(OT) using tool to unscrew back of wrist watch

Good morning: I hope someone here has used a Harbor Freight "watch case opener". I have one, and I can not get the pins to fit and stay in the notches in the back of the case, in order to unscrew the back. It seems simple in principal, but I am not having any luck. (I know there is no real payoff here, just like working crosswords or Sudoku!). If you have made one work, please let me know the technique.

Dennis M. in W. Tenn.
 
I have made a tool by grinding a cheap socket that matches the "slot" diameter to create two projections that fit the notches Jim
 
Most of those things have separate bits to conform to the watch back notches, at least the cheapy one I got off Amazon did. I also bought a watch clamp thingy that holds the watch so you can tighten up the bits on the watch back.
A lot of it may just be the particular tool you have. Mine came with 4 different bits of various configurations

I also recommend a spring bar tool to remove the band so it doesn't get in the way of the watch back tool and can be held securely in the little watch clamp.
 
When I used to wear a watch (battery powered - not inexpensive). I found the easy solution. Took it to the local jeweller and he replaced the battery for the cost of the battery (not expensive). Wish I still had the thing, a Seiko that I put out over $400 for in the mid 70's.
 
Good evening, Bob: Of the suggestions so far, yours sound most practical. Either jeweler or battery store, I can call before going. Other suggestions may still get posted, so I will check again later.

Dennis M. in W. Tenn.
 
I get away with using an appropriate size needle nose pliers, place the tips in the notches, and bear down on it while turning.
 
(quoted from post at 16:48:23 01/22/20) Good evening, Bob: Of the suggestions so far, yours sound most practical. Either jeweler or battery store, I can call before going. Other suggestions may still get posted, so I will check again later.

Dennis M. in W. Tenn.

I would NOT recommend taking it to your local Wally World, Big K or Target. *lol*
 
independent watch company here in town will replace your battery for $6.00 there has to be ,more across the country. Illinois Watch Company.
 
I have the same spanner tool and have used it to remove the backs of many watches. You simply adjust the width until it matches up with the notches in the back of the watch.
Some watches have very shallow indents and you have to apply a good bit of pressure to prevent the jaws from slipping out of the notches.
 
FIXED! I am replying to my own post and am saying the watch is fixed. The excellent person at Batteries Plus opened the back of my watch in about five seconds. He then showed me the secret: many watches (including mine) have fake notches in the back and look like they unscrew. They do not unscrew. They are made to pry off! The clue is that the fake notches will not hold the unscrewing tool's pins. That was where I was having my problem, but I never thought to try prying the back off the watch. Live and learn, I guess. He did not charge me for doing the work nor for the lesson. The battery was only $3.00, and we found another watch I brought in needed the same type, so $6.00 sale for the store, free lesson for me. This thread is closed, good evening.

Dennis M. in W. Tenn.
 
Dennis- I was just reading the whole thread and ready to reply with the suggestion to just try prying it off, when I read your final post. I learned that lesson a couple of weeks ago with a watch my daughter wears. Funny aside, hers had needed a battery for several years, she only wore it for the fashion. It was correct twice each day, though, kinda like her Dad.
 
Good morning, K E: Just for small talk, My mother was born in Boyne Falls; I have many bits and pieces of knowledge regarding Michigan. Lots of small-town-living on both parents' sides of family, I think all my ancestors were driven to "fix things" no matter how trivial, just like the wrist watch. I enjoyed the reply!

Dennis M. in W. Tenn.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top