Spring bars/pins

[LordGrover]

Is a spring bar a spring bar?
I'd like to try one or two of my watches on a nato strap. I've seen somewhere that a curved spring bar is preferable for natos - would anyone care to comment?
Are those offered on Amazon as good as any, or should I seek out better quality items? Amazon curved, straight.
I guess I also need a spring bar tool too; Amazon cheapy or is it worth getting a 'proper' one?

[ZesPak]

I've seen Seiko ones that are very thick. I also have a number of "quick release"ones which are very handy.

I wouldn't consider the curved unless you have a watch you want on a nato where the spring bar is too close to the case to allow it.

[Mr Pointy]

Cousins sell good quality spring bars in a variety of styles:
https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/spring-bars-ind...

They have various diameters as well as lengths. I have seen comments about not using a shouldered type with a Nato as the fabric can catch the shoulder & release the bar but it hasn't happen to me. If you use shoulderless one you may have to cut them out to remove them. I've never seen mention of using a curved bar though & I wouldn't - it's usually to get clearance from the case with thicker straps.

They do tools as well - you may need standard & fine fork tips depending on the watch. Don't buy two tools, just get spare tips.
https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/spring-bar-remo...

[VEIGHT]

I have some spare, what size do you need and i'll post you some if you like.

[LordGrover]

Mr Pointy said:

Cousins sell good quality spring bars in a variety of styles:
https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/spring-bars-ind...
...

Very useful site, thanks. Will be ordering a few bits and pieces from there.

VEIGHT said:

I have some spare, what size do you need and i'll post you some if you like.

Kind offer, but will be making up an order from cousins above. Thanks anyway.

[LordGrover]

VEIGHT said:

I have some spare, what size do you need and i'll post you some if you like.

Cheers VEIGHT. Much appreciated!

[LordGrover]

Received. Most grateful.

Edited by LordGrover on Wednesday 20th March 10:06

[LordGrover]

After a degree of faffing about I (finally) got my explorer off the bracelet and onto a NATO - which I like.

Now, I can't get the fecker back on the bracelet.
Is there a trick or knack to this, or simply extremely difficult and I have to persevere?

[Doofus]

Do you have a spring bar tool?

[LordGrover]

Yep, for all the good it's doing me.

[Doofus]

LordGrover said:

Yep, for all the good it's doing me.

Well in that case, I'm all out of ideas. You're on your own

[Mr Pointy]

Yes, it can be a tricky, especially when trying to be super careful about not scratching the watch lugs. There are a number of videos on Youtube that might help.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fitti...

This Omega one is quite good:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSQSKQo-XbA

Take note about putting the bracelet back on the right way or you'll have to do it all over again.

One thing I always do is to split the bracelet at the clasp so I'm not trying to work past the whole bracelet. The clasp is usually just held by a mini-springbar so it should be easy to separate one end from the bracelet.

Edited by Mr Pointy on Monday 25th March 10:51

[Lorne]

I'm pretty sure Cousins spring bars will be A-OK, but like with most things there are spring bars and then there are proper spring bars.

The difference is generally in the material alloy and thickness of the spring. It's holding everything in place and is in an inaccessible location that will retain water for a long time if you get your watch wet or swim in the sea with it on. It's also very thin so doesn't take much corrosion to fail it. There's a clue in the phrase stainless steel that means it isn't stainfree steel, ie it will corrode if kept damp and warm for a prolonged period.

Width wise, standard is 1.5 mm but most straps will happily take a stronger 1.8 mm diameter.