Oct 28, 2026Reference & Sizing
Watch Band Pin Types Guide: Screw Pins, Rivet Pins and Knurled Spring Bars
Identify watch band pin types across screw pins, rivet-end bars, and knurled pins. Compare head diameters and lengths from 8mm to 28mm and submit measurements for verification.
Watch band pin types: identifying bracelet pins, screw bars, and knurled fasteners
A metal watch bracelet depends on the fit of its transverse fasteners. When links loosen, clasps rattle, or end links detach, finding a replacement requires identifying the exact locking mechanism inside the link hole. Inserting an incorrect pin strips threads, damages bores, or risks dropping the watch head.
Fasteners across bracelets and lugs divide into three families: threaded screw pins, rivet-end screw bars, and friction-fit knurled pins. While conventional spring bars rely on internal springs and compressible pivots—as explored in our Seiko Alpinist SPB121 spring bar guide—solid bracelet pins provide rigid retention. Distinguishing between a single slotted screw head, a two-piece rivet cap, and a knurled friction bar ensures correct ordering.
Straight screw pins for watch lugs and links: head diameter, tube diameter, and length
Straight screw pins clamp solid links and lug horns. The pin features a threaded end engaging internal female threads in the opposite link wall, driven from one side with a flat screwdriver matched to the slotted head.
In the Kocandy catalog, this category is represented by the gold-tone watch band screw pin assortment. Machined from stainless steel with a gold-tone finish, the assortment supplies ten sizes in a compartment box (60 g pack weight). The catalog records two shank diameters across five tube lengths: 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 mm. A 4.0 mm head diameter pairs with a 2.5 mm tube for standard links, while a 5.0 mm head pairs with a 3.2 mm tube for reinforced lugs.
Gold-tone watch band screw pins fanned out across 20 mm to 28 mm lengths with 4.0 mm and 5.0 mm head diameters.
Screw pins with rivet end: dual-sided fasteners and cap retention
Certain bracelets cannot accommodate threads cut directly into exterior link plates. Instead, they use a two-piece architecture: a threaded male pin and a separate female rivet-end cap. Both outer link faces display an identical finished head, while internal threads clamp the center links securely.
The Kocandy catalog provides this configuration in the rose-gold and silver-colour watch band screw pin set with rivet ends. Machined from stainless steel in a 75-gram box, the set includes ten sizes in rose-gold or silver finishes across five lengths: 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 mm. The catalog records a 3.5 mm head with 2.1 mm crown height, and a 4.0 mm head with 3.0 mm crown height. Quoted crown height represents the shoulder depth of the female cap, which must seat flush within the link counterbore.
Rose-gold and silver screw pins with separate threaded rivet-end caps fanned out across five lengths.
Silver-threaded rivet-end lug bars: 4.0 mm and 5.0 mm head diameters
For links and lugs requiring high shear resistance, the catalog features an all-stainless steel silver-threaded screw pins with rivet end kit. Weighing 80 grams in its compartment box, this set serves heavy lug bar and link applications.
The specification table records ten sizes across two diameter series: a 4.0 mm head with 2.5 mm tube, and a 5.0 mm head with 3.2 mm tube, both spanning lengths of 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 mm. Each fastener pairs a slotted male shank with a matching counter-slotted female rivet cap.
Note an apparent discrepancy: while specifications record 4.0 mm and 5.0 mm heads with 2.5 mm and 3.2 mm shanks, image callouts illustrate 3.5 mm heads with 2.0 mm threads. As detailed in our watch screw size guide, caliper verification of shank diameter is mandatory before ordering.
Single knurled bracelet pins: directional friction fit and stepped link holes
Friction-fit knurled pins represent the most common bracelet fastener. A knurled pin has no drive slot, threads, or separate cap; retention relies on raised longitudinal knurling that bites into the link bore.
In a single knurled pin, knurling is confined to one end. This asymmetric profile requires directional installation: the smooth end enters first, passing through intermediate links, while the knurled end locks into the final link wall.
The Kocandy catalog supplies a 300-piece stainless steel single knurled pin assortment in a 20-compartment box weighing 90 grams (15 pins per size). Specifications record 1.0 mm and 1.1 mm diameters across ten lengths from 8 mm to 26 mm in 2 mm steps. The title lists these as stated for Rolex bands; treat this stated-for designation as catalog indexing, not a universal fit. Packaging images also show 1.5 mm and 1.8 mm labels, underscoring the need to measure the actual link bore with calipers.
Stainless steel single knurled bracelet pins showing directional friction knurling on one terminal end.
Double knurled bracelet pins: dual-end friction locking across solid links
Double knurled pins provide enhanced retention in solid bracelets and clasp hinges. Instead of knurling on one end, a double knurled pin features raised knurling at both extremities of the shank, separated by a smooth central body.
When installed into a solid link, both knurled bands expand against the outer link plates simultaneously, preventing lateral migration. For technicians comparing knurled pins against cotter pins, our watch band link pin size guide outlines friction sleeve dimensions.
The Kocandy catalog supplies a 300-piece stainless steel double knurled pin assortment in a 20-compartment box weighing 90 grams. Specifications record a 1.0 mm diameter across 20 consecutive millimeter lengths from 8 mm to 27 mm. The title carries a stated for Rolex bands designation. Because catalog images illustrate 1.5 mm and 1.8 mm charts spanning 20 mm to 30 mm, bench hands should always confirm physical pin diameters before ordering.
Stainless steel double knurled bracelet pins with raised retention bands at both outer ends.
How to measure bracelet pins: caliper technique for head, shank, and length
Accurately identifying a replacement pin requires physical measurement with a caliper. Nominal watch references rarely indicate the exact pin variant fitted to an aftermarket or revised bracelet.
Follow this three-step protocol:
First, measure shank or tube diameter. On an intact pin, measure the smooth shank. For knurled pins, record body diameter and diameter across the raised ridges. If missing, measure the link bore using internal caliper jaws or wire gauges.
Second, measure head and cap dimensions. For screw pins, measure the slotted head. For rivet-end pins, measure male head and female cap diameters, plus counterbore depth.
Third, measure total length. For screw pins, measure from under the head to the thread tip. For knurled pins, measure overall end-to-end length.
Pin type selection matrix: comparing heads, drive types, and retention methods
Selecting the correct pin assortment from the Kocandy catalog requires matching bracelet architecture against verified dimensions. The tables below compare mechanical features and recorded size ladders across the five catalog assortments.
Product designation | Fastener drive and head type | Stated material and finish | Recorded shank or head diameter | Recorded length range | Assortment quantity | Catalog link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gold-Tone Watch Band Screw Pins | Slotted drive, straight threaded screw pin | High Quality Stainless Steel, Gold-Tone | Heads 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm; Tubes 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm | 20 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, 26 mm, 28 mm | 1 plastic box assortment | |
Rose Gold & Silver Screw Pins Rivet End | Slotted drive, two-piece threaded rivet cap | High Quality Stainless Steel, Rose Gold or Silver | Heads 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm; Crown heights 2.1 mm, 3.0 mm | 20 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, 26 mm, 28 mm | 1 plastic box assortment | |
Silver-Threaded Screw Pins Rivet End | Slotted drive, two-piece threaded rivet cap | High Quality Stainless Steel, Silver | Heads 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm; Tubes 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm | 20 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, 26 mm, 28 mm | 1 plastic box assortment | |
300pcs Single Knurled Bracelet Pins | Friction fit, single terminal knurling | High Quality Stainless Steel, Silver | Diameters 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm (spec table) | 8 mm to 26 mm (even steps) | 300 pcs (15 pcs x 20 sizes) | |
300pcs Double Knurled Bracelet Pins | Friction fit, double terminal knurling | High Quality Stainless Steel, Silver | Diameter 1.0 mm (spec table) | 8 mm to 27 mm (1 mm steps) | 300 pcs (approx. 15 pcs x 20 sizes) |
The second table provides dimensional breakdowns for the threaded screw pin lines, noting head sizes, tube diameters, and bench verification guidance.
Fastener assortment category | Recorded head diameter | Recorded tube diameter or crown height | Available tube lengths | Thread and retention configuration | Bench verification note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gold-Tone Screw Pins | 4.0 mm | 2.5 mm tube diameter | 20 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, 26 mm, 28 mm | Straight male screw pin, slotted drive | Confirm thread engagement by message |
Gold-Tone Screw Pins | 5.0 mm | 3.2 mm tube diameter | 20 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, 26 mm, 28 mm | Straight male screw pin, slotted drive | Heavy lug application; confirm by message |
Rose Gold & Silver Rivet-End Pins | 3.5 mm | 2.1 mm crown height | 20 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, 26 mm, 28 mm | Threaded pin with female rivet cap | Flush counterbore fit; confirm by message |
Rose Gold & Silver Rivet-End Pins | 4.0 mm | 3.0 mm crown height | 20 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, 26 mm, 28 mm | Threaded pin with female rivet cap | Flush counterbore fit; confirm by message |
Silver-Threaded Rivet-End Pins | 4.0 mm | 2.5 mm tube diameter | 20 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, 26 mm, 28 mm | Slotted male pin and female rivet end | Confirm counterbore diameter by message |
Silver-Threaded Rivet-End Pins | 5.0 mm | 3.2 mm tube diameter | 20 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, 26 mm, 28 mm | Slotted male pin and female rivet end | Heavy lug application; confirm by message |
The third table maps the size ladders of the single and double knurled pin packs, detailing available diameter options and length progressions.
Knurled pin configuration | Recorded pin diameter | Available length progression | Total size variations | Retention mechanics | Stated-for catalog note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Single Knurled Pins | 1.0 mm | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 mm | 10 lengths | Directional friction bite on single end | Stated for Rolex bands in catalog |
Single Knurled Pins | 1.1 mm | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 mm | 10 lengths | Directional friction bite on single end | Stated for Rolex bands in catalog |
Double Knurled Pins | 1.0 mm | 8 mm to 27 mm (every 1 mm increment) | 20 lengths | Dual outer interference bands | Stated for Rolex bands in catalog |
Safe pin removal and installation practices: bench precautions
Working on bracelet pins requires careful bench technique to avoid marring links or shearing threads.
For screw pins and rivet caps, use a flat screwdriver blade that fills the screw slot completely. An undersized blade slips, burring the slot and scratching links. Support the bracelet in a slotted block and apply firm downward pressure while turning. If factory thread-locker resists, warming the link with a hot air blower can soften the compound; never apply excessive force to a cold fastener.
For single knurled pins, inspect links for directional arrows and drive pins out in the arrow direction so the knurled end exits first. Reinstall smooth end first in reverse. For double knurled pins, center the pin so both knurled bands engage equally.
Confirming pin specifications and ordering replacement fasteners
When ordering replacement watch band pins from Kocandy, providing exact caliper measurements ensures you receive the correct hardware configuration. Our catalog supplies individual components and comprehensive workshop assortments across straight screw pins, rivet-end screw bars, and knurled friction pins.
Kocandy is not affiliated with, authorised by, or a dealer for any watch brand (Seiko, Rolex, Omega, Citizen, Breitling, Panerai, Hublot, ETA, Bergeon, Horotec, Vetus…). Brand names appearing in catalog product titles represent stated-for indexing designations only and do not imply OEM sourcing or manufacturer endorsement.
To confirm availability or identify the matching pin for your bracelet, contact our technical team at Kocandy Contact Us. We reply within one working day. If your required pin diameter, head style, crown height, or length is not listed in the tables above, send us your caliper measurements anyway—our team will check against the catalog.
