pin removing tool

[Mr. K]

I have a few cheaper watches that have friction pins in the bracelet.

Does anyone know of a good online source to buy a cheap pin removing tool. I will have it shipped to a USA address. Also any advice for which ones work the best would be appreciated.

I have seen different kinds where you put your watch band in a vice looking type tool and you crank a pin into the hole forcing the watch pin out the other end.

Do these work well? Any chance of damaging the watch or bending the pin?

What is a good price for these? I have seen them for about $20 plus shipping but somehow thought I saw them cheaper somewhere.

TIA

Mark

[dman]

Mark, I would try ofrei(sp).com or even the TZtool shop. Either one of those will get you all slicked up my man.

[Mr. K]

Thanks, you truly are D-man!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Mr. K

I have a few cheaper watches that have friction pins in the bracelet.

Does anyone know of a good online source to buy a cheap pin removing tool. I will have it shipped to a USA address. Also any advice for which ones work the best would be appreciated.

I have seen different kinds where you put your watch band in a vice looking type tool and you crank a pin into the hole forcing the watch pin out the other end.

Do these work well? Any chance of damaging the watch or bending the pin?

What is a good price for these? I have seen them for about $20 plus shipping but somehow thought I saw them cheaper somewhere.

TIA

Mark

Mark,

Resizing bracelets with friction pins can be very tricky if you haven't done it before.

You would need a special bracket to hold the bracelet firmly and upright in place. Then, with a watchmaker's mallet and a special tool, you would have to gently knock out the friction pin. Each pin is supported by a sleeve at both ends. It's these very sleeves that hold the pin in place. Very tricky and I wouldn't recommend you try it on your own, unless you don't mind 'experimenting' with one of your older watches to gain a bit of much-needed practice.

OMEGAs have this big drawback; and each time you wish to resize, you do need to take it back to your AD for a regular professional job....otherwise the results could be pretty darned disastrous!!

[mamas]

JJ.. you can get bracelet sizing tools which you lay the bracelt flat in, adjust the seides so that it holds the bracelet steady. the pin pusher is attched next to where the bracelt is held, and twistuing it will move it forwards and hence push the pin out.. using hammers etc is dahngerous.. although some ADs use them and i have read that it can result in disaters even at ADs on various watch fora. Get a good quality one. Darren points to good sites .

I agree i would rather prefer that omega made bracelets with screws..but that is an academic issue to me..as most vintages i am intersted in wehhre sold with leather straps