Shortening a steel pin bracelet
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- Time: 10 min
- Level of difficulty: Easy
Learn how to shorten a steel watchband with pins so you can wear a piece of jewelry that fits you. Follow our illustrated guides to remove or add links to your metal bracelet. Whether you have a manual, handle or professional pin driver, these step-by-step tutorials will guide you. Find the watchmaking tools you need for these operations in our online boutique.
What is a watch pin?
The watch pin is a metal component that connects the links of a steel watch bracelet. There are several types: slotted, knurled or straight, available in various diameters and lengths. The pin driver, also known as the nail driver, is the tool used to insert or extract these pins. Choose the right model for your specific bracelet.
Using a pin driver with handle
Step 1: Prepare the pin driver
Step 1
Unscrew the blue handle from the pin driver and pull it out of the main base.
Step 2
Check the alignment of the components and screw the pin driver tip onto the end of the blue handle. The tool is ready to use!
Step 2: Place the watchband on the pin driver
Step 1
Position the bracelet on the base. Locate the arrows engraved on the bracelet to indicate the pin extraction direction.
Step 2
Screw the blue handle back onto the pin-cutter base, leaving only the tip protruding for optimum positioning of the steel bracelet.
Step 3
Place the bracelet on the base. If the bracelet is too wide, use the manual pin remover.
Step 3: Remove the pin from the link
Step 1
Carefully screw the blue handle in line with the link hole to extract the pin.
Step 2
Unscrew the handle to release the bracelet and pull the pin out of the link.
Step 3
Carefully pull out the remaining pin with your fingers.
Step 4
Repeat the operation on the second pin of the link you wish to remove.
Step 4: Replace the pin in the bracelet
Step 1
Place the two parts of the bracelet correctly on your work surface.
Step 2
Unite the two parts of the bracelet on the pin-cutter base or support block. The links must be perfectly aligned.
Step 3
Insert the pin into the hole, following the direction of the arrows if present, and align it with the links.
Step 4
Using a watchmaker's hammer, gently tap the pin until it is fully inserted.
Step 5
The pin and bracelet are now in place and ready to use. Congratulations! Repeat the above steps if you need to install several pins.
Using the kit to shorten a watchband
Before shortening a metal watchband, it's important to measure your wrist to determine how many links you need to remove. A good fit guarantees comfortable, secure wear.
Step 1: Installing the work surface
Step 1
Once you've assembled all the tools in the kit, set up on a flat, well-lit, clean surface. Make sure you work in a clear space to avoid losing small items such as pins, which can easily fall and roll under furniture.
Step 2
Use the support block adapted to the size of your metal bracelet. The bracelet must be held securely, but not too tightly, to avoid damaging it during handling.
Step 3
Locate the pin holes on the bracelet. These holes are used to install the pins, which go right through the links to secure them.
Step 4
Position the bracelet so that the pin hole is aligned with one of the holes in the support block. This allows the pin to exit the bracelet freely without damaging the material.
Step 5
The watch is now correctly positioned and ready to be adjusted to shorten its metal bracelet.
Step 2: Remove the pin from the watchband
Step 1
Insert the head of the manual pin driver into the hole in the steel bracelet, in the direction of pin extraction. Make sure the tool is inserted straight to avoid twisting the tip.
Step 2
Using a watchmaker's hammer, gently tap the head of the pin driver to extract the pin from the link. Hold the pin driver with one hand while tapping with the other.
Step 3
Remove the pin driver from the bracelet and retrieve the extracted pin. Take care not to damage the bracelet during this operation.
Step 4
If the pin doesn't fall out on its own, remove it by hand and set it aside. Keep the removed links for future use.
Step 5
To remove several links from the watch's steel bracelet, repeat the operations described in this guide from step 2.
Step 6
Now that the link(s) has (have) been removed, you should have at least one pin and one link. Keep them in a safe place for future repairs to your steel bracelet, in the event of a broken link or pin, a change in wrist size, or if you wish to offer your watch as a gift.
Step 7
The links of the steel bracelet are now separated. You can now proceed to the next step to reinsert a pin into the bracelet.
Step 3: Inserting a pin into a link
Step 1
Place the two parts of the bracelet on the support block and align the link holes. Insert the pin in the opposite direction, as indicated by the arrow if present.
Step 2
Carefully insert the pin into the hole provided. It should pass through all the link holes without forcing.
Step 3
Use the watchmaker's hammer and tap gently to insert the pin completely. Be sure to use the plastic side of the hammer to avoid damaging the bracelet.
Step 4
Your metal watchband is now complete and the right size! You can now wear your watch comfortably.
Shorten a watchband easily with the professional pin remover
This guide explains how to use a professional pin driver to adjust a metal watchband by removing the pins. Whether your bracelet is made of stainless steel, ceramic or plastic, you'll be able to easily adjust your watch to the size of your wrist. The pin remover is an essential tool for working on watches from renowned brands such as Fila, Guess, Geneva, Lip, Casio, and many others. Find all our watchmaking tools and watch pins in our online store.
Step 1: Prepare the professional pin driver
Step 1
Set up on a flat, well-lit surface and, if possible, use a workbench mat to hold the pins during handling. If the watchband has arrows, these indicate the direction in which the pins should be extracted. If there are no arrows, locate the holes on the edges of the bracelet.
Step 2
Select the appropriate pin from the heads supplied with the pin driver. Gently insert the head into the hole in the bracelet. The pin should enter smoothly and remain stable.
Step 3
Open the tool all the way and carefully remove the unused tip. Set the spring aside to prevent it from rolling or falling out. Use a protective cover for small parts.
Step 4
Replace the spring on the selected tip and close the tool. The professional pin driver is now ready to be used to adjust your watchband.
Step 5
Place the spring on the tip of the pin driver of your choice, then insert the assembly into the tool.
Step 6
Close the tool. The professional pin punch is ready to use!
Step 2: Remove the pins from the watchband
Step 1
Insert the pin driver tip into the hole in the bracelet. If the watchband has arrows, follow their direction. For bracelets without indications, insert the tool on the side opposite the pin heads.
Step 2
Open the tool, position the watchband correctly at the link you wish to remove. Check that the tip is aligned with the hole.
Step 3
Gently press the pin driver until the pin is partially or completely extracted. If necessary, use your fingers to complete the extraction.
Step 4
Repeat for each link you wish to remove. Be sure to keep the removed pins and links for future use or repair.
Step 5
To remove one or more links from the watch's steel bracelet, repeat the operations from step 1 on this page, selecting another hole and removing a pin as many times as necessary. Don't forget to measure your wrist with our guide to determine the number of links to remove.
Step 6
A steel bracelet link is removed by removing two pins. With this tool, available in our online store, removing the pins is child's play.
Step 3: Put a pin back into the bracelet
Step 1
Position both parts of the bracelet on the support block and insert the pin in the opposite direction to extraction (if arrows are present). The head of the pin must cover the hole in the link.
Step 2
Check that the links are aligned and carefully insert the pin into the holes provided.
Step 3
Using a watchmaker's hammer, tap gently to fully insert the pin. Use the plastic part of the tool to avoid damaging the watchband.
Step 4
Your bracelet is now adjusted to your desired size. Congratulations! If you need to reinsert several pins, repeat the previous operation.
Step 5
The pin is now back in place and the watchband is ready to use on your wrist. Congratulations! To reinstall several pins, repeat the above steps.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you've successfully shortened your steel watchband using the pin driver! Thanks to these simple steps and the use of our professional watchmaking tools, you can now adjust your watch to the perfect size for your wrist. A well-fitting bracelet enhances the comfort and aesthetics of your watch, whether it's a sports model, a classic or a luxury timepiece.
Don't forget that every step of the process is important to ensure optimal results. If you wish to replace other components of your watch, such as pumps, pins or other watch accessories, you'll find everything you need in our online store. We also offer a wide selection of interchangeable watch straps in leather, stainless steel or silicone to suit all occasions and styles.
To prolong the life of your watch and its components, make sure you use the right tools and handle each part with care. If you're looking for other ways to personalize your watch, explore our leather straps, metal bands or silicone bracelets, available in different colors, finishes and widths.
If you've enjoyed this guide, don't hesitate to consult our other watchmaking guides to learn more about maintaining and repairing your watches. Whether you're a hobbyist or a watch enthusiast, we've got tips, tricks and quality products to help you get the most out of your watches. Don't wait any longer and explore our site to discover our vast selection of watch straps, watchmaking tools and accessories to meet all your expectations!