ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
21 March 2023, 12:18 PM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: USA
Watch: 116520
Posts: 93
|
Cutting spring bars—tool?
Hi all
I swapped back my sub oyster bracelet after wearing it with rubber and used the wrong spring bars not paying attention. Long story short I cannot remove the spring bars because there is not much for the tool to grip onto Is there anyway to just cut the spring bar without ruining the bracelet or watch case? Thank you! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
21 March 2023, 12:25 PM | #2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Underground
Posts: 2,074
|
There's nothing small enough that can fit in there and cut the spring bar. If the spring bar went in, it can come out the same way. You can try pushing the spring bar into the center until it breaks or gets jammed in, and repeat the same process on the other side
Edit: it would have been much easier if it had lug holes |
21 March 2023, 12:40 PM | #3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: USA
Watch: 116520
Posts: 93
|
I simply can’t grip the damn thing to push it towards any center
I just wonder if there’s a small enough wire saw or pliers to snap it. I purchased pliers off Amazon but weren’t small enough. Hopefully someone will have some input Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
21 March 2023, 12:57 PM | #4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Real Name: Kevin
Location: Irvine, CA
Watch: 124060
Posts: 492
|
Try using waxed floss and thread it where the springbar is. The wax will help grip the end of the springbar. I had to do that with one my my Seiko's that has shoulderless springbars because my springbar tool had nothing to grab onto.
Kinda like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42xQfckD-PM Its going to be a pain to get it threaded through.
__________________
2FA |
21 March 2023, 01:26 PM | #5 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 X2 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: So Cal
Posts: 1,743
|
Can you post a picture of the back side so we can see it ?
You say you used the wrong ones wondering if you used ones without the proper flange. |
21 March 2023, 01:38 PM | #6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Underground
Posts: 2,074
|
Are you using Bergeon tweezers? I think the best course of action would be to take it to Rolliworks. Hopefully they’ve encountered a similar situation before and have a fix for it
|
21 March 2023, 02:38 PM | #7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: USA
Watch: ing my wrist
Posts: 966
|
I just had a similar situation yesterday. Had a pair of curved springbars that were tiny at the tips on a watch that had big holes. Thankfully, I had been wearing the watch on NATOs, so I had full access to the springbar.
In the end, I was able to push decently hard on one end enough to compress both sides enough that it compressed enough on both sides for me to just barely slip it out. |
21 March 2023, 03:27 PM | #8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Abroad
Posts: 829
|
I would not try anything DIY in trying to break the spingbar (although id give the dental floss trick mentioned above a go).
I bought a retro Casio they released in stainless steel (rather than the usual plastic case), I was messing about and changed the bracelet on it from another ($15) Casio with lug holes, used the wrong spring bars and genuinely couldn't break them for hours but was too stubborn to give up. The case was an absolute mess by the time I finished. I'd guess any Rolex spring bars are going to be significantly tougher than those on a 415 Casio. |
21 March 2023, 05:48 PM | #9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: N/A
Watch: N/A
Posts: 1,360
|
Dental floss.
|
21 March 2023, 10:48 PM | #10 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: US
Posts: 1,919
|
Quote:
|
|
21 March 2023, 10:56 PM | #11 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Real Name: Francisco
Location: San Juan, PR
Watch: Is Ticking !
Posts: 24,602
|
Would try this firsr Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________
Francisco ♛ 16610 / 116264 Ω 168.022 / 2535.80.00 / 2230.50.00 Zenith 02.470.405 Henry Archer Eclipse 2FA security enabled |
21 March 2023, 11:03 PM | #12 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 73,666
|
Quote:
|
|
22 March 2023, 04:01 AM | #13 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 787
|
You may think a little over the top, but I use shoulderless spring bars on my sd43 and wear on NATO a lot. So I have to cut the springbars off to remove them.
Yes they can be cut easily. No damage to watch at all. You just need the right type of wire cutters. |
22 March 2023, 04:11 AM | #14 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Russ
Location: Southern NJ
Posts: 5,760
|
Quote:
There is a rubber strap in place on the OP's watch.
__________________
Russ |
|
22 March 2023, 04:54 AM | #15 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: South Florida
Posts: 3,419
|
We need a picture to give any valuable advice
__________________
- Rolex Explorer - 214270 - Tudor Black Bay - 79230B - Tudor Chronograph - 79270P - Breitling Chronomat - 10th Anniv. - Huguenin Freres Speedmaster Prototype |
22 March 2023, 02:01 PM | #16 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 787
|
Oops. Sorry- did not know there was a rubber strap in place. I have used a method in this situation that works, although was on a Seiko. Swiss army style knife blade to work in between lug and rubber at about 45 degree angle and the knife gets just enough traction to be able to pop spring bar loose.
|
22 March 2023, 06:05 PM | #17 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 244
|
It reads like it's back on the bracelet, not on rubber. He'll only have the gap for the spring bar tool to work with.
|
22 March 2023, 06:26 PM | #18 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 787
|
I better just keep quiet! I’ve missed all the details on this one clearly. It sounds like this might require a good jeweler or RSC though.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.