# Do I need a special tool to take links out of my Swiss Watch? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 8, 2008, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-a-special-tool-to-take-links-out-of-my-swiss-watch/432755 "2008-01-08T19:03:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2008, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-a-special-tool-to-take-links-out-of-my-swiss-watch/432755/1 "2008-01-08T19:03:47Z")
I just got one of [these](http://www.wengerna.com/browse/product.jsp?prod_id=11035&cat_id=40&sub_cat_id=39) Wenger Swiss Diver Watches from Sierra Trading Post and I need to take a link out of it…can I do this with my eyeglass repair kit screw driver or will I need a special tool? ---
**Author:** ![sciguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e68b1a/32.png) [@sciguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciguy)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2008, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-a-special-tool-to-take-links-out-of-my-swiss-watch/432755/2 "2008-01-08T20:11:52Z")
I’m not sure about that specific watch, but on my watch the removable links have a little bar connecting them that you can push through with something small (roughly the width of a paper clip wire). Remove the ones on either side of the link to be removed, then use one to re-link the band back up. You could also just try taking it to a watch or jewelry shop. The few times I’ve needed an adjustment, I’ve usually been able to find a place that was willing to do it for free. ---
**Author:** ![Gaudere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e495f1/32.png) [@Gaudere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gaudere)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2008, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-a-special-tool-to-take-links-out-of-my-swiss-watch/432755/3 "2008-01-09T06:00:34Z")
Usually the pins (if they use round pins) are too small to work with the eyeglass screwdriver. I used to work in a jewelry store and we did have a special pinpusher tool, though you can get a broken off safety pin, a small hammer, a pair of needlenose pliers and a bar of soap to work in a pinch (the soap is to hold the watch without scratching). Take links from both sides (if you need more than one out) to keep the clasp centered. That’s _if_ they use round pins…they may use a sort of oblong bar, which can be pushed out from the inside of the watchband with a small screwdriver. Good description of typical non-stretch watchband sizing here: [http://www.pmwf.com/Watches/WatchSchool/WS%2014%20How%20to%20Resize%20Common%20Bracelets/WS%2014%20How%20to%20Resize%20Bracelets.htm](http://www.pmwf.com/Watches/WatchSchool/WS%2014%20How%20to%20Resize%20Common%20Bracelets/WS%2014%20How%20to%20Resize%20Bracelets.htm) And as sciguy noted, at most it’s a couple bucks for a jeweler to do it. ---
**Author:** ![Duke\_of\_Rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Duke\_of\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke_of_Rat)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2008, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-a-special-tool-to-take-links-out-of-my-swiss-watch/432755/4 "2008-01-09T15:44:20Z")
My watch had small arrows on the links to indicate the way the pins were inserted. I made a small pin punch and pressed the pin out, using a (non-rotating, power off) drill press as an arbor press. Removed one link and pressed the pin back in, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be.