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Best tools for adjusting bracelets?

Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2020 9:46 pm
by BostonCharlie
My Wenger arrived, and for once I'm not just swapping the bracelet out. So I need to adjust it. The removable links have helpful arrows on the back showing -- I guess -- which way to push the pins for removal. My first thought is to get something like this:

Image

But maybe there is a tool (or set) that is more versatile? Or higher quality? I have a Seiko bracelet that needs fixing, too.

Thanks.

Re: Best tools for adjusting bracelets?

Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2020 10:16 pm
by MoT
I have one just like that, it was free with a bracelet purchase. I was skeptical, but if you take your time it works really well.

Right now I don't see myself spending more for something fancier.

Re: Best tools for adjusting bracelets?

Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2020 11:09 pm
by tommy_boy
Push pins (several diameters), hammer and a vented base for me.

Image

I tried the other device and scratched links, bent pins, and in general was frustrated. YMMV.

Re: Best tools for adjusting bracelets?

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 2:45 am
by watchpalooza
tommy_boy wrote: Fri Mar 20, 2020 11:09 pm Push pins (several diameters), hammer and a vented base for me.

Image

I tried the other device and scratched links, bent pins, and in general was frustrated. YMMV.
I have both, but have always struggled with the hammer / vented base. Any tips for how to use it? Would like to get away from bent pins, etc

Re: Best tools for adjusting bracelets?

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 7:27 am
by tommy_boy
watchpalooza wrote: Sat Mar 21, 2020 2:45 am
tommy_boy wrote: Fri Mar 20, 2020 11:09 pm Push pins (several diameters), hammer and a vented base for me.

Image

I tried the other device and scratched links, bent pins, and in general was frustrated. YMMV.
I have both, but have always struggled with the hammer / vented base. Any tips for how to use it? Would like to get away from bent pins, etc
Don't buy cheap pin pushers (more money yields stronger steel), and make sure you have several different diameter push pins. I use the largest possible push pin to minimize the stress that can create a bent push pin. That said, you will bend some push pins, so buy replacements.

The vented base offers more control than the pushing frame, in my experience. I can see the links. Just have to get them situated over the escape hole in the base, obviously, so the pin has a place to go.

Since stainless to stainless can seize, using a teeny dab of lube helps. And the bracelet link pins will be clean, so there's that, too.

Oh, and Scotch. :D

Re: Best tools for adjusting bracelets?

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 7:33 am
by watchpalooza
tommy_boy wrote: Sat Mar 21, 2020 7:27 am
Oh, and Scotch. :D
Thank you! I tried this just now, and it worked! Had been forgetting the scotch. :lol:

Actually, the lube really made the difference with a vintage band I had all but given up on. The “pin destroyer” as I call it.

Re: Best tools for adjusting bracelets?

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2020 10:12 am
by Sporkboy
Pin, hammer and vented base for me as well. The only time I had a problem was when trying to push out some screw in pins.

Re: Best tools for adjusting bracelets?

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2020 12:05 pm
by Stretch44
BostonCharlie wrote: Fri Mar 20, 2020 9:46 pm My Wenger arrived, and for once I'm not just swapping the bracelet out. So I need to adjust it. The removable links have helpful arrows on the back showing -- I guess -- which way to push the pins for removal. My first thought is to get something like this:

Image

But maybe there is a tool (or set) that is more versatile? Or higher quality? I have a Seiko bracelet that needs fixing, too.

Thanks.
I have the same and it seems to work fine fine for me. I also use the pin, hammer, and vented base.

Re: Best tools for adjusting bracelets?

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2020 5:18 pm
by cortman
BostonCharlie wrote: Fri Mar 20, 2020 9:46 pm My Wenger arrived, and for once I'm not just swapping the bracelet out. So I need to adjust it. The removable links have helpful arrows on the back showing -- I guess -- which way to push the pins for removal. My first thought is to get something like this:

Image

But maybe there is a tool (or set) that is more versatile? Or higher quality? I have a Seiko bracelet that needs fixing, too.

Thanks.
I use one of these too. It's quite cheaply built but still gets the job done very well. It's made bracelet changes SO much easier.

Re: Best tools for adjusting bracelets?

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 8:34 pm
by DogOnTime
cortman wrote: Mon Mar 23, 2020 5:18 pm
BostonCharlie wrote: Fri Mar 20, 2020 9:46 pm My Wenger arrived, and for once I'm not just swapping the bracelet out. So I need to adjust it. The removable links have helpful arrows on the back showing -- I guess -- which way to push the pins for removal. My first thought is to get something like this:

Image

But maybe there is a tool (or set) that is more versatile? Or higher quality? I have a Seiko bracelet that needs fixing, too.

Thanks.
I use one of these too. It's quite cheaply built but still gets the job done very well. It's made bracelet changes SO much easier.
These work okay for standard friction pins.
They also work okay for collared pins with a slit opening, such as Seiko's, but will likely need to fix the collar to provide the original friction of the collar.
These will 100% need a pair of pliers if you're working with the collars that do not have slits. (ie. mostly swiss watches)

There isn't a perfect tool but definitely think the vented holder + mallet is best but definitely not as convenient as the one above. Regardless, I always recommend a good tool set if you're in this hobby for the long-haul...

Re: Best tools for adjusting bracelets?

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 9:03 pm
by tommy_boy
The main reason I moved away from the cheapo pin pusher is because the pin was too short. If it's easy to buy longer pins for an adaptive pushing frame, far out. In my experience the cheapo devices did not offer that option.

Regardless, the vented base is versatile and provides the most accessibility, IMHO.