How to remove and adjust a watch strap (Using a spring bar tool)

[@myema5694]

I passed the fiddley stage a long time ago, I'm putting a deployant clasp on a watch and the band attaches to a small hinged piece that shifts when I get the spring bar depressed near the tiny little hole. I actually got it in place once then realized I'd done it upside down so I had to take it off. I sure like the Precitool. Hope I can find one. My respect a admiration for jewelers has certainly shot up. Very nicely done video by the way.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks for the lovely comments. Dave

[@kurtstory9466]

I'm a bit of a watch collector myself, and that looks like a great spring bar tool--solid and made to last. I'd add that other good tool(s) for minor watch repair are those made to open the watch back for battery replacement; some backs snap in, others must be unscrewed with a special wrench. Here in the states, a lot of places replace watch batteries which really have no business doing it--they either use the wrong tool or they're careless and damage the watch back. A skilled jeweler is probably one of the best professionals to do minor watch alterations--because they have an eye for detail. I have all the tools so I'm the one my family goes to for watch repairs.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

great point, especially with expensive watches. it's easy to do a lot of expensive damage if you don't use the correct tools on them. Dave

[@RJSoftware2000]

The best tool to remove stubborn spring bars is an Exacto razor knife. Especially good for watches with no or little room to reach the spring bar. You stick the tip of exacto blade with non cutting side to watch body and make the blade follow the inside edge to the spring bar ridge. Push outward and give a small twist to blade so to contract the spring bar tip. Careful to work away from self to avoid getting cut.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

If I'm being honest...that's exactly what I do too. But the purpose of this video was to review the tool. Thanks for watching. Dave.

[@bwheat60]

Best vid I've seen on spring bar tools. Great detail. Thanks.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks. Glad you liked it. Dave.

[@pnojazz]

Thank you. I always wondered what jewelers used to change straps. It’s a fairly simple thing to do if you have the right tool!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Indeed, everything is simple when you have the right tool. Thanks for watching. Dave

[@TheDude4077]

Actual instructions start at 3:08

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Indeed. But note the video is a review also, so its important to describe the item and show its features too. Thanks for watching. Dave

[@ToothPicksInMyEyes]

You're a star, many thanks.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Glad you gained something from it. Thanks for commenting. Dave.

[@L77MRT]

First class video excellent quality and informative, one of the best instructional videos I have watched on You Tube.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks for watching. Dave

[@greggroos2271]

Great vid. Best part : the illustrations in 3D cad! I know it's a lot of work, but would you consider doing a video on how to measure the spring bars and bezel lugs on the watch for replacement. I'm on number 3 try to get the right pins, and there are no accurate tutorials on what the measure. One youtube vid tells you to measure to the ends of the uncompressed spring bar, but I think it's better to measure the watch bezel lugs. Can't tell if spring bar lengths are based on uncompressed or compressed length (that would be a PAIN to measure!) Anyways, thx

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

As I understand it (not saying Im right here). The sizes of the spring bars refer to the overall length.The bar itself should be slightly longer than the lug width, in order to go into the little holes. So for example if you have 10mm between the lugs, a suitable bar may be 12 mm or so end to end. allowing 1mm to go into each hole. You also want a little tension in order to keep it there, so perhaps even a 13 or 14mm length would fit when compressed. Obviously when compresses it would need to be less than 10mm or you'd never get it in. just my own observations (I'm not a watch expert). When I've been to my friends shop, who does dozens a day, its usually down to a little trial end error, to get a snug fit. But thats easy when you have a huge stock of pins. I hope this helps. Dave

[@ansdguy1]

Thank you for this excllent instructional video. I feel much more comfortable with doing the job. Cheers, Mate.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Your welcome. thanks for watching. Dave.

[@bobsmith5129]

perfect for showing me how to use the tool and replace my watch straps. Thanks!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

You're welcome. Glad it helped. Dave

[@Ecstatic_Whirling_Dervish]

Helped me change the tiny strap on my Casio W-217H. Thank you!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Glad it helped! Dave

[@1969EType]

Mr. Wilson (or any other helpful person...), how do I know what size spring bar my watch needs? Is it the INTERIOR measurement between the lugs? I lost both spring bars so, I don't have them for referencing the new ones. I have the Precitec brand tool and lots of assorted spring bars...

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Measure the inside gap between the lugs. That is the size you need. say 20mm. if you "buy" a 20mm spring bar. It is actually a few mm longer to fit into the holes. Hope this helps. Dave

[@ads9973]

I can’t insert the spring bar tool in multi brand watches the size of tip is big so how to use that bro ? Any different in spring bar tool size ? Please let me know bro 🙏

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

They do come in different sizes. Obviously one tool cant cover every brand of watch. Dave

[@raymondfoo9045]

Hi, can we install spring bar on smart watch that fits standard quick release pin? Say it fits 22mm quick release watch strap as standard, then we use 22mm spring bar?

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

As long at the watch has pin holes, then a suitable size spring bar will work. Spring bars are usually referred to by the lug width they are designed to fit. But in reality the bar will be longer to allow for it to expand into the holes. So for a 22mm gap, buy "22mm" bars, But in reality they will be a couple of mm longer . Hope this helps. Dave

[@jayroland9481]

This is more of a plug for the tool itself than it is a guide to removing spring bars. It took over one half of the video before showing how to actually remove a spring bar.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Yes, it's a review of the tool. Showing it in use is to show you what it does and how it helps. That said, note that I don't sell the tool, or get commision from anyone who does. The idea is to show what it does and comments on its effectiveness, to allow other to make a more informed decision. Dave

[@pijnto]

Great tool if the spring bar has grooves a large number do not, I normaly use a pin punch

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks for the comment. Yes these tools work best with the little grooves on the spring bar. although I have used this very one with some single sided spring bars, that don't have groves at all. All a matter of personal taste, but this little tool is quite useful.

[@ksjdhg]

Great video, nice illustration and macro shots. Very slick. Thanks for the info, I actually made one of these tools today in the shop, out of an old dental tool. :)

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

+ksjdhg ....If you have the skills, The best tools are often those which you create yourself. ; ) thanks for watching. Dave.

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

Great photography technique and diagrams

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Many thanks! Dave

[@jimwiskus8862]

Hi Dave, great video. Does this particular tool cover most all watch bands? Any thoughts on the Bergeon tool? I know it has loose pieces but thought I would check I. Case there’s something new out there. Thank you sir!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

The spring bar tool will help with the majority of straps. Not too sure what you are asking about the Bergeon. Dave

[@jimwiskus8862]

Thanks Dave, sorry I didn’t word that very well. I was curious if you had ever used the Bergeon tool. I assume the Precitec might be your favorite over the Bergeon?

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Presitec appear to be very similar to Bergeon but a little cheaper. Bergeon tools are great quality but tend to be expensive. Dave

[@markmckinsey6723]

Thank you, Dave. Very helpful.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Youre welcome. Thanks for watching. Dave

[@mindbodyandsoul81]

What if one corner of strap is flush against the lug can you almost get the tool in the groove everytime?

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

I cant comment of every watch and strap. But hopefully you can understand how the tool works. Dave

[@charliesimmons9320]

Anyone of fixing one of those little springs? I was adjusting mine and accidentally broke the spring, one side is stuck in now.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Just replace it, only a few cents. Dave

[@HawkProDetailing]

Excellent explanation, thank you

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

You are welcome! Dave

[@cubiq1]

Thanks for the extremely detailed video!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Glad you got something from it. Dave.

[@perfect7liberty]

I live in the US. Where can I buy this brand "Precitec"? Can't find it online...

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

+perfect7liberty Precitec are Swiss made watch tools, by "Horotec", who also produce Horoswiss and precitec brands. Dave. Horotec SA Av. Léopold-Robert 105b, Case postale 1023 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds Switzerland Tel. [phone] Fax [phone] [e-mail] www.horotec.ch

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

+Celtic Dreams You will find the exact spring bar tool (Precitec) in the Horotec on line catalogue.... Dave. www.horotec.ch/_files/HOROTEC_2013-14_CD_ANG.pdf

[@makaveli2tt]

Very good presentation. Thanks for sharing

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks for watching. Dave

[@Shannon3k]

Excellent. Clear and concise.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks. Dave

[@youtubister]

Maplin in the UK sell it, but do read the user's comment: www.maplin.co.uk/p/rolson-spring-hook-remover-for-watch-straps-n32gc The "screwdriver" end on mine started to wobble after a few times use. P. S. Possibly, the version sold by Maplin is a cheap Chinese import.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

+youtubister ..indeed there are a lot of cheap ones that look similar, but don't quite perform the same. This particular one as sold by Eternal tools is Swiss Made and decent quality without the name brand price tag. Dave.

[@youtubister]

+Celtic Dreams Yes, buyer beware. Same old story. Thanks for the heads-up re Eternal Tools.

[@scottleibs8061]

Thanks for a very useful video with amazing production values!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Scott Leibs Thank you. My videos do take a lot of work, but they do seem to be well appreciated. Thanks for the comments, they are appreciated too. Dave.

[@patnathan7963]

Very good video. Thanks for posting.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

+Pat Nathan . Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment. Dave.

[@nodarowaz2]

just fixed my watch..thanx bunch

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

no worries. thanks for watching. Dave

[@citizen8650]

My days of using a blunt penknife are now over, I bought the correct tool and now know how to use it, one thing before attempting to use it on expensive watches practice on an old junk watch. cheers "H"

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks for that. A little knowledge goes along way. Dave

[@violinmke]

Thanks. I had bought a kit that had nosheet.to.tell me what the hell they were. I reattached a vintage watch strap just now without having to go back to the jeweler.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Probably paid for itself, in one go. Thanks for watching. Dave

[@alanh4471]

Nice clear video. Thanks.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks for watching. Dave

[@qwevor]

Excellent vid with great commentaries for beginners! However, can you tell me how to keep/store it without scratching other things? I travel alot :/

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Small piece of rubber tube (or drinking straw) over the ends. Used to do the same with paint brushes when i was at Art College. Dave

[@deviceology9251]

v informative , have ordered one thanks

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks for watching.Dave

[@Marcat58]

Thank you SO much! You're brilliant! :)

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks you mary. Glad you found it useful. Dave See also new version here.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJrXgYZvgLGZobM

[@TravelOutlook]

Thank you for this!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks for watching. Dave

[@gianilevina1053]

Oh god, I was doing the opposite way but it's working tho

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Hey, Whatever works for you. Dave.

[@melodychest9020]

Magic explained!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks for watching. Dave

[@wallys123]

Thanks Dave

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

You're Welcome. Dave

[@thehandseesall]

Anthony Hopkins is well into watches!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

I seem to be getting that a lot. Thanks for watching. Dave

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

Great video. Thanks

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks for watching. Dave

[@Ooqi]

Thank you

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

You're welcome. Dave

[@johnp6142]

Spring BUH

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Ha. Yes indeed, forgive my Northern English accent. Thanks for watching. Dave

[@johnp6142]

@@CelticDreamsCoUk It's alright, I'm a geordie so I know all too well about accent 'barriers' haha

[@DzulfikarAdiPutra89]

great details (y)

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

(y) ...i guess thats a thumbs up. Thanks. Dave.

[@orenda3696]

Thanks!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Youre welcome. Dave

[@zakwasny]

Can’t pass by and don’t comment that ruler is not in millimeters but in centimeters.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

...And the little bits in between the centimetres are millimetres. Here in the UK we use metric so we understand this. Dave

[@AmericanPaisa99]

Got the same spring bar tool but the Made in China version. The tip broke on the first use. 😂 $4 You get what you pay for.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Indeed. Thanks for watching. Dave

[@alltheway99]

... The nails.... 🙄

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

They're clean.? Thanks for watching. Dave

[@inkusaido]

springburrr

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks. Dave

[@davzer3773]

This tool is cheap rubbish, the tips are brittle and break off. Far better with a Swiss bergeon

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Mine never broken and I've so far not hear of anyone else. I guess it depends what you are doing with it. The tips should not break off simply by inserting a spring bar. But thanks for sharing your opinion. Dave