Removing Links From A Watch-Strap

[chokkie]

HI folks, not really sure which topic to put this question, so thought I would give "Home and Garden" a go ....

Just bought a really cheap watch from Amazon. Absolutely love it, but the strap is too large for my wrist. Far too cheap to send back, so thought I would get myself one of those special gadgets which will remove a link and join up the bracelet again. There's so much stuff on Amazon, that it's difficult to know what one is the best. Can anyone offer any advice, please? Thanks. Chox.

[Prudie]

I'd take it to a any high street jewellers like Samuels, wont cost much. It may seem easy to buy a kit but I think it's a more specialised job than to have a bash at..

[Buenchico]

I've watched a jeweller do it as per this video (i.e. without any special tools) but I'm not sure whether I'd be confident enough to try it myself!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uxpDXKOPqA

[gingejbee]

I have removed/replaced watch links in (literally) scores of watches....so a little warning. Most watches will have solid links, which are OK to work with. Really cheap watches may have hollow links which can get horribly distorted and useless.
Links are connected with pins or rather more awkwardly two-legged fasteners.
If your links are solid and connected with pins, I'd buy this kit and use the blue device (look for direction arrows on the back of the links.
Other things in this kit will be useful for the other type fasteners....



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16pcs-Watch-Repair-Tool-Kit-Band-Strap-Link-Remover-Back-Opener-Screwdriver-UK-/291446218631?hash=item43db8c5f87:g:ZYkAAOSwqu9VPeIg

[tonyav]

One of these ?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Link-Pin-Remover-Metal-Watch-Band-Strap-Band-Strap-Adjuster-Repair-Kits-Tool-/351549368079?hash=item51d9f9a70f:g:~cUAAOSw-zxWoIO8

A couple of quid per link at a jewellers I think.

[fairycakes69]

There are different types of links, there is the one pin ones, you just gently tap with a needle and that should push it out the other end, that's the easiest, there is the double one that you need pliers to help ease it out, that's a bit tricker. See what type you have and go on you tube. Done loads over the years (used to work in jewllery in Argos).

[Malagabob333]

Take it to a shop that does it cost a few pounds. If it needs more than one link removed after trying,they can do it cost the same