WATCH BRACELET LOOSE PIN FIX: Step By Step Guide
THE PROBLEM: Your watch bracelet pin keeps sliding out, causing the bracelet to disconnect. This usually happens after adjusting your bracelet because the pin was inserted backwards or the collar wasn't properly secured. TOOLS YOU'LL NEED: ESSENTIAL: • Watch link remover tool. • Jewelry/watchmaking mallet (or small hammer). • Tweezers (pins are tiny). • Watch band link removal tool holder (keeps bracelet stable). • Pliers (for flattening pin collars). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: • Loose screw tray (to hold tiny pins). • Black work mat (easier to see small parts). • Magnifying lamp or loupe. • Replacement pin assortment kit (backup pins). HELPFUL RESOURCE: • "Watch Repairing For Beginners" by Harold C. Kelly STEP-BY-STEP FIX: 1. IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM PIN: • Find which pin is loose/sliding out. • Look for the arrow stamped on the bracelet link (shows pin direction). 2. SET UP YOUR WORKSPACE: • Lay down your black mat. • Position magnifying lamp overhead. • Have loose screw tray ready for parts. • Get all tools within reach. 3. REMOVE THE LOOSE PIN: • Place bracelet in the link removal tool holder. • Use watch link remover to push pin OUT in the direction of the arrow. • Catch the pin with tweezers - they're easy to lose. • Place pin immediately in your screw tray. • Check if there's a collar/tube inside the link. Save it. 4. INSPECT THE PIN AND COLLAR” • Look at both ends of the pin with your magnifying lamp. • One end should be slightly smaller/tapered (entry side). • One end should be slightly larger (exit side). • If using a new pin, prepare the collar by squeezing it gently with. pliers to flatten/secure it in the link hole. 5. REINSTALL CORRECTLY: • Position bracelet back in the link holder. • Insert collar/tube back into the link hole (if applicable). • Using tweezers, position the pin with the small/tapered end facing the entry side. • The arrow should point in the direction you're pushing. • Entry side = where small end enters. • Exit side = where large end comes out.