Does Walmart Remove Watch Links in 2026?

If you‘ve ever needed to remove links from a watch band to get a better fit, you may have wondered: does Walmart remove watch links in 2024? Unfortunately, Walmart no longer offers an in-store watch link removal service due to low demand.

But don‘t worry – you still have several options for resizing your watch properly so it fits just right. This definitive guide will explain everything you need to know about removing watch links in 2024.

Here‘s what we‘ll cover:

• What major retailers remove watch links for free
• Does Walmart sell watch repair kits for DIY link removal?
• Step-by-step instructions for removing links yourself
• Where you can buy stylish and affordable watches at Walmart
• Expert tips for watch care, maintenance and ownership

Let‘s dive in!

What Stores Remove Watch Links for Free?

While Walmart no longer removes links in-store, many major retail chains still offer this service at no charge. Here are the top options for getting watch links removed free of charge:

Kohl‘s

Kohl‘s provides free adjustments and removal of links for any watch purchased at Kohl‘s. If you didn‘t buy it there, they charge a small service fee around $5 to $10.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom offers complimentary watch link removal with no purchase required. This service is available at any Nordstrom location with a watch repair counter.

JCPenney

JCPenney will remove up to three links for free if you originally purchased the watch from JCPenney. If not, there is a small $7 service fee.

Macy‘s

Macy‘s provides free watch sizing and link removal for watches bought at Macy‘s. Watches purchased elsewhere incur a $15 service fee.

Dillard‘s

Dillard‘s offers free watch link removal for watches originally purchased from Dillard‘s stores. For non-Dillard‘s watches, they charge $5.

The bottom line: Take your watch to any major department store chain and you can likely get up to three links removed for free if you bought it there. For other watches, expect a small service fee.

Does Walmart Sell Watch Repair Kits?

Rather than visiting a jeweler for link removal, another option is to remove watch links yourself at home. Conveniently, Walmart provides all the tools you‘ll need to DIY it in the form of watch repair kits.

Both in stores and online, Walmart offers two main types of watch band link removal kits:

Basic Link Remover Kits – Contain just the essential tools like punch pins, watch band holders and hammers. Priced $10-$25.

Professional Watchmaker Kits – Come with extra tools like tweezers, looper tools, assorted band pins. Priced $30-$60.

Here are some of the must-have tools you‘ll find in Walmart watch repair kits:

• Link pin removers – Small punch pins for pushing out removable band pins.

• Watch holders – Holds band securely while you work on it.

• Hammer – Soft blow hammer for gently tapping the pin remover.

• Extra tools – Tweezers, magnifying glass, extra pins and more for advanced repairs.

With some patience and the right tools, you can successfully remove watch links at home yourself. It just takes some skill and a steady hand! We‘ll cover the steps next.

Step-By-Step: How to Remove Watch Links Yourself

Ready to remove some links from your watch band? Follow these steps:

1. Identify The Pin Type

The first step is figuring out what type of pins your watch band uses. Common options:

• Round pins – Most common. Remove by driving pin through band.

• Flat pins – Have flat heads. Require pulling pin out of band.

• Screw pins – Unthread with tiny screwdriver to remove.

Examine your watch band closely or check the manufacturer specs to identify the pin style. This affects the removal process.

2. Secure The Watch Band

Next, you need to firmly lock the watch band in place while you work on it. Options include:

• Watch band holder – Tool included in watch kits that locks the band tightly.

• Bench vise – Holds item securely in place while you work.

• Tape band down – On a table, tape flat with removable links exposed.

Pro tip: Remove watch face first so you‘re just working with the band.

3. Locate The Removable Links

Now it‘s time to find the links you want to remove. Look for:

• Links with visible pin ends protruding

• Links that seem looser or more removable than others

• Typical to remove links opposite the clasp first

4. Position The Pin Remover

Place the pin remover tool (punch) precisely above the pin you want to remove. Apply firm downward pressure.

5. Tap The Pin Remover

Start tapping the pin remover gently with the hammer/mallet. Apply force straight down.

• 2-3 firm taps often does the trick

• Take care not to bend or damage bands

• Use light force to avoid injury

6. Remove The Link

Once the pin is pushed all the way through the band, the link will detach. Carefully slide it out.

7. Repeat As Needed

Follow steps 3-6 to remove additional links until your watch fits perfectly.

And that‘s it! The key is using the right pin remover for your watch and taking care not to scratch or bend the band. Patience and a steady hand will be rewarded.

Walmart Watch Shopping Guide

Once your watch fits just right, it‘s time to show it off! Walmart offers an extensive selection of watch styles and brands for the whole family. Here are some of the highlights:

For Him

• Timex Weekender – Sporty casual, $36

• Armitron Pro Sport – Rugged digital watch, $24

• Casio World Time – Classic design, $49

For Her

• Nine West Pastel Bangles – Chic jewelry watch, $36

• Anne Klein Cuff Watch – Sophisticated gold, $62

• Timex Easy Reader – Simple and elegant, $44

For Kids

• Disney Mickey Mouse – Fun colors, $20

• Timex Kids‘ Analog – Ideal first watch, $25

• Marvel Avengers – For superhero fans, $18

Walmart also offers luxury brand name watches and smartwatches if you search online. You‘re sure to find the perfect watch within your budget.

Expert Tips For Watch Owners

Here are some pro tips for keeping your watch in peak condition:

• Get links removed or batteries replaced professionally when needed.

• Take your watch off before showering, swimming, exercising. Water damage is the #1 watch killer.

• Store watches in a safe drawer or box when not being worn. Don‘t just throw in a pile.

• Wipe watch and band down regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Don‘t use chemicals.

• Consider an automatic watch winder if you own expensive automatic watches.

• Bring watch in for servicing every 3-5 years to keep accurate time.

Follow this advice to enjoy your beautiful timepieces for years to come!

The Bottom Line

While Walmart no longer removes watch band links in-store, you have alternatives:

• Visit Kohl‘s, Nordstrom or other major retailers for free adjustments

• Buy a watch repair kit at Walmart to DIY link removal at home

• Shop Walmart‘s huge selection of stylish watches for the whole family

• Care for your watches properly so they last

So now you know everything you need about removing watch links in 2024. Follow this guide and you‘ll have perfectly fitted timepieces for life. Let me know if you have any other watch questions!