How To Remove Links From Watch Band

Need to know how to remove links from a watch band? There are a couple of types of watch bands, and most people know how to deal with the much more prevalent split pin links. Fewer, however, can deal with screwed links. Screwed links are not put in many watches. Some higher end watches, but certainly not all, use screws to hold their watch bands together. If your wristwatch has little arrows on the back of the metal bracelet, or watch band, it has split pins holding the links together. If it does not, it has screws. For the purposes of this article, why don't we concentrate on removing links in watch bands which use screws.

To remove screwed links from your watch band, you will need:

• Your watch
• Watchmaker's screwdrivers

1. Determine how many screwdrivers you need. Some watchmakers use one-piece screws which screw into threads in the link, and some use two-piece screws which thread together through the link. Two-piece screws will have a screw slot on both sides of the link.
2. Pick your screwdrivers. Select screwdrivers which perfectly match the ends of the screws. Watchmaker's screwdrivers are made for this and fit best. Fit is important so you do not wreck the screw heads when working on your watch band.
3. Remove the first screw. Using either one or two screwdrivers, unscrew the screw holding the links together until it, or both pieces, is loose enough to pull out with your fingers.
4. Remove the second screw. Using the screwdrivers, remove the screw from the second side of the link to be removed. When it is loose you will be able to remove it with your fingers.
5. Store the link. Screw one of the screws back into the removed link. This will keep the screw from getting lost. Store the link somewhere in case you ever need it in the future.
6. Put the watch band back together. Line up the holes in the two links to be joined. Slip the screw or screw pieces into the link and screw them carefully in place until it is tight. Do not over tighten or slip, which can damage the screw head. Also, be very careful of cross-threading the screw. They have fine threads which can strip easily. If any unusual resistance is felt, stop, back the screw out and retry it.

There, you have removed a screwed link from your watch band. You can now try it on and see if it fits. Remember, you may have to make micro adjustments on the clasp before judging its fit. Also, if you need to remove more links, try to remove them evenly from both sides of the case so the watch sits well on your wrist and the clasp under your arm.