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SEL Swap - DIY
So you aren’t happy with your SELs for whatever reason and you have a better set you want to swap in. In this example, the build I’m doing is better suited to a hollow end link (HEL) so this is how to swap them out.
Here is the beast you need. You can spend a LOT for one of these, like around $400 but often you can get them on Ali Express for much less. That’s where I got mine and it’s plenty heavy duty with no signs of cheapness.
If you just use one of these OOTB, you can scar up your links, sometimes beyond easy repair so a tip I read about somewhere is to place little squares of 600 grit sandpaper on the jaws. This not only protects the links but helps the jaws grip them without slipping. It’s best not to use any tape or glue under the sandpaper squares - that can make them slide. It’s a little tedious placing them but tolerable if you use tweezers and so worth the trouble.
This can happen without the sandpaper squares. You DON’T want this on the top of the links.
Here are the two bracelet pieces getting their end links swapped.
Set the links that are to be separated in the jaws.
Note that the jaws have to be moved outward slightly so they don’t bite down on the SEL. This would not only ruin the SEL but would keep the jaws from being clamped down sufficiently.
This isn’t a factor when removing the HEL connecting link.
Time to turn the crank and yank them bitches apart.
On this hollow link bracelet, the link pins had individual tubes.
Time to do the switcheroo
Put your new end link piece (or SEL) in position between some wood strips in a vice and press the pieces together. Easy peazy!
Brush up your pieces a little with some green Scotchbrite or other choice product and Voila, new end links of your choice ready to go!
Thanks for looking and happy modding!
So you aren’t happy with your SELs for whatever reason and you have a better set you want to swap in. In this example, the build I’m doing is better suited to a hollow end link (HEL) so this is how to swap them out.
Here is the beast you need. You can spend a LOT for one of these, like around $400 but often you can get them on Ali Express for much less. That’s where I got mine and it’s plenty heavy duty with no signs of cheapness.
If you just use one of these OOTB, you can scar up your links, sometimes beyond easy repair so a tip I read about somewhere is to place little squares of 600 grit sandpaper on the jaws. This not only protects the links but helps the jaws grip them without slipping. It’s best not to use any tape or glue under the sandpaper squares - that can make them slide. It’s a little tedious placing them but tolerable if you use tweezers and so worth the trouble.
This can happen without the sandpaper squares. You DON’T want this on the top of the links.
Here are the two bracelet pieces getting their end links swapped.
Set the links that are to be separated in the jaws.
Note that the jaws have to be moved outward slightly so they don’t bite down on the SEL. This would not only ruin the SEL but would keep the jaws from being clamped down sufficiently.
This isn’t a factor when removing the HEL connecting link.
Time to turn the crank and yank them bitches apart.
On this hollow link bracelet, the link pins had individual tubes.
Time to do the switcheroo
Put your new end link piece (or SEL) in position between some wood strips in a vice and press the pieces together. Easy peazy!
Brush up your pieces a little with some green Scotchbrite or other choice product and Voila, new end links of your choice ready to go!
Thanks for looking and happy modding!
