Removing Hands with a Hand Puller

[HB212]

I have a Parnis IWC homage that I want to change the dial on. The new dial should be a direct replacement, so it seems like just a matter of removing the hands, dial, replacing the dial then replacing the hands.

I was looking at the different hand pullers on Ofrei's website, and i'm not sure which one is best for what i'm doing. Anyone with experience care to chime in and help me out?

Also...am I oversimplifying changing the dial? Is there more to it?

 

[shirazi_r]

It's a pretty simple task if you're willing to be patient. Just be sure not to force anything and when removing the stem, don't turn the screw too far or you'll fuzz up the keyless works.

As for a hand removal tool, the Presto tool is pretty good.

This set includes a Presto hand remover and is of surprisingly good quality for the price:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360287200424?ssPageName=STRK:MEBOFFX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1432.l2649

Best of luck and feel free to ask for any further help.

 

[Wiz]

Beware of the presto hands remover. This tool is quite violent and there is a risk of damaging the hands or the coating on the hands.

It's much more secured to use levers: http://watchbitz.com.au/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=358

 

[HB212]

Wiz- How do those levers work? They pry against the dial?

 

[shirazi_r]

Beware of the presto hands remover. This tool is quite violent and there is a risk of damaging the hands or the coating on the hands.

It's much more secured to use levers: http://watchbitz.com.au/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=358

Don't you think it's a bit tough to use the levers on your first go though Wiz? I prefer the lever style but when I started out I found the Presto to be pretty decent if you didn't force it.

 

[Wiz]

Wiz- How do those levers work? They pry against the dial?

Yes, but you'll use a dial protector to avoid marking the dial.

Don't you think it's a bit tough to use the levers on your first go though Wiz? I prefer the lever style but when I started out I found the Presto to be pretty decent if you didn't force it.

I've seen so many people damaging something with a presto hands remover that I just can't advice anyone to use it.

And actually when I first used levers I found them to be pretty easy to operate.

 

[grejyedi]

Thought I would add to an existing threas as its not too old.

Are the Indain plunger hand pullers easier than the presto ones.

Thanks

 

[Wiz]

Thought I would add to an existing threas as its not too old.

Are the Indain plunger hand pullers easier than the presto ones.

Thanks

I wouldn't say easier, but there are less risks to damage the hands with an Indian type hands remover than with the Preso type hands remover.

The best still being levers.

 

[Wira]

I had use Presto tool, no prob. Just do it! Like lots og fellow members here mention, careful n not to much force while grapping n pulling.

Good luck!

 

[ShiroTenshi]

i've got this tool and im tring to remove hands from a PAM.
Is this the Presto tool? http://watchbitz.com.au/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=140

And, do i remove the hands one by one, or all 2/3 together?

Lastly, how to i remove the small second hand on the PAM111 ?

 

[olworthers]

I agree with Wiz, levers are easy to use and there is far less chance of damage....


-OW

 

[Tranman]

When you use levers, are you removing all the hands at once or one at a time?

 

[ShiroTenshi]

When you use levers, are you removing all the hands at once or one at a time?

Exactly what I need to know

 

[olworthers]

I remove them one at a time.


-OW

 

[Wiz]

When you use levers, are you removing all the hands at once or one at a time?

The normal way is to remove them all at once, but if you feel more confortable removing them one by one I guess just keep doing it the way you're more confortable.

 

[MMA]

I've found no matter the method, remove the centre stack all at once. I prefer levers now too (offshore has some surprisinglyu well finished ones for a couple bucks), but i still use the bergons now and again with a piece of acetate as dial protection. I usually use the bergons when the canon pinion height is taller.

For the sub-seconds hand, if it is very close to the dial as many are, i remove them with a piece of printer paper with a slice in it (thread the slice around the pinion and pull the paper tight flat - hard to describe - doesn't require any force). Of course, if it sits off the dial at a good distance, levers only for the sub-seconds.

 

[cybee]

Levers are good for pulling hands. Then when you're ready to pull the pinion a pair of these will do.

 

[Tranman]

Thanks for the info guys. Been trying to read a lot before the first project. 3 quick and potentially dumb questions...

Do you guys line up all the hands at 12 o o'clock before pulling?

Once the sec hand stops moving from pulling the crown out, can you physically move the hands by knudging them or would that cause damage to the movement somehow?

Also do you let the power reserve fully drain itself before opening the watch or is there another method for releasing the stored energy?

Tia

 

[Bonesey]

Depends on the watch. For a movement without a datewheel there's no real need to change the time to 12. But it IS easier to remove the hands if they are all centered anyway. It's a good habit to get into.

It's not a good idea to move the hands once the movement is hacked. The tube of the hands is pressure fit to the canon pins on the movement so any movement could possibly make them loose when you try to re-fit them.

It's a good idea to let the power wind down before doing anything. If you're new to this it's much safer than trying to release stored energy from the mainspring manually.

 

[Tranman]

Thank you so much Bonesey. You may have just saved me from failing my first project. I plan on practicing on a throw away watch and getting semi comfortable before moving on. I will definitely get in the habit of lining up all the hands at 12 prior to removing.

Is it also a good idea to replace the hands back at the 12 position?

I'll go back to reading now and thank you for the help!

TM