[skidmark]

Hello all -

I recently purchased a watch from a fellow WUS member. Due to a family situation, he didn't have time to remove his strap before he shipped the watch. I'd like to return his strap since it wasn't part of our deal.

The trouble is, is was installed using tubes over the springbars. The lugs aren't drilled through. I've already marred the lugs by trying to cut the tubes with diagonal (side) cutters.

So, short of cutting the strap itself, any ideas on how to get this thing off?


TIA!

 

[SHANE 1000]

Pull the leather to one side and carefully get your Dremmel into action.

 

[David Woo]

So, short of cutting the strap itself, any ideas on how to get this thing off?

Brute strength required: get a pair of pliers with large jaws, clamp down directly over the bar and hold tight to the watch and give it a good twist. This will bust out the spring bar/tube but then you can install a new spring bar.
It's an old watchmaker's trick.
DW

 

[skidmark]

My first thought was the pliers, but I was afraid that I'd gouge the lugs by dragging the tips of the springbar and tubes.

So, I got out the Dremel. I forget that I even own one, since the first thing I tend to reach for is the Sawzall. I was able to cut the first tube and bar off, but I overheated them and slightly scorched the corner of the strap. On the other side, I repeatedly fed the tool into the tube to allow the heat to dissipate a bit. I was distracted for just a moment as the tool cut through and managed to install a small nick in the case near the screw-in back.

So lessons learned (or re-remembered):

A) Go slow
B) Use light pressure and let the tool do the work
C) No good deed goes unpunished


Thanks to all for the advice!

 

[jaytaylor]

This sounds like a nightmare, it is better to ruin/destroy the strap than damage the watch head.

I wouldnt even try, just cut through the centre of the tubes and destroy the strap, after all it is easy to replace.

It is just daft to install a springbar inside of tubes unless the tubes are slightly shorter, say 20mm for 22mm lugs or the lugs are drilled through otherwise destroying the strap is the normal method for removing full length spring bars or this tube scenario.

Best to use fat spring bars if the intention is to safely remove the strap at some point.

 

[link2derek]

Perhaps that's why your seller left the strap on to begin with.

 

[skidmark]

Perhaps that's why your seller left the strap on to begin with.

Could be, could be ...

Being my first purchase from a WUS member, it was my noble idea to try to return the strap to him - see Item "C", above. ;-)

 

[link2derek]

Could be, could be ...

Being my first purchase from a WUS member, it was my noble idea to try to return the strap to him - see Item "C", above. ;-)

You and I think alike, my friend. Looking forward to seeing you on the fora. . . .