Three Ways to Adjust a Steel Watch Bracelet

One of the most common bands seen on watches are metal bracelets. The thing that sets this type of band apart from resin straps, rubber starps, and nato straps is the adjustability on the wrist. With non metal straps the wearer can set straps to fit just right, or a snug fit, because of the buckle latch that are seen on belts. With a metal bracelet, the wearer can not do that kind of adjustment because those bracelets use a clasp instead of buckles. This means that the metal bracelet is a little more complicated to get fitted to the proper wrist size.

To adjust the size of the metal band, you must remove the links by pusing out the pins that are holding them in. Some metal bracelets have arrows on the links pointing to direction that the pin must be pushed out of. You must watch out for these markers because you risk getting the pin stuck if you try pushing it in the opposite direction of the arrow. There are three ways to remove the pins and links in order t get the proper fit .

• Method 1: You could buy a pin remover. This is a tool that aligns with the links and easily pushes them out. The pin remover can be found in watch repair kits or can be bought separately online. It would also be useful to have in case you buy another watch with a metal bracelet. This would allow to swap out links and pins easily, and without frustration from the comfort of your own home.

• Method 2: the most simple approach to getting a metal bracelet propperly fitted is by having someone else do it for you. Taking your watch to a local watch store that replaces batteries, and does watch repairs should be adequate. If there is not a local watch store, than a major retail store like Macy's would be perfect. This method is the easiest way for you to get your bracelet fitted. This could also get you familiar with a small, local watch store that may have different metal bands to purchase, and gets you in contact with someone that fix your watch if anything were to happen to it.

• Method 3: the most tedious, but cost effective, approach is using push pins and a small hammer to force the pins out of the links. This is a DIY method that mostly requires two tools, maybe three, and can also be found around the house. Just like the pin removal tool, you will have to align the push pin with the pin inside the link and use the hammer to push the pin out. Most watch pins are easy to push out, so you don't need a lot of force when hitting down with hammer. Also this method requires more attention because you risk damaging the watch or the bracelet if you miss hitting the push pin. This method is great to know because if done right, you won't have to purchase a new tool or drive around looking for a watch store. But if something does go wrong, then you might want to look for a watch repair shop.

This video will provide a better look at methods one and three. That way you have a better idea if what to expect when trying either of these methods to adjust your steel band.

Image/video Credit

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https://youtu.be/o3NfebIjLlU