Forest Cobbler Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 Hi Can anyone recommend a tool for removing the tiny circlips from the back of push buttons, so I can clean the gunk out? A way of getting them back on again would also be of help. Thanks, Valerie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Friend Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 whatever it is make sure you have spares of the right size and a magnetic tool and wear goggles - I saw a block loose his eye when one small spring clip pinged off a wall and hit the centre of his eyeball- ouch Look at watchmakers tools - Lee is you man here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 A fiddle, but not aware of any specific tool for them, just buy a circlip assortment for when they disappear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 out of interest what do you charge for cleaning out push buttons.... I don't offer this service! just saying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forest Cobbler Posted October 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 Thanks, a circlip assortment will be added to our next Walsh order. Just had to use a magnet on the carpet to find the one I didn't even realise that I had got off. Won't be so lucky next time I'm sure. Shame they don't make a specific tool, using a couple of screwdrivers seems a bit risky. Valerie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 I do all this sort of work under a microscope Mick so don't need goggles. Mark, it really depends on the state of them tbh. if they are seized & can't be salvaged then they can be flipping expensive to replace if a generic one doesn't suit. I did this one for nount recently because after I'd fitted the battery I realised I couldn't put the time right because the buttons where seized. it was for a friend of mine so wound up a job to nothing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forest Cobbler Posted October 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 Well I was right. Not so lucky the next time it shot off. It could be anywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 has everything gone blurred? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 I don't really enjoy the watch repair side of business.. find it too time consuming when your busy. Just saying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 seriously though, if your doing this kind of work a sound investment is a microscope. I lost count of the amount of parts I lost before getting one. somehow it helps steady your hand & feel for watches, reduces a lot of unnecessary stress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 seriously though, if your doing this kind of work a sound investment is a microscope. I lost count of the amount of parts I lost before getting one. somehow it helps steady your hand & feel for watches, reduces a lot of unnecessary stress. I can believe that... I use an eyeglass to engrave the inside of rings, amazing how it helps... Just saying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forest Cobbler Posted October 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 We've got one of those 'third hand' magnifying glass and crocodile clip set ups, but I have never been able to get on with it. V Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 We've got one of those 'third hand' magnifying glass and crocodile clip set ups, but I have never been able to get on with it. V I got one aswell... crap... Just saying.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 Optivisors are the way to go for day to day. I even fit batteries wearing these (I don't wear glasses yet) as they help heighten the senses and are ideal for a lot of mainstream repair work, but once it gets technical I head over to the microscope & even that don't have to be flash to make the world of difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 Optivisors are the way to go for day to day. I even fit batteries wearing these (I don't wear glasses yet) as they help heighten the senses and are ideal for a lot of mainstream repair work, but once it gets technical I head over to the microscope & even that don't have to be flash to make the world of difference. Picture of your microscope please... Just asking! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 mines a Brunnel BM1 http://www.brunelmicroscopes.co.uk/longarm.html I modified the power cable to come out the other end to give more bench clearance (had to drill a hole right through the counter balance weight & re-wire) it was recommended to me & is very much an entry level model but I've been using it for a couple of years & have never thought "this needs upgrading" its been perfect. Lee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 I like the look of that Lee... Just Saying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfman Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 circlip removel pliers available from maplins £3 99 or £8 99 take your pick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 circlip removel pliers available from maplins £3 99 or £8 99 take your pick LOL Just saying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forest Cobbler Posted October 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 Pliers to do 1.5mm circlips? From Maplins? One assumes you are joking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 I use the maplin ones to pick my nose, they are too big for chronograph pushers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 Pliers to do 1.5mm circlips? From Maplins? One assumes you are joking. I assumed he was mental..... Just saying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfman Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 did not say they were for watchs question was is there a circlip removel tool answer given was not aware of specific tool but there is and google search will and does show numerous styles and sizes so quite possable to gert one further more if the manufaures have one to do them then they must be available somewhere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 did not say they were for watchs question was is there a circlip removel tool answer given was not aware of specific tool but there is and google search will and does show numerous styles and sizes so quite possable to gert one further more if the manufaures have one to do them then they must be available somewhere Hi Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forest Cobbler Posted October 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 Hate to be pedantic Elfman, but I did mention circlips on watches in my original post, sorry. I did ask Ian at Jevon & Stanley too, and he said he uses screwdrivers and tweezers, and is not aware of any pliers that are small enough for the job. Still, a box of spare circlips is on order now, so if I lose another one to the wide blue yonder (otherwise known as the carpet), it won't be such an issue. Thanks for all your help. Valerie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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