slotted spring bars in place of lug screws

[mborkow]

I notice that Micah has interesting springs bars intended to replace lug screws. I am thinking of picking these up for my 372 to make strap changes easier and reduce the chance of messing up the lugs with an errant slip of a screw driver. Anyone using these now?

[herbalt]

Yup, I got a few pairs from Panatime and they work great. Looks just like screw bars and you don't need to use tubes in yours straps. Really quick to change straps.

[ROLEXELOR]

Sounds nice.

Could you please put some photos and show me how it works?

Thanks

[mborkow]

http://www.vintagerstraps.com/zspr/spr.html

[kilyung]

Some argue they're not good for the threads. Personally I like the screws.

[Perilo]

I have 4 sets of these spring bars from Micah and they are so convenient as I love to change straps (sometimes twice in one day)...although I have to say that I have not tried the OEM screws in a year or so and really should test to see if it has caused any damage to the threads. Now all I need to do is remember where I put them damn screws!!

[herbalt]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Some argue they're not good for the threads. Personally I like the screws.

The pin part that goes into the threaded lug is a smaller diameter than a threaded screw. If anything, I would think these spring bar "screws" would prolong the threads. The screw head part is faux... so when the strap is installed you can't even tell it's not an actual lug screw. It's not authentic, but it's even easier than the quick-release system on modern PAMs.

[kilyung]

I'm not saying I agree or disagree either way. The faux slotted side has no threads so that's a non-issue. The argument is that the springbar moves around inside the threaded side where detritus can get in. When combining the dirt and movement of the bar end on top of the threads, you gradually begin to wear the threads. Realistically it probably takes years of regular friction/dirt to achieve any kind of wear.

I like the screws over spring bars because it's the next best thing to permanent bars. Very strong and rigid with no worries about springbar failures. The bad obviously being stripped threads.

[mfer]

I think spring bars have a greater chances for scratching the case IMHO. On luminors the screws are soooo easy. I've never once scratched my case. Now, springbars....yeah I've scratched my case (non Panerai).

Completely agree with Mike. Metal on metal rubbing with dirt....no good.

[herbalt]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I'm not saying I agree or disagree either way. The faux slotted side has no threads so that's a non-issue. The argument is that the springbar moves around inside the threaded side where detritus can get in. When combining the dirt and movement of the bar end on top of the threads, you gradually begin to wear the threads. Realistically it probably takes years of regular friction/dirt to achieve any kind of wear.

I like the screws over spring bars because it's the next best thing to permanent bars. Very strong and rigid with no worries about springbar failures. The bad obviously being stripped threads.

Ok, I'll buy this. Damn, now makes me think I should go back to normal screws for a while. The spring bars are just so convenient though...

[mborkow]

Originally Posted by herbalt

Ok, I'll buy this. Damn, now makes me think I should go back to normal screws for a while. The spring bars are just so convenient though...

How long have you been using the spring bars? When you reinstall your screw bars can you detect any difference?

[broker]

I would just use the spring bars (Micah's are great) if the threads were already damaged, not allowing the screws t be used.
I think the screws are easier to use.

[ROLEXELOR]

Originally Posted by ROLEXELOR

Sounds nice.

Could you please put some photos and show me how it works?

Thanks

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=h5umzzmz1uE

[PanosI]

Guys now with the 005 in the house, i am thinking more than ever the slotted spring bars.
The screws in the 005 and 372 make the strap changes no fun at all, especially for someone like me who really hates scratches
That was a totally different story with the 312 and the easy change system.
On the other hand i fear what will happen in the lug that there are the threads as Mike described above in his posts.
So what you guys advise me to do?
To stay with the screws and miss all the fun of strap changing or to go ahead with the slotted spring bars which make the changes a piece of cake with a future possible damage on the threads

[jimmytim]

Originally Posted by PanosI

To stay with the screws and miss all the fun of strap changing...

stay with screws
if you scratch the case, a quick polish can fix
if you grind the thread, a new case is required or stuck to springbar forever