Spring Bars for Bracelet?

[mpg54]

Is it possible to get Spring Bars that are NOT as thick as a Tube for a Panerai Steel Bracelet? I recently removed the screws and had a Bear of a time getting them out. Only removed one on my own had to bring it to a Watchsmith to get the 2nd one out. After this experience I hate to put screws back in and was hoping I could find Spring Bars that would fit a Steel Bracelet. I have a set of Spring Bars for my Leather strap, but they are too thick for the Bracelet due to the fact they are Tube sized.
Does anyone have a recommendation? Please let me know, any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

Here's a picture of the watch.

 

[mpg54]

Since I haven't seen a reply I'm assuming Screws are the only way to go. What a bummer that is...

 

[Anopsis]

I don't have the answer for you, but be aware that Saturdays and Sundays are pretty slow in the ol' RWI neighborhood. No replies doesn't mean no one has an answer (yet). Good luck!

 

[Klockis]

Maybe a stupid question but..
Would not a thin tube make the springbar fall out of the luggs sine there is nothing holding it between the luggs?
Does that makes sence?

Sorry I have not seen a springbar that You are looking for.

 

[mpg54]

Didn't think about that, but maybe that's a good reason I can't find one. Still its a shame that Screws are the only option for a Steel Bracelet.
Thanks

 

[OiRogers]

Is there enough material to mod the end links?
I have an old Ti/SS bracelet that I was able to drill out the end links enough for the spring bars to fit... If I use screws, I just have to use tubes as well to get the solid fit.

 

[polaris]

EDIT: I understand now. hmm Not sure OP.
If the threads are stripped or almost stripped, maybe only option is to retap and get fresh screw bars

---
Hmm.
Doesn't the bracelet PAMs use the same screws as regular auto PAMs?
Ie 104 vs 220.
Shouldn't the regular spring bars from Panatime fit?

 

[OiRogers]

The reason the sprung bars don't fit most if the bracelets is that the spring bars tend to have the same outside diameter as the screw+tube... The bracelets don't need tubes and as such are only (often) drilled to fit the thinner screw.

I think I have an unmodded steel bracelet in my parts bin, if I do locate it, I'll drill it out to fit spring bars and see what size bit I needed to use. I seem to recall the Ti bracelet I modded wasn't easy as drilling through Ti is tough.

 

[estebanelequente]

Did anyone ever figure out the size bit or if you can drill out the ss bracelet for a spring bar. I have this same issue.