How do i take links out of an accurist watch strap (metal)?

I fiddled about for ages and couldn't find a tool that didn't damage the links. The best one in the end was the pin from the notice board! Was bout to give up! But that worked well, especially after I blunted it with a file!! Thanks!

Anna
August 2017

The method to remove the links is exactly as all the answers say so far.
I tried it and was successful the pin moves eventualy but slowly just keep the pressure on then when it moves out a bit take a pair of pointed pliers preferably and pull out, remove the number of links then put back in the reverse order making sure the pin is fully in.
Good luck.

Jim.
November 2012

Thanks

Ian
January 2011

To Aiden, thanks for your advice. I did what you said and it worked perfectly. I used a 'spade bit' from my tool box which has a nice longish thin point and took the pins out over the edge of my desk.

Once you have got the pin a bit out you can pull it right out with a pair of pliers.


.

Ian
September 2009

Thanks for that posting [ 18months ago ;o}, ] Duffbeer - getting the pin out - perfect! Putting it back tho' I reversed the procedure exactly - could not get the "Split-End" in first - so just slid round end in and through and the squeezed the split end in with a pair of tweezres. Whatever - thanks - they wanted £5 and send it off to them to do that job!! Result!

Aiden
December 2008

There are four links on each side near the clasp of the accurist strap, these links have split pins that can push out. On the back of the strap is an arrow on each link showing the direction to push to get the pins out. One end of the pin is the split end - it looks a little like a screw head but it isn't (don't push this) the other end is rounded (push that).

You need a good awl (pointed metal tool) as they need a fair push. Rest the link on the edge of something (like the instruction book) to brace against, with the pin hanging over the edge.

Take out two pins on either side of the link you want to remove. The link that fixes to the clasp is special so that one stays in place. Remove the link or links (it is best if you can remove one from both sides to keep the central position for the clasp).

Join the sides of the strap up again and push one pin back into the hole *the same way round as all the others*, inserting the split end first and finishing by pushing gently on the rounded head of the pin to secure it.

Duffbeer
May 2007

after scouring the web for an answer but with no success, i decided to try this myself. I used a pin from a notice board (the ones that have a piece of plastic on the end) for better grip. I then bent the links back (i.e the opposite way they bend when the strap is closed) and then used the pin to simply push out the bar joining the links. It took quite a bit of force to get it started but then the bar just slid out and i was able to repeat this process on the other end of the link to remove it altogether. hope this helps

adser53
April 2007