Without a special tool to remove the back cover of your watch, you certainly can't replace the battery or repair a damaged watch. However, you don't have to waste a lot of money to buy this particular tool. In many cases, items at home can be used to open the back cover of a watch. Depending on your watch, you may be able to use your thumb, razor, rubber ball, or scissors to open your watch.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Your Thumb or Razor to Open the Watch's Back Cover is Simple
Step 1. Use your thumb to open a cheap and simple design watch
There are watches that can be opened simply by prying the key on the back. Check to see if the back of the watch has screws to see if it works.
- This method can only be done if the back cover of the watch does not have screws.
- You can use other fingers, but it's best to use the largest and strongest thumb.
Step 2. Locate the lock on the watch
On a simple watch, the key will appear as a small indentation along the back of the watch. This is where you put your thumb to open the back cover of the watch.
Don't put your watch on while working. Keep holding it with the other hand so that it can be moved when opening the back cover of the watch
Step 3. Insert the thumb nail under the lock and lift it
When working, the nail should be facing the back cover of the watch. Lift slowly and do not pry or bend the thumb nail. Keep pressing patiently and the back cover of the watch will open. If your watch won't open, stop trying to avoid damaging your thumb nail.
This method is most effective if you have long, healthy nails
Step 4. Use a razor as an alternative
If the keys are tight enough or your thumb nails are too short, try using a razor blade to open your watch. Slip the razor into the key slit and lift it up until the watch opens.
- This method can be used if there is no notch on the watch, but there is a gap between the back cover and the case.
- You can also use a small kitchen knife if you have to.
Method 2 of 3: Using Rubber Balls
Step 1. Buy a soft rubber ball
The rubber ball is usually tough enough to open the back cover of the watch. Choose a rubber ball that is soft and sticky so it can stick to the back cover of your watch.
- You can use a stress ball if you have to.
- Avoid rubber balls made of hard materials. The ball must be soft and firm so that it can grip the back cover of the watch.
Step 2. Place the clock on a flat surface
Although you can hold the watch while you work, your work will be more comfortable and efficient if the watch is placed on a flat surface. If the watch is expensive or fragile, place a towel under the watch.
Step 3. Press the ball firmly against the back cover of the watch
The rubber ball should press firmly against the back cover, especially the screw notch. Press firmly as you move the ball against the back cover of the watch so that it grips firmly.
Press the watch gradually so as not to accidentally damage the watch
Step 4. Twist the ball counterclockwise
On most watch models, the back cover opens when you turn it counterclockwise, and tightens when you turn it the other way around. When turned, the back cover of the watch should loosen. Twist quickly and firmly to keep the ball grip firmly on the back cover.
Step 5. Use the ball to loosen, but not remove the back cover of the watch
When it's loose enough, use your fingers to turn it counterclockwise and fully remove the watch cover. Store the watch cover in a safe place so it doesn't get lost.
Step 6. Use the rubber ball to replace the back cover of the watch
The watch cover should be firmly attached when you have finished working on the inside of the watch. Place the cover on the back of the watch, then stick and press the rubber ball firmly. Turn quickly clockwise to tighten the watch cover.
Method 3 of 3: Opening the Back Cover with Scissors
Step 1. Use scissors to open the back cover of the watch which is very tight
The rubber ball may not be strong enough to grip the back cover of the watch if it is firmly attached. The tip of the scissors is usually small enough to reach the watch screw and twist it like a special screwdriver.
Choose scissors with blunt ends so you don't hurt yourself
Step 2. Place the watch on a firm, flat surface
You can work safely and efficiently by placing your watch on a flat surface. If the watch is very expensive or fragile, place a towel under the watch.
Step 3. Locate the screw notch
This notch marks the location of the watch screws. Unscrew the scissor handle, then insert one end of the scissor into the notch of the screw when you are opening it. Make sure the tip of the scissor fits well into the notch so you don't lose grip when you turn it.
Step 4. Turn the notch counterclockwise
As with the rubber ball method, turn the tip of the scissors counterclockwise, and repeat for each screw.
When you are reattaching the back cover of the watch, use the same method but this time twist it clockwise
Step 5. Try using a precision screwdriver as an alternative
If you don't feel comfortable or don't want to use scissors, buy a precision screwdriver at a hardware store. This screwdriver is small enough to unscrew your watch without using special tools.
Tips
- Be careful when using sharp objects so as not to injure yourself.
- If you've tried everything but the back cover still won't open, take your watch to a watch shop to have it fixed.
