation Tissot Le Locle

Arrows are pointing the way the pins must come out.
First you have to find out what sort of pins or even screws are used to keep links together.
Examine both bracelet sides and find the side where pin ends have a groove.
Start with a tiny screwdriver and start to unscrew one of the screws. If it turns, but doesn't come out, that means you have a pins instead.
For removing pins the best would be pin removing tool (approx.5GBP on ebay), but it's possible to do the job without it.
Take a hardened steel needle and blunt the sharp end to the approx. size of pin end diameter using any sharpening stone or sandpaper. Get an old towel and fold it to make a soft base for work (like small cusion). As you don't have a special bracelet holder you will need a pair of helping hands to hold the bracelet steady upright. You will need small hammer and pair of flat nose pliers as well.
NOTE: The pins MUST be driven split end out first, not vice versa. Make sure that the grooved pin ends are facing towel, not the needle and hammer!!!
Now place the watch on the folded towel, take that needle and smallest hammer you have and start driving the pin out using light blows. Do Not hit hard, as you will brake the needle, scratch your watch or even injure yourself. Watchmakers are using 45 gram hammer, so, calculate your strength of blows.
After a few blows check if the split end is coming out and when you see that the end is long enough to grab it with pliers, pull the pin out with pliers. When pulling, do NOT turn pliers, as pins tend to brake when twisted. Use firm grip and your strength to pull the pin without twisting.
After shortening the bracelet,make sure that the pins go back EXACTLY the same way as they came out- the blunt end first in the hole and the split (grooved) end last. Before doing that check remaining pins in bracelet to make sure that you put them back from the right side of bracelet.
It is recommended to use plastic hammer to drive pins back in or you will scratch or damage bracelet. If plastic hammer is not available use an old toothbrush handle (or some plastic item) as an absorber. Simply put pin into the hole as deep as you can with your fingers, put the toothbrush handle on split pin end and hit handle, not the pin.
Make sure that pin ends are flush with bracelet. If needed- hit few more times.
Job done!
Don't forget to rate, please.

SOURCE: how to adjust metal wrist band on casio watch?

1. Pop out one spring pin to disconnect the band from the watch or from itself at the clasp. If you don't have a special tool for this, a needle or a pin will probably work. A straightened paper clip may be too thick, but they are cheap so you could try it. Now the watch and band can sit flat on the work table.
2. Examine the links. If some of them have little arrows on them (usually the ones closest to both sides of the clasp), they are removable.
3. These removable links are held together by a "U" shaped (actually a squared off "U" - sort of like this |_| ) pin that is inserted into the link. There may should be some kind of window-like opening in the link into which you can insert a narrow screwdriver or similar tool or even a small nail (around 6-penny size) and push out the |_| shaped pin. A straightened paper clip is probably not sturdy enough, but you could try it. Push in the direction of the arrow (from tail to point). The links that were joined by the |_| pin can now be separated.
   
4. Remove a second such pin from another adjacent link. Now a single link is free and can be discarded (or kept). Reconnect the remaining adjustable links with one of the |_| pins and re-attach the spring pin from step 1 so the band is reunited with itself or with the watch.
5. Try it on. If it is still too long, repeat the process. Good luck.
   

Arturs Kalnins

• 2338 Answers
• Posted on Apr 09, 2009

SOURCE: how to shorten the watch band without breaking it

You may or may not have arrows inside bracelet. Arrows are pointing the way the pins must come out.
First you have to find out what sort of pins or even screws are used to keep links together.
Examine both bracelet sides and find the side where pin ends have a groove.
Start with a tiny screwdriver and unscrew one of the screws. If it turns, but doesn't come out, that means you have a pins instead.
For removing pins the best would be pin removing tool (approx.5GBP on ebay), but it's possible to do the job without it.
Take a hardened steel needle and blunt the sharp end to the approx. size of pin end diameter using any sharpening stone or sandpaper. Get an old towel and fold it to make a soft base for work (like small cusion). As you don't have a special bracelet holder you will need a pair of helping hands to hold the bracelet steady upright. You will need small hammer and pair of flat nose pliers as well.
NOTE: The pins MUST be driven split end out first, not vice versa. Make sure that the grooved pin ends are facing towel, not the needle and hammer!!!
Now place the watch on the folded towel, take that needle and smallest hammer you have and start driving the pin out using light blows. Do Not hit hard, as you will brake the needle, scratch your watch or even injure yourself. Watchmakers are using 45 gram hammer, so, calculate your strength of blows.
After a few blows check if the split end is coming out and when you see that the end is long enough to grab it with pliers, pull the pin out with pliers. When pulling, do NOT turn pliers, as pins tend to brake when twisted. Use firm grip and your strength to pull the pin without twisting.
After shortening the bracelet or adding extra link(s) make sure that the pins go back EXACTLY the same way as they came out- the blunt end first in the hole and the split (grooved) end last. Before doing that check remaining pins in bracelet to make sure that you put them back from the right side of bracelet.
It is recommended to use plastic hammer to drive pins back in or you will scratch or damage bracelet. If plastic hammer is not available use an old toothbrush handle (or some plastic item) as an absorber. Simply put pin into the hole as deep as you can with your fingers, put the toothbrush handle on split pin end and hit handle, not the pin.
Make sure that pin ends are flush with bracelet. If needed- hit few more times.
Job done!
If you do not want to do it yourself, any jeweler will do it in a matter of few minutes.
Don't forget to rate, please.

Arturs Kalnins

• 2338 Answers
• Posted on Jul 31, 2010

SOURCE: need to shorten my band

For removing or adding links firstly you will have to remove bracelet pins or screws. In case if there are screw on each side of bracelet - you have to use two screwdrivers simultaneously. In case if there are pins - read the rest:
You may or may not have arrows inside bracelet. Arrows are pointing the way the pins must come out. First you have to find out what sort of pins or even screws are used to keep links together (screw ends and pin end may look similar). Examine both bracelet sides and find the side where pin ends have a groove. Start with a tiny screwdriver and try to unscrew one. If it turns, but doesn't come out, that means you have a pins instead of screws. For removing pins the best would be pin removing tool (approx.5GBP on ebay), but it's possible to do the job without it. Take a hardened steel needle and blunt the sharp end to the approx. size of pin end diameter using any sharpening stone or sandpaper. Get an old towel and fold it to make a soft base for work (like small cusion). As you don't have a special bracelet holder you will need a pair of helping hands to hold the bracelet steady upright. You will need small hammer and pair of flat nose pliers as well. NOTE: The pins MUST be driven split end out first, not vice versa. Make sure that the grooved pin ends are facing towel, not the needle and hammer. Now place the watch on the folded towel, take that needle and smallest hammer you have and start driving the pin out using light blows. Do Not hit hard, as you will brake the needle, scratch your watch or even injure yourself. Watchmakers are using 45 gram hammer, so, calculate your strength of blows. After a few punches check if the split end is coming out and when you see that the pin end is coming out long enough - grab it with pliers and pull the pin out with pliers. When pulling, do NOT turn pliers, as pins tend to brake when twisted. Use firm grip and your strength to pull the pin without twisting. After shortening the bracelet or adding extra link(s) make sure that the pins go back EXACTLY the same way as they came out- the blunt end first in the hole and the split (grooved) end last. Before doing that check remaining pins in bracelet to make sure that you put them back from the right side of bracelet. It is recommended to use plastic hammer to drive pins back in or you will scratch or damage bracelet. If plastic hammer is not available use an old toothbrush handle (or some plastic item) as an absorber. Simply put pin into the hole as deep as you can with your fingers, put the toothbrush handle on split pin end and hit handle, not the pin. Make sure that pin ends are flush with bracelet. If needed- hit few more times. Job done! If you do not want to do it yourself, any jeweler will do it in a matter of few minutes.