Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 5: Getting Started
• Method 2 of 5: Remove Links with a Spring Puller or Fine Awl
• Method 3 of 5: Remove the links with a screwdriver
• Method 4 of 5: Removing the Links from the Stretch Strap
• Method 5 of 5: Removing Snap Links
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

When you find the perfect watch, it is very important that it fits flawlessly on your wrist. Sometimes you will need to remove the link from the watch strap if it is too big. In this article, you will learn how to remove the links in a watch strap to fit any watch to your wrist.

Steps

Method 1 of 5: Getting Started

1. 1 Measure the length of the bracelet. Measure the length of the bracelet before you shorten it to know exactly how many links you will need to remove. To do this:
   • Put the watch on your wrist the way you will wear it. When you're happy with their placement, rotate your wrist so that the clasp of the bracelet is facing up.
   • When the bracelet is fastened to the wrist, bring the links together, modeling the desired length. Stop when the strap wraps around your hand perfectly.
   • See where the parts are assembled on the wrist - due to the design of the wristwatch, the links may not touch. Extra dangling segments will tell you the amount of detail to remove first.
   • If you are unable to establish the exact number of links to offset, remove one less than you think — it is always easier to remove another one later than add it back.
   • Better to remove an even number of links. This way you can remove one piece on each side, keeping the clasp in the center of the bracelet.
2. 2 Take the tools you need. To properly shorten the bracelet, you need certain tools. Namely:
   • A thin, pointed object, such as a spring puller or a delicate awl;
   • long nose pliers;
   • small hammer;
   • screwdriver;
   • parts tray.
3. 3 Prepare your workplace. Make sure the workplace is in perfect order. Cover the work surface and floor with paper or something else. This way small details won't get lost or disappear.

Method 2 of 5: Remove Links with a Spring Puller or Fine Awl

1. 1 Separate the bracelet. If your watch has a metal strap, you first need to separate the bracelet, and then remove the segments. You need to do it like this:
   • Remove the bar from the clasp of the bracelet. To find out what kind of springy rod you have, take the clasp in your left hand, that is, it will be the rod on the left side.
   • Use a spring puller or a fine awl to push the bar out of the fastener.
   • Be careful not to bounce it off into the room!
2. 2 Choose which segment you are going to delete. Use a spring puller or fine awl to press out the bar holding a specific link, following the direction of the printed arrows on the bottom of the link.
   • It is necessary to extrude the rod 2–3 mm and then remove it with pliers or by hand.
   • Stack the rods in the parts tray - you will need them later to reassemble the bracelet.
3. 3 Watch out for small metal tips. Some wristwatches have small metal tips in the center of the segment connection, which will be removed along with the axis. They may fall to the floor or work area, so keep an eye on them. You will need them later.
4. 4 Remove the second pin from the link. Repeat what you did with the first rod. When you're done, you will have two studs and two tips that you will need later.
5. 5 Remove the second link. If necessary, slide the next piece to the other side of the bracelet. When you have removed enough segments, reconnect the bracelet.
6. 6 Assemble your watch strap. When you have removed all the extra segments, you will need to insert the rods again to finish the job. The studs must be inserted in the opposite direction of the indicated arrows.
   • If your watch has lugs, place them in the center of the link you are attaching, and when you press the rod back into the hole, secure the case on top with the lug.
   • If necessary, gently hammer in the rod with a hammer.
7. 7 Reattach the clasp. To fasten the fastener, you need to perform the opposite actions to the previous ones. Connect the clasp to the dial and insert the rods back.
8. 8 Try on your watch. They should fit perfectly if you have removed the correct number of links. If the watch is hanging on your wrist, you can always remove one more link.
   • If the watch is slightly loose or taut, adjust the strap length by inserting the pins into the spare holes.
   • Leave extra rods and tips as they may be useful in the future.

Method 3 of 5: Remove the links with a screwdriver

1. 1 Select the link you want to remove. Turn the watch on its side, select the link you want to remove, and find the cog that secures it.
2. 2 Unscrew the screw. For this purpose, opt for a 1 mm screwdriver. Insert a screwdriver and turn it counterclockwise.
   • Turn the screwdriver until the screw comes loose.
   • Grasp the screw with tweezers or pliers to prevent it from falling. Put it in a safe place because you will still need it to assemble the watch.
   • Do this over a table or tray to avoid losing screws that might fall off.
3. 3 Take out the link. When you unscrew the screws, you can easily reach the selected segment. Get the rest of the extra links.
4. 4 Reassemble the bracelet. After taking out all the extra links, assemble the bracelet, fastening the segments with screws and a screwdriver.

Method 4 of 5: Removing the Links from the Stretch Strap

1. 1 Measure the length of the strap. Connect one end of the bracelet to its body, then wrap it around your wrist. Count how many links overlap each other, add one more to this number - and you get the number of segments that need to be removed. On this watch, you can remove segments from any part of the bracelet.
2. 2 Place the clock face down on your work table. At the end of the bracelet, bend the section of the upper torsion brackets that you intend to remove.
3. 3 Open the lower torsion brackets. Turn the watch over and unclip the lower torsion brackets. They are installed directly to the left of the top torsion braces that you have already folded.
4. 4 Take out the segments. Remove the segment by sliding the selected part to the side. This will automatically release the braces that hold the links together.
5. 5 Assemble the bracelet. Attach the brackets on both sides of the strap at the same time before you snap back the torsion brackets.

Method 5 of 5: Removing Snap Links

1. 1 Take out the hairpin. Slide the pin out of the link you are about to remove. Follow the direction of the arrows printed on the bottom.
2. 2 Press down gently. With one hand, firmly hold the strap where you just removed the pin. Press lightly upward on the side of the link that rests against the body. At the same time, gently push down on the side of the link that is close to the clasp. You should feel the mechanism come loose.
3. 3 Disconnect the mechanism. Continue pushing gently so that a slight “loosening” of the strap will separate the mechanism.
4. 4 Dismantle the links. When the mechanism is disengaged, you can reach the link by sliding the strap buckle towards the case.
5. 5 Move the segments gently. When the links are disconnected, they can be pulled out. Try to do this very carefully. Take out as many segments as needed.
6. 6 Reassemble the strap. To assemble the bracelet, do the same, just the opposite.

Tips

• After trying on, remove the smaller links from the 6:00 side of the bracelet (links under 6). This will ensure that the clasp is evenly positioned while wearing the watch.
• If you are visually impaired, use a magnifying glass to enlarge studs, links and other small watch parts.

Warnings

• Measure the circumference of your wrist with a flexible tape measure before removing excess segments from the bracelet. If you overdo it, you will have to reinstall the links.
• To avoid scratching the strap, take your time in the process and do not make rough movements!

What do you need

• Spring puller or fine awl
• 1mm screwdriver
• Pointed pliers (coronal forceps)
• Small hammer
• Parts tray
• Flexible roulette
• Magnifier (magnifying glass)