Allison P I got this as a gift and I was really excited about it, but I'm having a very difficult time attaching it to my computer. I can get one pin in, but not both. Did anyone else have a problem with this, and if so, how in the world did you get it to work? I have a VT Pro.
JASON R As I remember, I did have some trouble with it. Make sure that it is facing the correct way at the back of the watch. Once you know it is facing the right way you can spend the next hour trying to get the pins in. No kidding. It is very difficult. You'll wish you had three hands. My trick was to use a small flat head screw driver. Small enough for glasses repair. That screw driver will be small enough to pinch in the pins and pull down the retractor into the watch.
LUKE W The harder part was getting the old backing off. Make sure you use the pins that came with this product not the pins from the old backing. The new pins compress more making this a much easier time getting it to all fit together. Also unrelated put something on the screen to protect it, I used clear ductape. The screen scratches as this clip/rubber boot tends to let it float with the glass side towards the ground and scratch like no other. The scratches don't impede underwater viewing but its a pretty expensive toy to just not care for.
MARK K I also use the Retractor for my VT Pro. It took a lot of effort and patience to get the computer mounted. It is a very tight fit. I believe this is the nature of the mount so that the computer isn't 'sloppy' on the mount. I know I wouldn't want the computer flopping around as I pulled the retractor back and forth or left it dangling on my BC.
If I remember correctly (it was a couple yrs back). I fitted one side of the pin in and really had to work to compress the other side and hold it in as I slid it into the slot. Though I think it was easier to mount the computer, then to take off the straps. I used a very small flat head screw drive. Almost like what you can use from a jewelers tool set for working on glasses and watches. That might be an option, if your having difficulty. Take the computer and mount to someone that that works with watches (or replacing batteries in watches). I think it is well worth the investment.
JOHN S I have replaced mine twice. I did a beach dive and filled the retractor up with sand. Both times it required a lot of force to get both pins in place. The order seams to be very important, but the last time was two years ago and I can not remember which one has to go in first.
DAVID L Took me like 2 hrs on vt3 patience is the only way.
DOUGLAS K You have to use a Jewelers screwdriver or dental pick to push one spring in after you put the other side into its hole. It's tricky, but once you get it in place, the pins will snap in and lock the retractor. It's similar to a spring loaded watch pin.
Allison P Thanks! I understand how the pins work, and my pocket knife was working fine for pushing them in, it was a matter of getting both pins in at the same time that was the problem. When I had one pin in, the other one wouldn't go in. I finally just got it, I had to insert both pins at the same time, each with one end in on the same side (really difficult to explain over the internet). I've been trying to get this forever and just got it. Thanks for your help!
JOSEPH M I installed 5 of these. One side was a little more difficult. Do not be afraid to use some force. If you live near Libertyville Illinois. I would be happy to do it for you.
Use a long narrow screw driver.
Allison P Thanks for your (quick) response! Did you fully insert one pin first and then the one on the other side? Or did you kind of "halfway" insert both pins and force it on? Sorry, it's really difficult to describe online. Thank you for your offer, but I live in New Jersey so unfortunately I can't bring it to you. I've just been using a pocket knife.
JOSEPH M Get a narrow screwdriver or butter knife. Partial on each then I slowly worked them in. A watch battery replacement place. Might be able to help u with it. Be persistent u will get it. My wife and kids all use the retractor set. They love it