Best Methods To Remove a Stubborn Watch Back?

If you have a stubborn watch back, that is not coming off. In this article, we’ll give you some methods to remove a stubborn watch back with ease.

Removing a watch back is a task that most people want to avoid. However, it will be required on some occasions. Also, watch backs can be stuck or rusted shut with dirt and grime after years of wear.

For removing watch back, fill the socket with nail varnish remover and leave it for as long or a short time as you like, then use a wrench attached to empty any excess acetone from its cap before giving this device one good tap!

Although many people may think it is a big deal, removing the back of your watch can be challenging. However, there are multiple easy ways to remove, and we have discussed many methods step by step below.

Let’s begin!

Methods To Remove a Stubborn Watch Back

Rubber Bands: the rubber bands help the watch open and close without sticking, and they will also help get rid of any corrosion.

Razor Blade: The razor blade is a great way to get the back off your watch as long as you are very careful and use it properly. Make sure you do not scratch the face of your watch!

Jewelry Box: A jewelry box or other device that holds a magnet is a great way to remove stubborn casing backs and cases that stick tight to the stick component.

Hairspray: If your watch is stuck, you can try spraying some hairspray on the back of it to loosen up the grime.

Rubbing Alcohol: Fill the socket with nail varnish remover and leave it for as long or a short time as you like, then use a wrench attached to empty any excess acetone from its cap before giving this device one good tap!

Types of Watch Backs

There are many types of watch-backs that allow to open them. The types of watch backs are screw-down, snapback, and pressure back, etc. Each one works in a different way to open the back of your watch.

1- Screw down Watch Backs

A screw-down watch back has a screw-on that allows you to open the case. The screw is usually located in the one o’clock or three o’clock position.

2- Snap Back Watch Backs

A snapback watch back has a metal band that connects the watch case to the band. When you push in on the band, it will release and pop back out easily.

3- Pressure Back Watch Backs

The pressure back is usually located at the four o’clock position of your watch face. You can use your fingernail or a sharp object to open this type of watch back.

How to Remove a Stubborn Watch Back?

 

Removing a stubborn watch back can seem daunting when you don’t know what to do. But with the help of the right ways and little patience, everyone can remove the back of their watch.

Additionally, we have found the easiest way to remove a watch case back is to use a rubber strap wrench.

The section on this rubber strap wrench fits in the grooves of your case back and grips tightly, giving you a better grip when removing the watch back.

There are several different rubber strap wrenches, but the most common is made with two half-circles that fit snuggly inside the grooves of your watch’s case back. This rubber strap wrench holds in place by a screw that can be tightened or loosened to fit your case back.

For added grip, some strap wrenches are covered in ridges on the surface of the half-circles that will hold it in place while you unscrew the case back.

These strap wrenches sometimes have one or two grooves cut into them to help to improve their grip against the inside of your watch’s case back.

Remove The Screw Watch Back

Find the ridges on your case back and line up your strap wrench in them to make sure you have a tight grip.

Turn your strap wrench counterclockwise to remove the back. The screw that fits into the grooves of your watch’s case back helps give you leverage and grip to help remove the back of your watch.

There are two different types of strap wrenches, one with ridges on the circular base and the other with grooves cut.

If you have a ridged strap wrench, use it as shown to hold onto your watch case back while removing the watch back.

If you have a strap wrench with grooves cut into it, line up the strap wrench with the grooves of your case back and tighten it, so it fits snuggly. 

Once you have lined up your strap wrench, use it as shown to loosen the screw and open the back of a watch by turning it counterclockwise.

Opening The Back Of a Watch

 

Perhaps the most efficient tool for opening a watch is to use a pin or needle. This is a small tool that can fit into the narrow gap between the watchband and the back of the watch.

The pin should be inserted directly behind where the band is fastened to the back of a watch. Then, slightly upward with even pressure until you hear a clicking sound that indicates that the two parts have been released from each other.

To do this, take two sheets of paper. Place the watch, face-up, between the two pieces of paper with its back facing upward.

Hold the watch firmly in place with one hand. With your other hand, use a small object such as a pin or needle to push up gently on the back of the watch between where the band is attached.

A little pressure with your pin or needle should be enough to pop the watch open. Make sure you will not push too hard because your fingers may become an undesirable casualty.

Things to avoid when removing your watch’s back

• Do not use excessive force when removing the back of your watch. This can cause damage to the watch or your fingers.
• Do not use a knife or other sharp object to remove the back of your watch. This can cause damage to the watch or your fingers.
• Do not use pliers or other tools to remove the back of your watch. This can cause damage to the watch or your fingers.
• Do not hold the strap wrench while removing the watch case back. This could lead to injury if your grip slips and comes into contact with your fingers or other parts of your hand.
• Do not insert a pin or needle into the gap between the band and back of a watch if you do not feel confident in doing so. If the pin slips, it can damage your fingers or slip towards other parts of your hand, causing injury.

Tips for removing stubborn watch backs

1. Use a strap wrench to get a tight grip on the watch case back.
2. Turn the strap wrench counterclockwise to remove the back.
3. If you have a ridged strap wrench, use it as shown to hold your watch case back while removing the watch back.
4. If you have a strap wrench with grooves cut, line up the strap wrench with the grooves in your watch case back and tighten it, so it fits snuggly.
5. Once you have lined up your strap wrench, use it as shown to loosen the screw and open the back of a watch by turning it counterclockwise.
6. If you cannot remove the back of your watch using one of the methods described above. Carefully use a pin or needle to insert into the gap between the band and back of a watch.

Frequently ask questions

How to remove the back of my watch if it’s stubborn and won’t come off?

You can try using a strap wrench to help you get a tight grip on the watch case back. You can also try turning the strap wrench counterclockwise to remove the back. If you have a ridged strap wrench, use it as shown to hold your watch case back while removing the watch back.

What are things to avoid when trying to remove the back of a watch?

Do not use excessive force, a knife or other sharp object, pliers, or other tools to remove the back of your watch. Also, avoid holding the strap wrench while removing the watch case back. 

How to use a pin or needle to open up the back of my watch?

Take two sheets of paper and place your watch between them with its back facing upward. Then, take a pin or needle and push it up behind the fastened band to your watch. This should release the back of the watch from the frame.

What is the best way to turn a strap wrench?

The best way to turn a strap wrench is by using your hands. Grip the wrench with one hand and use your other hand to twist it counterclockwise to loosen the screw.

Conclusion

Removing the back of your watch can be a challenge, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be easy. If you follow the tips and methods provided above, you should be able to remove the back of your watch without any trouble.

We hope you enjoyed reading about removing a stubborn watch back! If you have any questions, feel free to leave feedback!