To remove a watch strap held by pins, often called spring bars, you typically use a specific tool designed for this purpose.
Understanding Watch Pins (Spring Bars)
Most watch straps are attached to the watch case using small, spring-loaded metal bars. These are commonly known as "spring bars" because they have a tiny spring inside that pushes against the pin ends, keeping them securely in place within holes or ridges on the watch lugs. Removing the strap involves compressing these spring bars to release them from the case.
The Removal Process
Based on the provided reference from TheStrapSmith video, the process involves using a spring bar tool:
- Identify the Tool: You need a spring bar tool. These tools often have different ends you can utilize.
- Locate the Spring Bar: The spring bar is the small pin connecting the strap to the watch case.
- Position the Tool: Slide the spring bar tool inside the area between the watch case and the strap.
- Engage the Spring Bar: Use the tool to "hook one of the ridges on the spring bar." This means you're catching the small, exposed edge or flange of the spring bar where you can apply pressure.
- Compress and Release: By applying gentle pressure with the tool on the ridge, you compress the spring inside the bar, making the pin end retract slightly. This allows you to wiggle and pull the strap away from the watch lug, releasing that side of the strap.
- Repeat for Other Side: Once one side of the strap is free, repeat the process on the other side of the same strap piece (or the other strap piece entirely) to fully detach the strap from the watch case.
Essential Tool
The key to removing a watch pin strap is using the correct spring bar tool. This tool allows you to safely and effectively compress the spring bar without damaging the watch case or the strap.
- Tool: Spring Bar Tool
- Function: Compresses the spring bar to release the strap from the watch lugs.
Removing a watch strap with spring bars is a straightforward process once you have the right tool and understand how the spring bar works.
