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How to Remove Links from a Casio Watch Strap
(Metal Bracelet)
Adjusting the length of your metal bracelet watch strap is not be too complicated with the aid of these instructions. Most metal bracelet watch straps,
including the Casio bracelets, are held together by removeable pins that are secured by a central metal ferrule.
If you require additional Casio bracelet
links, to extend your watch strap or replace damaged links then please check our Casio Bracelet Link Listing. If you watch model is not listed here, please contact us and we will see if
we can obtain the links you require.
Some tools which will make removal of the link easier:-
• A thin, pointy object like a bradawl or a drift. A
spring-bar removal tool like this one,
has one end which can be used as a drift to push out the pins or a bracelet pin removal tool.
• Long-nosed pliers
• Some padding material to cushion the bracelet to avoid damage to the watch.
A computer mouse mat is ideal for this.
Determine how many links you are going to need to remove. Ideally it's best to remove an even number of links,
because then you can remove one from either side of the clasp which will ensure that its position doesn't change on your wrist.
For example, removing a couple of links from one side of the clasp will have the effect of moving the clasp to one side of your
wrist.
Once you know how many links you are going to take out, you need to prepare your working area.
Ensure that your work area is free from clutter. It is also a good idea to put down a sheet, or some other covering, on to
the floor to make sure that any bits that fly off won't get lost.
Firstly, in order to get to the underside of the bracelet and make the link removal easier, it is necessary to separate the
bracelet at the clasp. To do this remove the spring bar from the watch strap clasp so that the bracelet is separated.
Use the bradawl or spring bar removing tool to compress the spring bar and lever it out of the clasp.
Be careful that it doesn't spring across the room. You will notice that there are two sets
of holes on the otherside of the clasp which will allow you to make a small adjustment to the bracelet length
if necessary, once the links have been removed. (See picture below).
Now to remove a link, choose which link you are going to take out, and use the bradawl or spring bar removing tool to
push the pin that secures that particular link, following the direction of the printed arrows on the underside of the
metal link. Careful here as some of the later Casio metal bracelets have ferrules which can fall out of the link.
The ferrule will be needed (to hold the pin in the remaining link).
You should be able to push the pin 2 or 3mm and then pull it out from the other side using your pair of pliers or
by hand.
When it is completely
removed, depending on the bracelet type, a small metal ferrule that was in the middle of the joining link may be released. This ferrule will probably fall out onto the floor
or your workbench, so keep an eye on it! You will need this later, so keep it safe. Now you can repeat the process on the link's
other pin. When you have finished, you should have two pins and possibly two ferrules ready to use later.
If you need to, repeat the process and remove another link on the other side of the clasp.
When you have removed as many links as
you need to you can join the bracelet back together. To do this, place the ferrule, if there is one,
in the middle of the link that you are joining up,
and, this time working against the direction of the printed arrow, push the pin back into the hole,
engaging the ferrule. If you need to, you can gently tap the pin back into place using a small craft
hammer or push the pin against a hard surface to force it home.
If your Casio bracelet doesn't use ferrules you need to push the closed end of the pin against the
arrow direction. The open end of the pin can be identified as its end looks like the open end of a split
pin and looks like a slot for a screwdriver. The closed end is the opposite end to this and has no markings.
To reconnect the clasp, you need to do the reverse of the disconnecting process,
ensuring that it is the right way round before fitting the spring bar.
Try on the bracelet. If it is a little loose or a little tight, it may be possible to further adjust
the bracelet by inserting the clasp's spring bars into an alternative set of holes to adjust the size.
You will have some spare parts, including the removed links, pins and ferrules. It is recommended that these are kept safe should
you need to use them again in the future.
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