Best spring bar tool for 114270 Explorer?

[Sailorlite]

From time to time I like to replace the steel bracelet with a strap, but I sense that there's a right type and a wrong type of spring bar tool. Using a Bergeon 6767F I've managed to scratch the lugs during mostly unsuccessful attempts to remove and even reinstall the spring bars.

My dealer, who seems to do this with ease, mentioned in passing that there's a "right" tool - but not what that tool is. So, what tool or type of tool should I look for? Thanks.

[Acidstain]

I have seen a tool that has hardened plastic tips. Then you squeeze the spring bar + bracelet with it, and go from the front side. There’s 0 chance of the spring bar scratching the front, because the tool makes sure it’s squeezed out of place until it has slid into place. Sounds complicated from explanation, but it’s easy in actual use.


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[kieselguhr]

The Bergeon 7825 is the 2nd item from the top in the box that looks like a tweezer. I find it a lot easier to take off a bracelet if you split the bracelet into 2 parts at the clasp. Good luck.

[002]

The 7825 is great! Easily worth the cost in time savings and scratch prevention.

It isn’t magic or guaranteed. You’ll still need to get solid engagement on the spring bar and have a game plan on how to remove/install the end link. Consider wether you’re going to anchor the watch head or the bracelet. Do you bring the end link out from the back, the face or the side past the lugs. Seems obvious, but this can help mitigate damage should you lose your grip of the spring bar. I’d rather the scratch be on the back side of the lug...