How to Adjust Steel Watch Band Length | Complete Guide with Link Remover

Is your new steel-banded smartwatch too loose and ill-fitting? There is no need to pay a watchmaker for sizing. Each of our steel watch bands comes with a handy link remover. You can adjust the band length at home by following this guide.

⚠️ Important Note: This tutorial applies only to pin-type steel bands with directional arrows (the 3-link steel bands for our AK series). It is NOT suitable for screw-style steel bands, milanese magnetic mesh bands or silicone straps. Do not attempt adjustment on these, as this may cause damage

Tools required: complimentary link remover, clean soft cloth

Find a flat surface and lay down the soft cloth. This prevents scratches on the watch case and strap from hard tabletops.

Try on the watch first and decide how many links to remove. We recommend removing an equal number of links from both sides, so the clasp sits centered on your wrist for balanced comfort. Avoid removing links from only one side.

Tip: Leave slight slack for wrist movement. Do not fasten the band too tight, which may restrict blood circulation.

1. Check the directionLook for engraved arrows on the inner side of each link. The arrow shows the direction the pin should be pushed out. Always push the pin following the arrow. Pushing against the arrow can jam or bend the pin and ruin the strap.                                                                     
2. Secure the watch bandLine up the pin of the link you want to remove with the tip of the remover. Place the strap steadily in the slot, making sure the remover tip is perfectly aligned with the pin. Do not tilt it.
3. Push out the pinHold the strap steady, and slowly turn the knob at the end of the remover clockwise. The tip will push the pin out along the arrow direction. You do not need to push it all the way out; once mostly loose, pull the pin out by hand.                         
4. Take off unwanted linksOnce the pin is removed, the extra link can be taken apart. Double-check that you have removed the correct number of links as planned.                               
5. Reconnect the bandAlign the holes of the two remaining strap sections. Insert the pin from the direction opposite the arrow. Gently press the pin in until it sits flush with the side of the band.
6. Test the fitPut the watch on and check the tightness. Repeat the steps above to add or remove links if needed.

• ✅ Remove links evenly from both sides for balanced wearing comfort
• ✅ Apply gentle force. Do not twist the knob violently, or the tip may break and scratch the strap
• ✅ Keep removed pins and spare links safe. You can reuse them later if you need to lengthen the band
• ❌ Never push pins against the arrow direction
• ❌ Do not substitute the remover with scissors, knives or other sharp tools, which can slip and cause scratches

If you lack hands-on experience, worry about scratching your watch, or get a stuck pin during adjustment, visit a local watch shop for professional help.

If you are looking for outdoor GPS smartwatches with interchangeable straps, check out our AK series smartwatches. They come with adjustable 3-link steel bands and a free link remover. You can swap freely between steel bands and silicone straps for different occasions.

👉 CTA: Explore our AK series GPS smart watches