How to remove a rep Rolex strap - ie remove spring bars

[cw71]

Hi,

I dont really want flamed here, but I am hoping someone can help me.

I needed to remove a bracelet from a rep Rolex Day Date II. I used what I think were the spring bar removal tools from the tool set I bought from watchbitz, to push the spring bars in, to try and remove the strap.

All I have now, is chewed up tools and the bracelet still on the watch.

I would appreciate if someone could explain how to do it, albeit that boat may have now sailed for me, as after 5 minutes of trying my tools are now useless chewed up pieces of junk.

I did try an extensive google search, including of this site before trying without any guidance, but I couldn't find anything helpful.

 

[Rick914]

If you scroll down in this thread a little youll find a little blurb about how to remove the bracelet with 2 different tools mate.
Hope this helps
Rick
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/maintaining-rollex-cases-82116

 

[trailboss99]

Ah, which tool did you use mate?

This is the spring bar tool:

You said "tools". plural. Did you perchance use a pair of knurled steel rods with a spoon shape on the end? They are hand removers . . .

 

[cw71]

Thanks Rick, that's pretty much what I tried to do, albeit unsuccessfully. I must have used too much pressure, and couldn't have been pushing in the exactly correct direction.

Maybe the tools are designed to mangle before you mangle your watch if you are doing it wrong!

I think I may be more cut out to enjoy wearing the watches, rather than trying to do any work on them!

Albeit, as a beginner, you can only really learn by experience. The first time I tried to change the strap on a rep Pam the screwdriver slipped and put a scratch on the watch. Now I find that easy to do, and havn't come close to the screwdriver slipping again.

Maybe the moral of the story is use cheap crappy reps to practice on.

I have calmed down now, so dont mind a bit of flaming, but I was a bit hot under the collar when my tools were chewed up, and the bracelet was still on the watch!

Hi Trailboss,

That is what I used, but I used the small end, and I used two of them so I was pushing in both spring bars at the same time.

This is what I used, albeit they dont look quite the same after my attempt to use them!

 

[olworthers]

I always release one side of the springbar at a time. So when the tool has pushed the end of the springbar out of the location hole in the watch case, I pull on the strap to make sure the springbar end is no longer in its location hole, just pressed against the inside face of the watch case lug. Then I move to the other end of the springbar and repeat the process. Now the whole thing should release, just be careful you might end up with the springbar flying across the room.

I thought this was the standard approach - does everyone else do it this way..?

Trying to do both ends at the same time is where you might be having trouble, as the strength of the spring is probably too difficult to compress by that much in one go, hence the damaged tools.

Does that all makes sense?


-OW

 

[cw71]

thanks everyone.

I better order some more tools and try again!

 

[trailboss99]

Hold the case of the watch between your palm and fingers, place your thumb on the bracelet so you can exert some sideways pressure and push on the ridge of the springbar closest to your palm while pushing the bracelet away. The SEL (solid end link) should move slightly when the bar comes out. The trick then is to keep that side from slipping back in while releasing the other end the same way. It just takes a bit of practice. I don't know why they stopped using thru the lug holes TBH, they make life a lot easier. If you reverse the tip on that tool you will find the blunt end to use on that type of watch. The big fork end is for strap watches. Simply insert between strap and lug and pull towards strap while pushing down.

You got two SB tools in the kit? There should have been only one, bonus! You can buy new tips BTW and they come in an envelope so postage is cheap, buy a couple.

 

[KBH]

Some spring bar tools are too large to fit in the slit on a Rolex bracelet. I find a small screwdriver often works better on SEL Rollies. Just don't use a good screwdriver that you plan on using again for movement repair.

And, as olworthers said, release one end at a time while keeping a little pressure on the bracelet so it doesn't just slip back in the hole. You'll notice the springbars normally have a small shoulder on the pin that allows you to grab it and push it in.

Then go after the other side and it should pop right out. Keep in mind that spring bars WILL disappear if you're not careful.

I see TB beat me to it. Good info there.

 

[phillycheez]

Lug holes FTW!

And I agree... Small screwdriver works fine. Like eye glass screw driver small.

 

[trailboss99]

Some spring bar tools are too large to fit in the slit on a Rolex bracelet.

True but not these, I use one every day.

 

[KBH]

I don't have a set of yours so I can't really compare them, but what I do like about using a small screwdriver is that the tip ends are much sharper so they grab the shoulder better, and they are a little tougher to bend since they are usually forged tips.

 

[cw71]

You got two SB tools in the kit? There should have been only one, bonus! You can buy new tips BTW and they come in an envelope so postage is cheap, buy a couple.

Thanks, I'll do that.

Yes there was one attached to the large tool with the bigger tool at the other end, and there was a really small loose one in the tool holder as well.

I better order quite a few in case I keep destroying them until I get the hang of it.

 

[d4m.test]

..."use the blunt end for Rolex?" If you reverse the tip on that tool you will find the blunt end to use on that type of watch. The big fork end is for strap watches.

Gee, I didn't know that (tried to use the forked end on bracelets. I learn something new everytime I'm here. Thanks, 'Boss!

dave