Not sure if I understand. Wouldn't you just use a punch with the bracelet in a holder? I suppose that's the pin pushing tool you are describing, what's the advantage in a pull tool instead of push?

I believe they do make a screw type of pin pushing tool as well, so you don't have to use a mallet.

 

In my limited experience the screw-action push tool pushes the pin most of the way out. Then the pin must be pulled the rest of the way. On some watches, older Omegas, Christopher Ward’s bracelets, the pins are a nice tight fit…and you have to pull pretty darn hard. It would be useful to have a tool that holds the bracelet in place, grips the pin firmly, and pulls dead-straight.

 

I have used spring-loaded multi-tool pliers with the needle-nose tips wrapped in thin strips of Gorilla Tape so as not to damage the pin.

 

Yup my speedy from the 90s is like that. I just use a good old pin pushing punch thing and a mallet. A regular needle nose to pull it out while I hold the bracelet in hand if I needed to pull.

So I suppose I'm merely confirming what you are describing as currently available tools.

 

This, no need for anything else, and I've had some really tight/coroded pins to remove. Nothing works better than a mallet.

 

I just used a screw type push pin to free the pin from the collar. If it’s still tight, I use a needle nose plier to pull the pin out. If you’re concerned about damaging the expanded portion of the pin, sandwich the exposed portion of the pin with an elastic band and grip it with the pliers. Usually, the screw push pin pushes the pin out far enough to remove it without too much force. I have to admit that I was exceptionally aggravated the first time I had to do a bracelet adjustment with the pin and collar set up. Good luck.

 

Huh…well I guess there’s a little business opportunity for the clever widget maker. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a corresponding tool for pulling that works somewhat similarly to the screw-action pusher?

 

I'm imagining the pulling mechanism similar to the drill bit receiving end of a drill, so as you turn, the "prongs" tightens. and I suppose once it tightens enough, continued turning would pull the pin? Would have to make some prototypes to see if the mechanics of it would check out.

I guess you'd still need a push tool until enough of the pin is exposed, then use the pull tool?

 

I’ll buy one!

 

On Seikos they are a bit tight to remove on one end but loose enough through the other end which is in the direction of the the arrow markings.

 

I just grab and pull pins like this with a plain pair of pliers, teeth marks be damned. I don't think I'm a heathen, am I?

 

If the punch you use isn't long enough to knock the pin all the way out, find some smooth flat-jawed pliers to yank the pin free.

 

My process may require more than anyone wants to deal with, but...
I use the corkscrew style pin pusher. I start with the short push pin since it is stronger and more stable to push the link pin out of its "groove." I push as far as the short pin will go. Then I back out the whole pusher, remove the short pin, install a long pin, and drive the link pin as far as that push pin will move it. From there I can usually just pull it out with my finger, but if needed I'll grab it with a pair of needle-nose pliers. You do need to take care that everything is lined up just right, and that your bracelet doesn't start to wander off at an angle. Otherwise, the pin pusher will snap. That's why I have extras!
I'll screenshot a picture of the tool I use, and link the website of the store I got it from (kinda like a West Coast Esslinger). It even has a hollow area if you use a blade to pry open the bottom plate. That's where I keep my spare pins!

Watch Bracelet Tools

Watch parts & supplies, http://www.ofrei.com The finest watchmakers screwdrivers available in the world are available from Otto Frei www.ofrei.com<br> Around the world, the Swiss made Bergeon Watchmakers Screwdrivers have long been considered the best and highest quality available to both...

www.ofrei.com

(yes, the website is ancient but it still works)

 

+

​

 

I've used the rubberized case holders before.

 

Will something like this work?

Bergeon 6819 Watch Band Sizing Tool Professional Pin Pusher Pliers Remover and Inserter

Probably the most efficient tool for inserting, removing and reinserting Watch Band pins of all types especially from high end watches, Omega®, Movado®, Tags®. It takes all the guess work out and is effortless, no more pounding, damaging bands or watch cases. The Bergeon 6819 is a watch band pin...

www.esslinger.com

 

The problem with this is in the cost, just to size one bracelet! Something like this is better on the wallet!
Amazon.com: 38 Pieces Watch Link Removal Tool Watch Band Bracelet Strap Adjuster Watch Band Bracelet Strap Chain Link Pin Remover Watch Strap Adjustment with Replacement Pins, Cloth, Pin Punches, Pins : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

 

I use the $10 tool from Amazon then pull it out the rest of the way using a pair of hemostats. Basically a fine needle nose pliers used in medicine.

 

I use the pusher shown below and when pushing the pin make sure your going in the correct direction(arrow) also shown below. All my little collars remain on my pusher pin but at first I thought they were lost. I never had an issue with the pin not coming out.

 

A jewelers flat nose/snout pliers with the ends taped off always works for my needs.

 

Eject it most of the way with a screw type pusher (shown in earlier posts) and if the little blighter still hangs on punch it out the rest of the way. I don’t pull on pins because I bent one this way many Moons ago.

 

Not mentioned yet, you should clean the collars and pins before sticking them back in (alcohol should be fine).

 

I also use the pin punch and holder like the posters above... I've bent/smashed pins trying to grab with pliers.
I do wish the pin pushing punch tool was a little longer as I usually have to pull them by hand after the pin bottoms out.

 

A lot of cursing and swearing + keen eye sight.

All bets are off if it is some weird Invicta special with VERY weird pin setting. (I just chucked the watch away once they told me the "special pin has to be custom made in Swiss so we have to charge you $110 for one to be mailed to you").

 

This afternoon I tried to shorten a bracelet. I don't know why but one of the pins was enormously hard to remove. The screw through pin pushers bent while attempting it. I lost about 4 little screw in pin heads. In the end I used a small pin punch tool and a real hammer to drive the pin out, and ruined one of the small punches. Maybe Bergeon sell better tools for this, that don't bend at a weak point. Anyway, success in the end, and I won't have to do it again.

 

Sometimes you fatten the struck end of the pin as you attempt to drive it out.

I have had very good results using needle nose pliers to pull out stuck pins.

Hold the pin straight along the length of the blades of the pliers, pull straight so as not to bend the pin.

I can try and take a photo if the explanation is not clear.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I forked out for these Bergeon tools because the cheap plastic screw pin pusher didn’t push pins far out enough on my Zenith. I destroyed a couple pins with pliers pulling it the rest of the way out. Think I eventually had to use a vise-grip.

I have since sized my Zenith Rainbow, Tissot PRX, and Longines Zulu.