Help Needed - BPFF Hex/Allen Screw Size for Strap

[rikhek]

Hoping someone can help me. I'm wanting to change the strap on my BPFF.

What size hex/allen is used to retain the strap bar? Many talk about using a T3 torx driver. Some say they have a combination of T3 and the occasional T4 torx screw.

Confusing part to me is they are not Torx head screws, they're hex/Allen head.

I want to get the right size hex/Allen but don't know what size they are?

Also, are people just not aware these are not Torx screws?

TIA

Rick

 

[DreadPirateRobert]

Lol. Theres only a slight difference between Hex and Torx. I think it depends on the maker for the most part, I had a bpff that had a faux torx screw head that wouldnt do anything. I had to pull the bracelet up and away from the band to expose the regular springbars that it used. I would just wear the watch to a hardware store if I were you, and try different sized bits on it to find the one you need.

 

[c888]

I used a t3/t4. I known it looks like hex, but standard hex sizes won't fit, but the torx will..

 

[rikhek]

Lol. Theres only a slight difference between Hex and Torx. I think it depends on the maker for the most part, I had a bpff that had a faux torx screw head that wouldnt do anything. I had to pull the bracelet up and away from the band to expose the regular springbars that it used. I would just wear the watch to a hardware store if I were you, and try different sized bits on it to find the one you need.

Appreciate the response. I'm not trying to belabor the point or be an ass but as an engineer I find this interesting. Not trying to offend but they really are not similar in design or appearance. This is what prompted my original post as many use the term interchangeably and I'm wanting to buy the correct tool for strap/band changes. The picture on the left is a torx and on the right an Allen head. The BPFF has Allen heads as shown in the picture, not torx.

In case anybody cares.....

Rick

 

[rikhek]

I used a t3/t4. I known it looks like hex, but standard hex sizes won't fit, but the torx will..

Great info and just what I needed to know. I was ignorant to the fact that the hex sizes are not ASME standard sizes. Now knowing the info you provided I will ensure I have both T3 and T4 torx drivers for use in my Allen head bolts.

Thanks!

Rick

 

[Alex_P1]

I cut a 1mm hex key in half and filed the flats down until I had 2 ends which were about 0.9mm, they fitted snugly and allowed me to torque the screws up perfectly. I set them with Loctite 222, so they won't come undone but can be removed if I want to change the strap.

It took about 20 minutes; much easier than going to the shops to track down potentially the wrong T size!

 

[alfawatch]

T3 is the perfect fit .... just buy 2 and you'll be fine ... did this on my gen as well ... instead of the ridiculous 500 USD tool Blancpain sells ....

 

[jrodtx99]

I dunno. maybe I got crappy T3's but I bought some off the Bay when I bought my watch over a year ago. I am just trying to change the strap for the first time and the T3's I bought do not work! I went by a local watchsmith who has a zillion tools, but not one to work on this emmereffers.

 

[evilpenguin]

Turns out I needed the T4 and it fit perfectly... It just sucks that you need 2 of them.

 

[Lagunax]

For my v2 BPFF it was a t4, the t3 was too small.
Luckily I bought a kit from Amazon that had several sizes.
Turns out though I only needed 1 t4, I could hold the bar while unscrewing, you could even gently use some pliers to hold it too if necessary.

 

[Carlytoss]

Hey guys,

I've got some precision's tools here for electronics and I can tell you that the exact size for the V2 Noob is Torx 3.5

 

[Aquanautilus]

So many different suggestions here...

• 0,9 hex allen
• T3
• T4
• T3.5

I ordered my FF (made by Noob) back in October 2016, which should be the newest/actual model.
I've already tried to source the right tools in some shops, but neither of them had a 0,9 hex allen to try.

Thanks for everyone who already tried and worked this through!
I guess I'll order a T3.5 now, as it would be a compromise between the other suggested sizes...hope it fits.

 

[Lagunax]

An Amazon kit of several sizes was the best part k and most economical for me, good luck!