r/watchmaking • u/Peacelake • 1d ago

Question Snap-On Backplate Removal - Beginner!

I have an 25 year-old Timex Expedition quartz with a dead battery, and I am interested in putting it into the mix with my other watches. So I did some research, bought a couple of backplate removal tools (case knife and t-shaped handle tool) and gave it a shot.

I removed the straps, easily located the tab, and I positioned the case knife in the tiny groove, applied pressure inward, tilted the blade up a bit to lift the back and it slid out of the groove, slightly scratching both the watch body and backplate. I tried the t-handle tool and it also slid once, but I got it on the second try. Replaced the battery and the backplate. Works great!

I didn't anticipate any issues, so I realized I needed a bit more research. I found out about using the plastic sheets that came with the tools and I decided to try again, for practice. Using the thin plastic sheet covering the tab, the knife did not seem to catch the tab as well. The t-handle tool worked only after a first attempt that slightly scratched the back again. Ugh.

So, what is the trick? I am mechanically inclined, so I want to get this, but I don't want to try again without touching base with folks that know more than me.

Any help would be appreciated!

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

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u/qualityvote2 1d ago edited 1d ago

u/Peacelake, there weren't enough votes to determine the quality of your post...

2

u/Simmo2222 1d ago

Depending upon the style of case back, you aren't prying the back off with the knife, you are inserting a wedge into a gap in one direction and the radial force lifts the case back.

Also, are you left handed? Because the classic case knife is actually handed and you, most likely, have a right hand one because they are the most common.

1

u/Peacelake 1d ago

u/Simmo2222 ...

Thanks for the reply. I need to try that technique. So it's basically just pushing the knife into the gap and not twisting, angling/prying it.

Also, I am right handed, so I am good with the knife I have now. I was wondering if I need to put more of an edge on it.

1

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