- I was just thinking, - if I were to put the bracelet section over the element on the stove for a little bit until it heats up a tad, and the metal expands a bit , would that make it easier? Maybe I'll give that a shot.

 

If you have an eyeglass screwdriver or your link pin pusher has a flat top, stand the bracelet on some foam (the firm packaging type or styrofoam) and tap the pusher with a hammer or block of wood. It should budge.

 

wd-40 is your friend.

 

Wd-40 is a de-greaser isn't it, if you were having trouble with friction, wouldn't you want something that would lower friction?

 

There's a saying they use down in Texas, "If it moves, duct tape it. If it don't, WD-40 it.

This stuff will do almost anything: Lubricate, degrease, displaces moisture (in engines, power tools, spark plugs), protects against rust, loosens sticky parts, cleans, etc. It does a great job cleaning stainless steel sinks and it's the first thing I grab for rusted locks, screws and other stuck metal parts.

 

Get a link pin removal tool similar to this for $5-10:



Or take it to a watch kiosk in a mall and they'll do the adjustment for around $5.

 

I assume you are pushing them in the correct direction? They are a real ***** if you don't. lol

Get one of the little plastic watch holders(many of the kits on the bay have them), placethe bracelet in the slots, making sure you go with the arrow on the bracelet, and tap gently. These kits also have a neat little hammer witrh a plastic side, which leaves no marks if you miss.

Just some thoughts

paul:think:

 

Thanks for all the replies.

I finally was able to get it. What I did was - I took a wrench and wrapped tape around both ends so it won't scratch or dent the metal on the bracelet and then clamped the links I wanted to remove out. Then I drilled a hole in a piece of wood and positioned the wrench so the link pin is over that hole.

- I just realized a little later that the tools on the pin pusher screw out and aren't positively attached to a metal rod within or something, it has this different one on the other side and so I didn't think I'd be able to hammer it.

Then I just put the tool on and bam with a hammer. It finally comes out then. So I was able to size it but then it's just as much of a hassle trying to push them back in so they aren't sticking out a little bit on the other side.

Glad to finally get it done but oh man what an pain I couldn't believe it.

 

wd-40 is a lubricant. 3 and one works pretty good too. the pins are usually made from a different steel than the bracelets, so when they sit for long periods, corrosion sets in and seizes the pins. a drop of oil on the pin hole and a light tap with a hammer will break the pin free. when putting the pin back in, hit it with a scotchbrite to clean the pin. after its close to being flush with the case, use the pin pusher to inset the pin.