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Recommended tools for disassembling & reassembling bracelet clasps

Davidt
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What tools do people recommend for taking apart old bracelet clasps? Specifically the friction pins that hold the two parts of the clasp together (first photo).

I commonly see two types of tool that I think are used.
1. Hammer and pin with some kind of vice/jig to hold the bracelet (second photo).
2. Clamp with integrated pin on a thread (third photo).

Appreciate comments from anyone who used either and would or wouldn’t recommend them.

Finally, is there a tool or correct method for neatly tightening these up without using pliers? Occasionally if I clean a bracelet in the ultrasonic the pins work themselves free and using pliers to tighten them seems heavy handed (or perhaps it’s the user who’s heavy handed!)

Thanks

IMG_6974.webp IMG_6973.webp IMG_6972.webp
 
JimInOz
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I use basically the same as above (less the Bergeon branding) plus a Seiko S-926 bracelet tool, as well as anything in my garage I can adapt.
Davidt Davidt
using pliers to tighten them seems heavy handed
Compressing the clasp before re-installing the pins is OK, I usually use AF flat duck-bill pliers.
 
sathomasga
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I start with the clamp and resort to a hammer if needed.

As for specific tools, the Bergeon clamp is basically junk. Every part except the pin is plastic, and any force whatsoever will bend and/or break the pin. It's literally no better than the ones that Ali Express vendors toss in for free. If you insist on a name brand, the Horotec is a little sturdier, but still mostly plastic. I've only broken one pin, and it comes with a couple of spares. At least it's a step up from the AX freebies. This may sound crazy, but the best one that I've found is in this $10 kit from Amazon. It's not exactly precision machinery, but at least it's all metal, no plastic. The hammer and stand-alone pins are reasonable as well.
Edited:
 
Davidt
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Thanks @JimInOz. Is the Seiko an alternative option to the plastic Bergeon, or is the Seiko more for modern pin/collar bracelets.

Presumably you just hammer the pins back in once tightened?
 
Davidt
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sathomasga sathomasga
I start with the clamp and resort to a hammer if needed.

As for specific tools, the Bergeon clamp is basically junk. Every part except the pin is plastic, and any force whatsoever will bend and/or break the pin. It's literally no better than the ones that Ali Express vendors toss in for free. If you insist on a name brand, the Horotec is a little sturdier, but still mostly plastic. I've only broken one pin, and it comes with a couple of spares. At least it's a step up from the AX freebies. This may sound crazy, but the best one quality that I've found is in this $10 kit from Amazon. It's not exactly precision machinery, but at least it's all metal, no plastic. The hammer and stand-alone pins are reasonable as well.

Thanks. When you say the clamps, you just mean the screw type shown above? I agree it doesn’t look particularly robust.
I’m couldn’t care less about a brand name, I’m just looking for something that’s a balance between cost and quality.
 
sathomasga
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Davidt Davidt
When you say the clamps, you just mean the screw type shown above?
Correct. The Bergeon 7230. Honestly, anything from Bergeon that costs less than $20 is probably suspect.

I was not familiar with the Seiko version. It looks much better, though it certainly isn't cheap.
 
Ron_W
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JimInOz JimInOz
Seiko S-926 bracelet tool
Looks like a better tool , check the video and type this in Youtube ;

Seiko Pin and Collar bracelet sizing with Seiko s-926 tool​


sathomasga sathomasga
clamp is basically junk.
Correct, you need a metal one like this , around € 10,-
20250301_151446.webp

And if you snap of the pin of one of the spare pins and reverse it back into the black screw part you have an allmost flat surface with the tiny hole in the center to position your (split)pin to reverse it back in. This way you dont need to hammer it flat in and damage the side of the link.
if they are to tight to press out i use a hammer and the plastic holder block to get them loose first.

20250301_152856.webp
 
Davidt
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Appreciate the info.

To be clear, is the Seiko tool suitable for removing these types of pins? It seems to have a shorter pin than the Bergeon.
IMG_6974.webp
 
140dave
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Just an amateur here but for the clasp hinge like you are showing I’ve only had luck with the hammer and punch (pic 2). The screw in tool type works great for links but hard to drive out that clasp hinge pin for me. Plus they are usually to short and I have to use the punch to finish it off anyhow.

Again, I’m no watchmaker, just a hobbyist who likes to play with bracelets.
 
JimInOz
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Davidt Davidt
is the Seiko tool suitable for removing these types of pins?
The aim is to start the pin out and it's easier with a screw tool as the punch can slip off the head of the pin.
For bracelet clasp pins, I usually try the Seiko tool first to start the pin so that when I go to use the punch and hammer, there's a hole ready to accept the punch. If the bracelet pin doesn't want to play the game, I try my larger unit (Big Red).
140dave 140dave
I have to use the punch to finish it off anyhow.
Exactly.

In addition, some clasp pins may have a head on one side and the other side can be peened over, so that type must be filed to remove the peen before attemting to push the pin out.

Some of my bracelet tools. I've got a metal one somewhere like @Ron_W posted but it must have been borrowed or lost.

IMG_4389.webp
 
Davidt
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Thanks guys. Appreciate the info. I’ll order some new toys from Cousins this week…
 
Archer
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I just use a hammer and pins for driving out pins in bracelets. You can see the pins and pin holder in the upper right here:

e63e8fee-dfe7-475a-a63c-ab608ea028d6.webp


I also use a bracelet clamp sometimes:

adcc3270-ce67-4b6d-bb65-281690488727.webp


That along with a pair of pliers is it. There are a lot of fancy and expensive jigs out there, but they are not really needed to do the job in my experience.
 
NotJackson
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I like the Horotec pin/punch kit (Esslinger sells it) and a small hammer. I also have the Seiko bracelet tool — which is good — but IMO the punch kit works better for jobs like changing a clasp.
 
GuiltyGear
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I'm sure Archer will do a fine job with a mallet and a flathead screwdriver. I'm not that finessed, so sometimes I need the help. Since I deal mostly with vintage bracelets, those pins may have been used and abused, or straight up replaced with incorrect ones along the way. Have had more than one occasion I needed something more controlled, so when I found this one in AliExpress, I simply ordered it.

Built like a tank with an all metal construction, adjustable height and comes with 10 pins. Pins are sold separately for like $5-7. Added a piece of felt at the bottom to mitigate the risk of scratching the watch or bracelet. Only minor issue is that sometimes the pin will get stuck to the collet and require some force to be removed. I may try adding a tiny drop of oil or just file the inside of the collet to increase the tolerance.

DSC_5672.webp DSC_5670.webp DSC_5671.webp
 
ExpiredWatchdog
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I bought this several years ago:
Bullonge Double Master Link Pin Remover.webp


It works best on thick bracelets tho. The chuck hits the base on a thin bracelet, either thin or narrow.
 
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