How to use spring-bar removal tool?

[TonyHetherington]

Hi all

I hope it's fairly obvious, but I just wanted to be certain so i didn't do any damage to my watch or strap! I did have a look online for some FAQ type things but no luck.

I've just received a new strap from Watch Worx (and it looks very nice too!) along with the spring bar removal tool.

Now if I see correctly, you simply use the tool to push the outside of the bar that holds the bracelet to the watch - as the name suggests, I assume it's sprung and so will release fairly easily?

Is there anything I should look out for when doing it, or do it a certain way not to damage the watch at all (an Omega speedmaster broadarrow, if that matters)?

Just being overly cautious, that's all!

Thanks
Tony

[tertius]

Basically you are correct but a couple of tips to help avoid any damage:

1. place the watch face down on a thick cloth (or similar) on a well-lit desk or table

2. use masking tape to cover the lugs and caseback of the watch - this helps to avoid minor scratches when the tool slips ...

3. the tool "probably" has two ends - usually the smaller one is the better one to use

4. as you ease the spring bar in you need to push up on the strap/bracelet in order to actually release it from the lugs

5. stand by to catch the spring bar as it pings out ...

6. search for the missing spring bar

[anonymous-user]

It's quite straight forward tony. The bar (as the name suggests) has a spring in the middle adding a little pressure to one of the rings will depress it easily and it will pop out of the lug no problem. You might have to add some pressure from behind the bar to help release it as some bracelets will hold it in place even after you've pushed it down far enough.

Where you have to be careful is by being cack handed you could slip and scratch the lug with the tool. Then you will become enraged and possibly skewer your hand with it next attempt. You also have to be careful not to allow the spring bar to 'spring' out away from you when taking it out or putting it back in. Depending on the floor where you are working it might be a bugger to find.

Some people use something than won't slip on the table or scratch the watch like a towel or mat to hold the watch in place whilst pushing down on the spring bar.

[TonyHetherington]

Ok good stuff thanks chaps - watch is at home waiting, as is new strap, so I'll be doing that pronto when I get back!

Thanks

[Mattt]

Depends on the watch too - some have open holes (e.g. Seiko Monster) where you push the bar through, or the blind holes where you hook it.

You might need a fine fork to hook it, which I had to buy separate from the Bergeon spring bar tool.

[Mattt]

Also - it really is easy. I was worried at first, but do it once and you'll become a pro in no time.

[Stuart]

The Speedie? locate the spring bar tool immediately between the edge of the bar and the lug. Did you get it on the metal or leather in the end? I can't remember. If the former you might need to wrangle it a little by pushing one side out and applying a small amount of pressure from the other side sufficient to make the spring bar push against the solid metal either side of the hole. Then push the other side in and ease the whole strap end out. If you you've got it on a leather you might need to do it blind as the leather strap will hide the spring bar end, but it will be easier to remove.

[parapaul]

Tools? Is it considered bad form to do this with a handy penknife?

[redchina]

wouldn't an iPhone Sim card retrieval tool do the same job

[redchina]

wouldn't an iPhone Sim card retrieval tool do the same job

[TonyHetherington]

Quinny said:

Practice on a cheap old watch first

Boy do I wish I had have done!

It went ok, and I now have a lovely leather strap (Stuart - I bought it on the bracelet so changed over the bracelet for leather last night), however, I put the tiniest of scratches on the inside of the lugs. You need to get it in light to see them (and they're on the udnerside inside of the watch, so you can't actually see them!) but it really annoyed me that I did it. Pah. It's on the metal itself - is there a way to polish out? It's very very light, almost a mark rather than a scratch.

Nevertheless, the process itself went absolutely fine! Thansk for the input!

[Stuart]

TonyHetherington said:

Quinny said:

Practice on a cheap old watch first

Boy do I wish I had have done!

It went ok, and I now have a lovely leather strap (Stuart - I bought it on the bracelet so changed over the bracelet for leather last night), however, I put the tiniest of scratches on the inside of the lugs. You need to get it in light to see them (and they're on the udnerside inside of the watch, so you can't actually see them!) but it really annoyed me that I did it. Pah. It's on the metal itself - is there a way to polish out? It's very very light, almost a mark rather than a scratch.

Nevertheless, the process itself went absolutely fine! Thansk for the input!

Tony in 6 months the whole thing will be covered in the tiny hairline scratches you'll pick up in day to day use. I wouldn't worry about it.

[TonyHetherington]

Cool thanks